Master's Degree in Theology / Religious Studies
Objective:
The master of arts program in theology is designed to provide rigorous, advanced study of theological topics, both historical and contemporary in nature. The program creates the context for serious discussion and study of these topics by both faculty and students. The University seeks to provide other resources which will encourage advanced theological study.
Admission:
The most important requirement for applicants is a solid preparation in the humanities. Such a background would almost certainly be assured with at least 9 credits in philosophy and 15 credits in theology. Ordinarily, an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 (4.00 scale) is required. Test scores are not uniformly required, but may be requested in certain cases. Students who lack the necessary undergraduate preparation may be provisionally accepted with the requirement that certain undergraduate courses by taken. Normal Graduate School procedures for the admissions process and admissions classifications are used for this program.
Submit:
- Completed application form, $50 fee
- 3 letters of recommendation
- official transcripts
International Students also submit:
- TOEFL score of at least 550
- Certification of Finances
All application materials should be submitted at least one month prior to the term in which one expects to begin graduate study.
The master's program in theology may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis. Students are accepted to begin course work for the Fall and Spring semesters only and must be accepted by the Graduate School prior to starting courses. Courses are offered from 4:30 p.m. - 7:10 p.m. and from 7:20 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For Fall and Spring semesters, each course meets one night per week.
Program:
The program requires completion of 30 graduate credits of which 15 credits are core requirements and 15 credits are electives . Students may pursue a specialty in either Eastern Christian Studies or Biblical Studies by taking 15 credits of electives in either area of concentration. Students choosing not to specialize may tailor elective courses to their own interests.
Required Core Courses:
- Old Testament Exegesis (3 credits)
New Testament Exegesis (3 credits)
Readings in Moral Theology (3 credits)
Systematic Theology (3 credits)
Historical Theology (3 credits)
Thesis Option:
Students may complete 30 credits of course work and pass a comprehensive exam. Or they may complete 24 credits of course work and devote 6 credits to a thesis.
Languages:
All students will be encouraged to develop some familiarity with a modern language. Those specializing in biblical studies will be encouraged to do work in Greek and/or Hebrew, while those going on for doctoral work will be strongly encouraged to pursue a modern language and a classical language or languages.
Tuition:
The rate of tuition for the master's degree program in Theology will be set at one-half of the regular graduate tuition. No other discounts will apply.
Graduate Assistantships:
A limited number of graduate assistantships are awarded to full-time students in The Graduate School each year. Graduate assistantships provide for tuition waiver and a stipend ranging from $6,150 to $8,200. Applications for graduate assistantships are available by calling the Graduate Office and must be submitted by March 1.
Courses:
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Two courses will be offered per semester during the first three years of the program. An additional course in the form of a "reader" would be available upon approval of the student's mentor.
- - Old Testament Exegesis
- Readings in Moral Theology
- The Trinity in Eastern Tradition
- Narrative Theology
- Sacraments of Initiation
- Great American Catholic Thinkers
- New Testament Exegesis
- Catholic Social Thought
- Central Issues in Philosophy of Religion
- Contemporary Liturgical and Sacramental Development
- The Church from Medieval to Modern Times
- Theology of The Byzantine Churches
- Eastern Liturgical Music
- Byzantine Civilization
Request Information:Assoc. Prof. Michael G. Azar, Ph.D., Director 1-800-366-4723 or 570-941-4418 Fax: 570-941-4309 |
