 | Institutional Information |
| |
| Policies |
| |
| Graduate Admission Information |
| |
 | Financial Aid Information |
| |
| |  |
| Academic Information |
| |
| College Services |
| |
| Important Phone Numbers |
| |
| Courses of Study |
| |
Graduate Catalog 2001-2003
Graduate Catalog 2004-2006 |
Master of Arts in Theology (MAT)
The Master of Arts in Theology (MAT) provides academic training in Christian thought by way of a thorough study of biblical, historical, systematic and spiritual theology. The program focuses on Christian classics, past and present. Attention is given not only to major texts of the Roman Catholic tradition, but also to representative Jewish, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant texts as well. Its concentration on spirituality offers an in-depth examination of the theory and practice of Christian spirituality, past and present.
Students choose to enter the MAT program for a variety of reasons. Some plan to pursue doctoral study but do not yet possess the expertise necessary to enter a doctoral program. Many desire a degree that will equip them for the many ministries that are emerging in today's church. Others already have professional competencies in a field other than theology and wish to acquire theological competence. The MAT program also accommodates individuals whose intention is to pursue a personal, avocational interest in theological studies.
COURSE LIST & DESCRIPTIONS
Please visit Master of Arts in Theology List
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The Master of Arts in Theology degree is conferred upon candidates who have met the following requirements:
- completion of required courses.
- attainment of a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- passing the written comprehensive examination.
Students working toward one of the certificates (pastoral ministry or spiritual direction) have the option of doing a practicum in lieu of the thesis.
YEARS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM
The degree program must be completed within seven years. The degree program follows the semester calendar and a specific summer schedule.
A minimum of two years is required to complete the program.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
CURRICULUM
Required courses:
THEO 610 Old Testament Texts: A Critical Study
THEO 620 New Testament Texts: A Critical Study
THEO 644 History of Spirituality I: Early Church to Reformation
THEO 654 History of Spirituality II: Reformation to Vatican II
Plus two of the following:
THEO 670 God and Christ
THEO 680 Church and Sacraments
THEO 690 Christian Ethics
After completion of course work:
THEO 696 Comprehensive Examination
Elective courses (eight credits):
THEO 602 Pastoral Theology
THEO 603 Educating for Life: Religious Education in Christian Communities
THEO 606 Issues in Pastoral Theology
THEO 609 Passing on the Faith: The Ministry of Faith Formation
THEO 630 Advanced Scripture
THEO 672 Spirituality and Leadership
THEO 674 Introduction to Spiritual Direction
THEO 675 Foundational Issues in Spiritual Direction
THEO 676 Family Spirituality
THEO 677 World Spiritualities
THEO 678 Spirituality and the Life Stages
THEO 679 Jung and Spiritual Guidance
THEO 681 Biblical Spirituality
THEO 682 The Art of Discernment
THEO 683 Spirituality and Sexuality
THEO 685 Liturgical Spirituality
THEO 695 Independent Study
Choose one of the options:
THEO 775 Practicum
THEO 776 Practicum/Internship (off-site)
OR
THEO 899 Masters Thesis
OR
one additional four-credit theology course
Comprehensive Examination
Upon completion of the required courses with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, the student is considered a candidate for the MAT degree. At this point, the candidate takes a written comprehensive exam (THEO 696) on the total program of studies. Registration for THEO 696 takes place at the time of registration for the term during which the student intends to schedule the exam. There is no fee for taking this exam. Comprehensive examinations are scheduled twice a year. The exam is divided into three parts. To pass the exam, all three parts must be passed. If a part is not passed, the student has one more chance to pass that part. The exam must be retaken within six weeks.
Practicum and Master's Thesis Options
OPTION #1: PRACTICUM
The practicum is basically an internship. It is meant to give the student the opportunity to put theory into practice and practice into theory. It supplements the academic study as an indispensable, though not dominant, part of the program. Two types of internship are possible:
Internship in spiritual direction. A minimum of 100-150 hours of supervised experience in spiritual direction is required. This experience could be gained through one of two kinds of affiliation; namely, with (1) an established program or center of spiritual direction, or (2) an individual or team of spiritual directors. Both the program and the individual practitioner must be approved by the MAT program practicum coordinator.
Practicum (internship) in pastoral ministry with a strong spirituality component. Such a practicum could be carried out within a position or training program in pastoral ministry. Both the program and the individual practitioner must be approved by the MAT program practicum coordinator.
