As a graduate school of theology and ministry, the Union offers several academic programs to meet the diverse needs of men and women who wish to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and tradition and/or acquire ministerial skills. Click on the page links for more information on each degree.
The Master of Divinity (MDIV) and the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) are professional degrees designed for persons who desire to serve in positions of ministerial leadership.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Theology and the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) are academic degrees, focused on attaining knowledge of various theological disciplines.
Two special programs are available that offer double degrees: the MDIV and MA; the MAPS and Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling.
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
View or download MDiv information 
(131 KB)
Purpose
This program leads to a professional degree that prepares men and women for general pastoral leadership responsibilities. In keeping with Catholic tradition, it provides a strong grounding in various theological areas of study, but also develops the skills and experiences essential for ministerial leadership in a collaborative and multicultural church. As such, this degree is normative for those seeking ordination as presbyters in the Roman Catholic Church. It is also the required degree for admission into a Doctor of Ministry program. In addition, it is recommended for those students seeking admission to advanced programs oriented to theological research and teaching.
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Curriculum Requirement
The curriculum consists of 85 credit hours of core and elective courses and 18 credit hours of supervised pastoral experience. At least one course must be taken in another faith tradition and one elective must be taken in the area of spirituality. The remaining electives are unrestricted.
Ecclesiastical Histrory |
|
| EH531 | Ancient and Medieval History (3) |
| EH532 | Reformation and Modern Church History (3) |
Mission and Cross-Cultural |
|
| MP619 MP620 |
Catholicism and American Cultures (2) or Catholicism in the Global Context (2) |
Pastoral Studies |
|
| CL561 | Introduction to Canon Law (2) |
| CL661 | Marriage: Theology and Canon Law (2) |
| PS512 | Personal Identity: Psychological and Spiritual Perspectives (2) |
| PS517 | The Helping Relationship (2) |
| PS601 | Level I Supervised Ministry (6) |
| PS602 | Level II Supervised Ministry (6) |
| PS603 | Level III Pastoral Internship (6) |
Sacred Scripture |
|
| SS517 | Pentateuch and Historical Books (3) |
| SS520 | Critical Study of the New Testament (2) |
| SS524 | Synoptic Gospels (3) |
| SS613 | Exegesis Seminar (2) |
| SS614 | Hebrew Prophetic and Wisdom Literature (3) |
| SS621 | Pauline Letters (3) |
Systematic Theology |
|
| SY511 |
Foundations of Theology (3) |
| SY512 | Christian Anthropology (3) |
| SY611 | Christology (3) |
| SY651 | Theology of the Church (3) |
| SY653 | The Religious Presbyter (2) or |
| PS635 | Lay Ecclesial Ministry (2) (for lay candidates) |
Moral Theology |
|
| MO541 | The Christian Moral Life (3) |
| MO643 | MO643 Sexual and Biomedical Ethics (3) |
| MO645 | Catholic Social Ethics (3) |
Word and Worship |
|
| WW500 | Word and Worship (3) |
| WW654 | Baptism and Confirmation (2) |
| WW655 | Eucharist (3) |
| WW657 | Sacraments of Healing (3) |
| WW506 | Preaching I: Introduction to the Homily (2) |
| WW605 | Preaching II: The Homily in Particular Liturgical Contexts (2) |
| WW608 WW612 or WW614 |
Preaching III: Preaching beyond the Homily Ministry of Presiding for Ordained Ministers (2) or Lay Leadership of Public Prayer (2) (for lay candidates) |
Electives |
|
| Elective in spirituality (2) | |
| Elective in another religious tradition (2) | |
| Unrestricted electives (8) | |
TOTAL: 103 CREDITS
Supervised Ministry Requirement
Students must take two distinct supervised ministries followed by a pastoral internship. The
sequence of supervised ministries normally begins with Level I supervised ministry during the
second year of study. And a Level II supervised ministry taken no sooner than the second or third
year of study, both done on campus. A clinical pastoral education program (CPE) or a program
sponsored by the Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center (AMERC) may be taken
during the summer in place of the first supervised ministry. Since the first supervised ministry is
intended to be an introduction to ministry, the Level I ministry affords students an opportunity to
minister on a one-to-one basis. The second ministry (Level II) is to provide ample opportunity
for ministering to groups and individuals, as well as an opportunity for continued leadership
development. All supervised ministries are done during the academic year and only one ministry
may be engaged in during a given academic year. Each supervised ministry done is accompanied
by a theological reflection seminar on-campus that provides an opportunity for the student to
identify and correlate issues that arise in theological study and ministerial experience as well as
come to an understanding of ministerial identity.
After successfully completing the two required supervised ministries, students must undertake a
full-time pastoral internship consisting of a minimum of 40 hours per week for 10 weeks.
