Purpose

This program leads to an academic degree that provides students with a course of study that offers a thorough and well-rounded introduction to the Catholic theological tradition along with concentrated coursework and research in a specific theological discipline. The accent on specialization with research makes this degree especially appropriate for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies in theology for theological research and teaching.

Curriculum Requirement (effective beginning Fall 2010)

The curriculum consists of 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours in elective courses of which 9 credits must be in a selected area of concentration. Credits associated with practicum courses and supervised ministries cannot be applied to this degree.

Ecclesiastical History
EH531 or   EH532	Ancient and Medieval History (3) or   Reformation and Modern Church History (3)
Sacred Scripture
SS517	Pentateuch and Historical Books (3)
SS520	Critical Study of the New Testament (3)
Systematic Theology
SY512 or   SY511 or   SY611	Christian Anthropology (3) or Foundations of Theology (3) or Christology (3) (two of the above three courses)
SY651	Theology of the Church (3)
Moral Theology
MO541	The Christian Moral Life (3)
Word and Worship
WW655	Eucharist (3)
Electives
	Three (3) courses in area of concentration (9)
	One unrestricted elective course (3)

Total: 36 Credits

Concentration Requirements

Students must select a concentration in the area of Canon Law, Ecclesiastical History, Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture, Spirituality Studies, Systematic Theology or Word and Worship. Students must consult with their academic advisor to select the area of concentration as soon as possible and no later than the completion of 12 credit hours of study. The initial selection, and any change, must be approved by the appropriate Department Chair. Students must take three courses in the area selected and comply with other specific requirements, as follows:

• Moral Theology/Systematics. Courses in Moral Theology (MO) cannot be used as electives for a Systematic Theology (SY) concentration and conversely Systematic Theology courses cannot be used for a Moral Theology concentration without Department approval.
• Word and Worship requires WW654 (Baptism and Confirmation as one of the three (3) concentration courses. 

Foreign Language Requirement

Students concentrating in Sacred Scripture must take a one-semester course in either Greek or Hebrew before taking the departmental examination. Students concentrating in another theological field may be required to pass a foreign language examination, if the topic of the student's thesis or research papers necessitate research in a foreign language.

Thesis/Research Paper Requirement

Students must prepare either a thesis or two substantive research papers; either approach must approximate at least 50 pages. Students must obtain proper approvals of the topic, the outline and the final version of the thesis or research papers.

Comprehensive Evaluation Requirement

Students must successfully pass a two-part comprehensive theological evaluation process: a general comprehensive examination and a departmental comprehensive examination in their selected area of concentration.