Practicum (internship) in catechetical ministry. Such a practicum could be carried out within a position in catechetical ministry. Both the position and the individual practitioner must be approved by the MAT program practicum coordinator.
Registration: A student wishing to pursue the practicum option must arrange the internship and have it approved by the MAT program practicum coordinator before registering for THEO 775 or THEO 776. The student registers for the practicum in the semester agreed upon by the student and the MAT program practicum coordinator.
For additional information about the practicum option, see the MAT program director or call the MAT department at (651) 690-6017.
OPTION #2: MASTER'S THESIS
The thesis is an in-depth research paper on a selected topic in theology or spirituality. The paper is conceived and written with the guidance of a thesis director. Those intending to pursue a doctorate degree are encouraged to discuss this option with the M.A.T. program director.
Registration: A student wishing to pursue the master's thesis option registers for THEO 899 and follows the procedures outlined in the MAT Student Manual.
For additional information about the master's thesis option, see the MAT program director, or call the MAT department at (651) 690-6017.
OPTION #3: ADDITIONAL COURSE
This option is available to students who wish to strengthen their theological background by taking an additional four-credit course in the area that best serves their aims.
DUAL MSW/MA DEGREE PROGRAM
The Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Theology programs have developed a collaborative dual degree program in social work and theology. This program was developed to reinforce and support a professional perspective that serves the multiple and complex needs of clients. Dual degree applicants need to express their intention upon application and be accepted into both the graduate social work and graduate theology programs. Once accepted, students develop a plan for completing both degrees with the support of an advisor from each program. Upon completion, students will have two degrees.
OTHER PROGRAM OPTIONS
MAT students have the opportunity to acquire the College's graduate certification in pastoral ministry, spiritual direction or catechetical ministry. For the pastoral ministry certificate, academic requirements include a total of 20 theology credits and a four-credit practicum. The five required courses include one from each sequence: scriptural, historical, systematic theology, plus THEO 602 and 606. The practicum (THEO 776) requirements include a learning contract, field education internship, the ministry portfolio and the spiritual development component.
For the spiritual direction certificate, academic requirements include THEO 674, 675, 678, 679 and 682, three 4-credit courses -- one from each sequence: scriptural, historical, systematic theology -- and one other two-credit course of the student's choice. Students, including MAT students, must complete all of the required course work for the certificate including the two-credit elective. A supervised internship also is required: THEO 776.
For the catechetical ministry certificate, academic requirements include a total of 20 theology credits and a four-credit practicum. The five required courses include one from each sequence: scriptural, historical, systematic theology, plus THEO 603 and 609. The practicum (THEO 776) requirements include a learning contract, field education internship, the ministry portfolio, and the spiritual development component.
For additional information about the certificate programs, interested individuals should call the certificate program directors at (651) 690-6603, or the MAT department at (651) 690-6017. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office, (651) 690-6933, for a brochure and application forms.
FACULTY
Russell B. Connors Jr., Professor, Theology Department Chair. B.A., Borromeo College; M.Div., St. Mary's Seminary; S.T.L. & S.T.D., Pontifical Lateran University, Rome.
Chris Franke, Professor. B.A., M.A., Marquette University; Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley.
Shawn Madigan, CSJ, Professor. B.A., Fontbonne College; M.A., Ph.D., Catholic University of America.
William McDonough, Assistant Professor. B.A., St. John's University; M.A., St. Paul Seminary; S.T.L., S.T.D., Lateran University, Rome, Italy.
Catherine Michaud, CSJ, Associate Professor, MAT Program Director. B.A., Marymount College of Kansas; Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Direction, Gonzaga University; M.A., Gonzaga University; S.T.L., Regis College, Toronto, Ontario; Ph.D., Toronto School of Theology.
Edward C. Sellner, Professor. B.A., St. Francis College; M.A., Ph.D., University of Notre Dame.
Vincent Skemp, Associate Professor. B.A., St. John's University, Collegeville; M.A., Ph.D., Catholic University of America.
Josetta Marie Spencer, SSND, Pastoral Ministry Coordinator. B.A., College of Notre Dame; M.A., St. Louis University; M.A., The College of St. Catherine; D.Min., St. Paul Seminary, University of St. Thomas.
Kay VanderVort, Spiritual Direction Coordinator. B.A., M.A., The College of St. Catherine.
Thomas H. West, Professor. B.A., University of Minnesota; M.A., Marquette University; Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley.
This page was created on 06/30/2004 and last updated on 06/11/2008.
Comments, questions and feedback about this site may be addressed to .
|