Students can enhance the internship experience by extending it over a longer period of time. The
earlier supervised ministries and theological reflection seminars provide a readiness for entering
the internship. All pastoral internship experiences must be undertaken within ministry centers
approved by the Union. The diversity of internal apostolic experiences of students and of internal
programs of the participating religious communities is recognized and is considered in structuring
internship experiences. Special consideration is given to programs for deacons or persons
interested in a cross-cultural or chaplaincy experience.
Integrating Seminar Requirement
The integration of theology and experience is an ongoing process over the entire four-year
curriculum. The process culminates in students participating in a two-semester seminar during
the final year of study. Using a casestudy method that relies upon material drawn from the
students’ pastoral internship experiences as well as major themes studies in the curriculum, this
seminar helps students to integrate and apply learning with the pastoral situations encountered.
Although students will be graded on a pass/fail basis, the seminar is primarily an educational not an evaluative exercise. The design of the seminar includes: two full-time faculty members from different departments who facilitate, limited student enrollment to encourage active participation and interaction, and a range of topics and situations to be studied. The aim is to enhance the students’ ability to develop a sound theology for future ministry.
View or download MDiv information ( 131KB)
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS)
View or download MAPS information (123 KB)
Purpose
This program leads to a professional degree that provides the theological understanding and practical skills necessary for effective service in a focused ministry in the church. It is designed for people of all ages and careers who desire to work professionally as lay ecclesial ministers or who are already engaged in ministerial work and wish to improve their theological understanding and pastoral competency.
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Curriculum Requirement
The program consists of 45 credit hours of course work divided into two basic categories: foundation courses in the major theological disciplines and an area of ministerial focus.
Ecclesiastical Histrory |
|
| EH531 EH532 |
Ancient and Medieval History (3) or Reformation and Modern Church History (3) |
Mission and Cross-Cultural |
|
| MP619 MP620 |
Catholicism and American Cultures (2) or Catholicism in the Global Context (2) |
Pastoral Studies |
|
| PS515 | Pastoral Care and Identity (3) |
| PS601 | Level I Supervised Ministry (4) |
| PS602 | Level II Supervised Ministry (4) |
Sacred Scripture |
|
| SS517 | Pentateuch and Historical Books (3) |
| SS520 | Critical Study of the New Testament (2) |
Systematic Theology |
|
| SY512 SY511 |
Christian Anthropology (3) or Foundations of Theology (3) (if approved) |
| SY611 | Christology (3) |
| SY651 | Theology of the Church (3) |
Moral Theology |
|
| MO541 | The Christian Moral Life (3) |
| MO645 | Catholic Social Ethics (3) |
Word and Worship |
|
| WW500 | Word and Worship (3) |
Electives |
|
| Courses in ministerial focus (4) | |
TOTAL: 45 CREDITS
Ministerial Focus Requirement
Students are encouraged to select a focus from one of the following suggested options: campus ministry, catechesis, youth ministry, marriage and family, liturgical ministry, pastoral care and counseling, pastoral leadership and social justice; however, students may design their own ministerial focus. Students should select their focus in consultation with their academic advisor as soon as possible.
Supervised Ministry Requirement
Students must pass a Level I and a Level II supervised ministry experience as part of their program of studies. The Level I experience cultivates one-on-one skills, while Level II specializes in the student’s desired field. The selected supervised ministry is accompanied by a theological reflection seminar on campus that provides an opportunity for students to identify and correlate issues that arise in theological study and ministerial experience as well as to develop an understanding of ministerial identity.
Integrating Paper Requirement
Students must prepare a paper that integrates their theological studies and ministerial experience, with particular focus on their selected ministerial focus. The paper should be at least 50 pages and may take one of the following forms: a pastoral project, a case study in ministry or a research paper within the selected ministerial focus. Students must obtain proper approvals of the topic, the outline and the final version of the integrating paper.
View or download MAPS information (123 KB)
Master of Arts (MA) in Theology
View or download MA information (123 KB)
Purpose
This program leads to an academic degree that provides students with a course of study that offers a thorough and wellrounded 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.
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Curriculum Requirement
The curriculum consists of 23 credit hours of core courses and 13 credit hours in elective courses of which 4 must be in a selected area of concentration. Credits associated with practica and supervised ministries cannot be applied to this degree.
