Master of Arts Program

The Master of Arts program is open to diocesan, religious, and lay students. It is a two-year program leading to a Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, or Monastic Studies. Students are equipped with the tools for critical thinking and research on a graduate level and have the flexibility of working out a plan of study best suited to their backgrounds, interests, and anticipated needs. Each candidate must choose an academic advisor in the area of concentration.
“The purpose of these degree programs (such as Master of Arts) is to provide a basic understanding of theological discipline for further graduate study and for general educational purposes” (The Association of Theological Schools, Bulletin 46, Part 1, 2005, p. 209).

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements are as follows:
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and indication of aptitude for advanced study;
• 18 credits in philosophy and undergraduate theology with no less than six credits in each area;
• For a concentration in Sacred Scripture, an introductory course in Sacred Scripture is required;
• For a concentration in Sacred Scripture, intermediate level working knowledge of Biblical Hebrew or Greek; for a concentration in Systematic Theology or Monastic Studies, intermediate level working knowledge of Biblical Greek or Latin is preferable, although French or German may be substituted. The Seminary may elect to administer language exams to determine sufficient language ability;
• The score of a recent Graduate Record Examination, if requested;
• Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be from people who know the academic ability of the applicant;
• A personal interview with the Academic Dean.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements are as follows:
• A one credit course in research methodology;
• 42 credits as specified:
• 21 credits in the area of concentration (including two M.A. seminars);
• 6 credits in systematic theology (if the area of concentration is not systematic theology);
• 3 credit course in Christology;
• 3 credit course in Synoptic Gospels;
• 3 credit M.A. seminar (either in the area of concentration or in another area);
• 6 elective credits (or 12 if the area of concentration is systematic theology);
• A grade point average of 3.0 and a B grade in each course and seminar in the area of concentration;
• Successful completion of the comprehensive written and oral examinations on all course material and on the reading list given to the student at the time of acceptance into the M.A. program.
Students may request or be invited to write a thesis. The M.A. Committee must approve the thesis project. Students who successfully complete the thesis are granted 6 credits which may be counted as part of the 42 required credits. Three of the thesis credits may substitute for one of the required M.A. seminars.
A normal load for M.A. candidates is 9 credits per semester. The Seminary can accept a maximum of 12 transfer credits in theological and scriptural studies from other graduate schools. A candidate must complete all degree requirements within 10 years after acceptance into the M.A. program.