Kenrick School of Theology offers the Master of Arts degree in theology (M.A.). The degree provides a graduate-level understanding of the theological disciplines for general educational purposes.
Master of Arts Degree Program Goals
The Kenrick M.A. Program is based in the intellectual formation component of the Ordination Program. The goals of the Master of Arts degree program are that the student acquire the following:
1) an ability to conduct and present theological research on an advanced academic level.
2) a competence for future teaching of theology or religion courses at the high school or college level.
3) a competence for the possible pursuit of post-graduate academic study in one of the theological disciplines.
The goals of the Master of Arts Degree Program also conform to the standards of Accreditation of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, which describe Master of Arts degree programs as “basic programs orientedtoward general theological studies … intended as the basis for further graduate study or for other educational purposes.” (ATS Education and Degree Program Standards, ES 1.3).
Required M.A. Courses*
BBL 511 Pentateuch & Historical Literature (3)
BBL 517 Synoptic Gospels and Acts I (2)
BBL 517 Synoptic Gospels and Acts II (2)
SYS 510 Fundamental Theology & Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics (4)
SYS 514 Anthropology, Sin & Grace (3)
SYS 521 Triune God (3)
SYS 522 Christology & Soteriology (3)
MTH 521 Fundamental Moral Theology I (2)
MTH 521 Fundamental Moral Theology II (2)
HST 511 Patristic Church I (2)
HST 511 Patristic Church II (2)
LST 521 Sacramental Theology: Sacraments in General (2)
LST 522 Theology of Liturgy (3)
CSC 521 Master’s Thesis (2)
Total required M.A. courses: 33 credits
Total Shared Credit Courses with the Ordination-M.Div. Program: 31 credits
*These courses are required of all students as part of the curriculum for ordination. They may count toward the Masters (M.A. in Theology) if accompanied by successful completion of a master’s thesis.
Summative Evaluation for M.A.
Each M.A. candidate must write a thesis. Under the guidance of a thesis director of his choice, the seminarian prepares a written thesis of 50–80 pages, based on research approved by the thesis director and the Academic Dean. He is required to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter and the ability to relate the thesis topic synthetically to other branches of theology. The thesis is examined by the director and one other faculty member, and then presented in an oral defense.
The final evaluation for the M.A. is based on 80% of the student’s earned grade point average and 20% of the score on the thesis. See Summative Evaluation Handbook for details.
The Application Process
The application process begins when a student requests a full-time faculty member to direct his thesis and that request is conditionally accepted. The student must also discuss his desire to pursue the M.A. with his Bishop and/or Vocation Director and has his support. The student then works to submit to his advisor a 3- to 5-page abstract that includes the following: a thesis statement, the rationale, a methodology statement, a tentative paragraph outline, and an annotated bibliography. The Application for Admission to the M.A. Program is due to the Academic Dean by April 1st of Theology II.
For details on thesis, see M.A. Thesis Guidelines and Timeline.
Timeline for the M.A. Track
The deadline for students to apply for the thesis is April 1st of their fourth semester in the program. Seminarians fill out the Application for Admission to the M.A. Program, which includes thesis proposal form signed by thesis advisor. The form will then be submitted to the Academic Dean for signature and will be filed in the Registrar’s office. Late applications will be accepted only with the approval of the Academic Dean.
By May 15th of the sixth semester of the program, the student should submit to his advisor a first draft of the thesis. Failure to have anything to turn in could entail the student’s discontinuance from pursuing the M.A. degree.
By October 15th of the seventh semester of the program, the student should submit to his advisor a defensible draft. Failure to meet this requirement could entail the student’s discontinuance from pursuing the M.A. degree. If the student is permitted to continue, the defensible draft must be submitted no later than the end of the fall semester.
The defense date should be before the end of the fall semester in the fourth year.
At the latest, the student must submit a final text approved by both readers and ready for the defense by February 15. If there are truly extenuating circumstances, special permission must be obtained from the Academic Dean to delay this deadline.
To be considered for the Glenski award, seminarians must complete and defend their thesis by the end of the fall semester in the fourth year.
Changing Tracks
Students may voluntarily switch out of the M.A. track without penalty if they receive permission to do so from the advisor and the Academic Dean.
The Glenski Award is named after Sister Zoë Glenski (†2006), a Daughter of Charity, who taught Church history at the seminary for 35 years. This award is given at Convocation to students who write an excellent thesis (signified by the thesis receiving an A) and have achieved a cumulative GPA (at graduation) of 3.80 or higher. To be considered for the award, seminarians must complete their thesis by the end of the Fall semester in the fourth year. (If there are extenuating circumstances, exceptions to the Fall deadline can be granted by the Academic Dean.)
