Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.)

Program Requirements

Students are generally free to choose courses within the required areas of study, but some concentrations require specific courses. Generally, if students have not had recent courses in Old Testament, New Testament, Moral Studies, and Liturgical Studies, the graduate courses should be introductions to these fields. The programs outlined below represent the minimum requirements. Students may use some of their electives for additional courses in their area of concentration or other areas of interest.

Degree Requirements

Core Requirements A certain number of courses in Scripture and Theology are required, but the student has a wide discretion in the choice of particular courses within each area. The areas and their corresponding courses are as follows:
1. Scripture – Two courses (one Old Testament and one New Testament).
2. Systematics - Two courses
3. Sacraments/Liturgy – One course
4. Moral – One course
Concentration Requirements These courses are specific to each concentration and are explained below.
Elective Courses In addition to the Core Requirements and the courses in each concentration, the student may choose from a number of elective courses.
Every course offered in the program can also serve as an elective. Beyond that, other courses are offered according to need, interest, and availability of faculty. These have been drawn up to allow students to personalize and construct their own curriculum, and thus satisfy their own needs and those of their ministry.

Programs of Study

Religious Education Concentration

This concentration is designed to prepare students for teaching religion at the elementary and secondary school level, for those involved in adult education, and for coordinators or directors of religious education.

Twelve courses (thirty-six credits) are required for this concentration following the 6/3/3 formula: six core courses, three specialized courses in Religious Education, and three electives. Some of these concentration courses may be taken from the Education Department at Saint Michael’s College.

Pastoral Ministry and Spirituality Concentration

This concentration is designed particularly for those in lay ecclesial ministry in parishes, campus ministry, youth ministry, or various forms of pastoral care.

Twelve courses (thirty-six credits) are required for this concentration following the 6/3/3 formula: six core courses, three concentration courses and three electives. With approval, some courses may be taken in the Clinical Psychology Department at Saint Michael’s College.

Scripture Concentration

This concentration is fitting for those students who wish to deepen their background in Biblical Studies, for those who teach Scripture, and for those who wish to explore the biblical foundations of spirituality.

Twelve courses (thirty-six credits) are required for this concentration following a 6/4/2 formula: six core courses, four concentration courses, and two electives as concentration requirements. The student must take two special courses in the Old Testament and two special courses in the New Testament.

Systematics Concentration

This concentration is designed for high school religion teachers, for those involved in adult education, the training of teachers, the design of programs, and for those contemplating doctoral studies.

Twelve courses (thirty-six credits) are required for this concentration following a 6/4/2 formula: six core courses, four concentration courses, and two electives. Concentration courses can come from scripture or doctrinal studies.

Clinical Pastoral Education

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is offered each summer in cooperation with the Fletcher Allen Health Care (FAHC) in Burlington. Further information on the FAHC program and the application of credit towards the degree for other approved CPE programs is available on request.

Thesis Option

A student may opt for a Thesis instead of two courses (six credits). A student may wish to write a thesis for the discipline this provides, to learn about research procedures, or to prepare for doctoral work. More detailed instructions are available on request.

Candidacy

After admission to the Graduate Theology program, but prior to the completion of twelve credits, students must complete the candidacy requirements and apply for candidacy.