The M.A. in Theology was introduced in 1993 to serve lay persons better with a two-year program of theology in the Thomistic tradition, so that they can pursue further theological studies or faithfully serve the pastoral needs of the Church.   Degree Requirements   Admission Requirements are the same as for admission to the M.Div. program.   Course Work Duration - Normally the M.A. program will require a minimum of two full-time academic years or their equivalent. The program may be taken on a
part-time basis, but must be completed in no more than six years.  
The program requires 36 credits: 24 required: Pentateuch or Prophets (3); Synoptic Gospels (3); Principles of Christian Moral Life I, II (6); Church History (3); Nature and Method of Theology (3); Ecclesiology (3); Triune God or Christology (3) 12 electives: 12 hours must be spent in the student’s area of concentration. These concentrations may include systematic theology, moral theology, or historical theology   A thesis of approximately 50-70 pages, demonstrating the student's ability to identify and investigate a theological question, to carry out research appropriate to the topic, to organize and present this material in a critical and coherent manner. Three unbound copies of the dissertation must be presented to the dean by March 31st of the year in which the degree is to be conferred. The form to be used is that prescribed by Kate Turabian in A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations (University of Chicago Press).   A defense of the thesis. The director and two readers assigned by the Dean will examine the student on the thesis topic for no more than 1½ hours. The student must petition the Dean in writing for a defense no later than one month prior to the date of the defense.   Reading proficiency in a modern language. Preferably French or German, although exceptions may be made according to the students’ concentration. Foreign students whose native language is not English may fulfill this requirement by passing the TOEFL exam.