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The Master of Divinity Degree is the foundational and integrative degree of the Theology Division’s four-fold program of formation and is designed for seminarians who are in formation toward ordained ministry. The Master of Divinity Degree Program has as its focus the implementation in pastoral practice of the knowledge received in the various courses in the Theology Division and provides explicit preparation for pastoral ministry.

Master of Divinity Degree:

The Master of Divinity Degree will be granted to seminarians who fulfill the following requirements:
Successful completion of the entire core curriculum (ninety-four semester credit hours) prescribed for the first six semesters of theological study.

1. Successful completion of three elective courses (nine semester credit hours), one of which must be in Pastoral Theology (i.e., three semester credit hours).
2. Satisfactory completion of the Pastoral Formation requirements (such as field education assignments, associated reflection papers and reports, etc.). These requirements are defined by the Pastoral Formation Department.
3. Attainment of a final grade of at least “C” (2.00) in the competency examinations required for the degree.
4. Attainment of a “C” (2.00) cumulative grade point average upon completion of course work required for the degree.

Master of Arts Degree Prerequisites

The purpose of the Master of Arts (Theology) Degree Program is to provide the opportunity for further research into historical and speculative aspects of the foundational theological study afforded seminarians by the Theology Division’s Program of Intellectual Formation through the Master of Divinity Degree. The Master of Arts Degree Program builds on the Master of Divinity Degree Program, the successful completion of which at an enhanced level of proficiency (3.00 cumulative grade point average) serves as its prerequisite. The Master of Arts Degree Program seeks to equip the seminarian with the breadth of background in the theological disciplines useful as a basis for further graduate study as well as to enhance the ordained priest’s general proficiency and aptitude in research and study at the graduate level.

Among the primary and specific goals of the Master of Arts (Theology) Degree Program are the following:

1. The enhancement of demonstrated intellectual skills and the broadening of general theological knowledge.
2. The provision of an opportunity for the successful degree candidate to demonstrate theological knowledge and capabilities which are comprehensive in scope and concentrated in depth.
3. The furtherance of the seminarian’s specific research in a field of concentration (e.g., Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Theology).

Requisites

The Master of Arts Degree will be awarded to seminarians who meet and fulfill the following requirements:

1. Choose two of the three elective courses required for the Master of Divinity Degree from a specific area of concentration (i.e., Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Theology) and satisfactorily complete the regular course requirements.
2. Successfully complete a formal research paper in the same area of concentration. The topic of this research project may be generated from content of an individual core course or an elective in the area of concentration or may be drawn from a key topic in the area of concentration that is of particular interest to the student.
   point average in core and elective courses in the area of concentration chosen for the Master of Arts Degree.
3. Successfully complete two additional semesters of theological study while maintaining an overall 3.00 cumulative grade point average as well as a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in the area of concentration.
4. Attain a final grade of at least “B” in comprehensive examinations in the area of concentration.