Master of Arts [Thomistic Studies]

Degree Requirements

The M.A. [Thomistic Studies] is a degree program offered by the Thomistic Institute of the PFIC specializing in the study of the theological synthesis of St. Thomas Aquinas. Students receive an intensive formation in Aquinas’s texts and ideas. Classical Thomistic thinking is presented in the areas of both systematic and moral theology. Modern topics are also considered with a view to seeing the relevance of Thomistic studies for contemporary theological discourse. This 36-credit degree program is designed to be taken over four consecutive summers with the possibility of a fifth summer for thesis development and defense. The degree is intended to prepare students for advanced degrees in the area of Thomistic thought and theology.

Admission

The following prerequisites for admission will be evaluated by the Committee on Admissions which may, in individual cases, allow the student to remedy particular deficiencies during the first year of the program:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Superior achievement and the ability to pursue graduate work as indicated by the transcript of previous studies (with a minimum GPA of 3.00).
• Three letters of recommendation by persons who are in a position to judge the applicant’s ability in this academic area, along with a current photo and a completed application form.
• Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) indicating aptitude for graduate studies in theology if one has no previous graduate work. The PFIC is listed under Dominican House of Studies, code 2498.
• An undergraduate foundation in philosophy, consisting of a minimum of 18 credit hours drawn from the following areas: history of philosophy, logic, metaphysics, ethics, philosophical anthropology, natural philosophy, and philosophy of knowledge.
• A minimum of one Old Testament course and one New Testament course.
• A reading knowledge of Latin and a modern language.

Course Work

A minimum of 36 credit-hours of graduate coursework is required according to the following distribution:

Systematic Theology (20 credits)

• Triune God (4)
• Creation and the Human Person (4)
• Theology of Grace (4)
• Basic Elements of Christology (4)
• Eucharist & Ecclesiology (4)

Moral Theology (12 credits)

• Principles of Christian Moral Life I, II (8)
• Theological & Cardinal Virtues (4)

Thesis Direction (4 credits)

Language Requirements

Reading proficiency in Latin and a modern language (e.g. French, German or Spanish) may be demonstrated either by successfully completing two semesters of graduate coursework in the language or by passing a written proficiency examination, offered prior to the beginning of the summer session. Since both languages are considered prerequisites, these requirements must be satisfied within the first year of study.

Residency

Normally the M.A. [Thomistic Studies] requires a minimum of four summer sessions or their equivalent. A fifth summer may be added for thesis writing and defense. The program may be taken on a part-time basis, but must be completed in no more than six years.

Grade Point Average

The student must maintain a grade point average of 3.00 or above throughout the M.A. program.

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Model Curriculum

Year 1 (Summer)

• Triune God (4)
• Creation and the Human Person (4)

Year 2 (Summer)

• Principles of Christian Moral Life I (4)
• Basic Elements of Christology (4)

Year 3 (Summer)

• Principles of Christian Moral Life II (4)
• Theology of Grace (4)

Year 4 (Summer)

• Theological & Cardinal Virtues (4)
• Eucharist & Ecclesiology (4)
• Thesis Direction (4)

Additional Requirements

- Latin Reading Comprehension Test (1st Year of Matriculation)
- Modern Language Reading Comprehension Test (1st Year of Matriculation)
- Thesis and Thesis Defense (4th Year of Matriculation)