The Master of Divinity Degree

The Master of Divinity Degree is considered the foundational degree of the academic program in the Theology Division. The degree is designed for students who are in formation for ordained ministry thus the program is designed to provide explicit preparation for pastoral ministry. The course of study in this program focuses on the implementation in pastoral practice of knowledge received in the various courses in the Theology Division.

Requirements:

A. Successful completion of the first six semesters of the core curriculum (First to Third   Theology) (88 credits).

B. Successful completion of one elective course from the Pastoral Theology Department in the first six semesters. (3 credits)

C. Successful completion of the Master of Divinity Competency Exam thus a minimal score of “77” overall with at least a “70” in each of the four departmental examinations (Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Theology), for a complete description see below.

D. Attaining a 2.00 minimal cumulative grade point average.

All requirements for the Master of Divinity Degree, including the competency examinations, can ordinarily be fulfilled in three years of full-time study in the Theology Division.  The maximum time for fulfillment of all requirements is four years.  Transfer students must complete a minimum of four semesters of full-time study in the Theology Division and meet all other requirements in order to qualify for the Master of Divinity Degree.

Competency Examinations

The Theology Division maintains competency examinations as an essential component of the Master of Divinity Degree Program. Neither extra course work nor a written thesis are acceptable substitutes for these examinations.

Degree candidates are required to take both written and oral competency examinations in order to integrate their course work in four major theological disciplines, including: Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology and Pastoral Theology. 

Students are eligible to take the competency examinations only after the successful completion of at least five semesters of theological study in which a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 has been attained.

The Competency Exams certify that the candidate has a reasonable grasp and understanding of the basic tenets of Catholic Theology as befits an ordained minister of the Church and foster the candidate’s ability to integrate the content of the various courses in the Theology Division curriculum, with an eye to its use in pastoral settings.