Ecclesiastical Histrory |
|
| EH531 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 (2) |
Systematic Theology |
|
| SY512 SY511 SY611 |
Christian Anthropology (3) or Foundations of Theology (3) or Christology (3) (two out these three) |
| SY611 | Theology of the Church (3) |
Moral Theology |
|
| MO541 | The Christian Moral Life (3) |
Word and Worship |
|
| WW500 | Word and Worship (3) |
Electives |
|
| Four (4) courses in area of concentration (8) | |
| Remaining credits unrestricted (5) | |
TOTAL: 36 CREDITS
Concentration Requirements
Students must select a concentration in the area of Canon Law, Ecclesiastical History,
Mission/Cross-Cultural
Studies, 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 third semester of
study. The initial selection, and any change, must be approved by the appropriate Department
Chair. Students must take four courses in the area selected and comply with other specific
requirements established by the respective Department.
Foreign Language Requirement
Students must demonstrate an ability to read and understand theological literature, ordinarily in French, German or Spanish; other languages may be substituted only with official approval. This competence is verified either by passing a foreign language examination that translates a passage from theological literature into English or by successfully completing a foreign language course that focuses on theological vocabulary. The requirement should be completed early in the program of study to enable theological research.
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.
View or download MA information (123 KB)
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
View or download MTS information (120 KB)
Purpose
This program leads to a general academic degree that provides students with a broad knowledge and basic understanding of the Catholic theological tradition. Designed for general educational purposes, this degree provides theological grounding for those already engaged in some aspect of ministry (e.g. general catechesis or secondary education, etc.) or for those primarily seeking theological enrichment. Although academic in nature, the level of research does not prepare students for admission into advanced programs aimed at theological research and teaching.
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Curriculum Requirement
The curriculum consists of 32 credit hours of coursework that is designed to consider the student’s background and interest, but must provide an exposure to the broad range of theological disciplines. Credits associated with practica and supervised ministries cannot be applied to this degree. The core curriculum will consist of 22 credit hours of courses that are specified for this degree from the following fields of study.
Ecclesiastical Histrory |
|
| EH531 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 (2) |
Spirituality |
|
| SP705 EH735 EH736 SS757 |
Foundations of Christian Spirituality (2) or Christian Spirituality through the Ages I (2) or Christian Spirituality through the Ages II (2) or Biblical Foundations for Contemporary Spirituality II (2) |
Systematic Theology |
|
| SY511 SY512 SY611 SY651 |
Foundations of Theology (3) or Christian Anthropology (3) or Christology (3) or Theology of the Church (3) |
Moral Theology |
|
| MO541 | The Christian Moral Life (3) |
Word and Worship |
|
| WW500 | Word and Worship (3) |
Electives |
|
| Of the required 10 elective credits, no more than two courses in each area of theological study may be used to fulfill the electives requirement. Consultation with an academic advisor is critical to the design of the elective course structure. | |
TOTAL: 32 CREDITS
Comprehensive Evaluation Requirement
Students must demonstrate mastery of the course of study by successfully passing either of the two following options: preparing a research paper (normally 25-40 pages) that must cover at least three of the core areas of study and then discussing its content with a panel of selected faculty members; or taking an oral comprehensive examination.
View or download MTS information (120 KB)
Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology
View or download MDIV/MA information (163 KB)
Purpose
This program leads to two degrees that offer students the opportunity to gain both professional features of the MDIV with the research characteristics of the MA degree, especially for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies; some credits are shared.
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Curriculum Requirement
The MDIV requirements (103 credits) are outlined in the MDIV course listing previously
specified. For the MA requirement (36 credits), the following required courses totaling 18 credits
are satisfied through the MDIV curriculum.
Ecclesiastical Histrory |
|
| EH531 EH532 |
Ancient and Medieval History (3) or Reformation and Modern Church History (3) |
Sacred Scripture |
|
| SS517 | Pentateuch and Historical Books (3) |
Systematic Theology |
|
| SY511 SY512 SY611 |
Foundations of Theology (3) or Christian Anthropology (3) or Christology (3) or (two of these three courses) |
Moral Theology |
|
| MO541 | The Christian Moral Life (3) |
Word and Worship |
|
| WW500 | Word and Worship (3) |
Electives |
|
| The MA degree further requires students to take an additional 18 elective credits from courses not listed as required for the MDIV program. 8 of those credits will be four elective courses in the selected area of concentration. | |
TOTAL: 121 CREDITS
Concentration Requirements
In addition, students must successfully complete the following:
- A foreign language competency
- A thesis or two substantive research papers
- A departmental comprehensive examination
- The comprehensive examination requirement is fulfilled by successfully completing the
MDIV integrating seminar
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling
View or download MAPS/MS information (115 KB)
Purpose
This program leads to two degrees that offers students the opportunity to combine theological and pastoral studies with advanced and specialized counseling techniques; some credits are shared.
The MAPS degree is awarded by the Union and the MS degree is awarded by Loyola College(Baltimore). The Loyola courses are usually offered at its nearby campus in Columbia, Maryland. Applicants must obtain admissions acceptance through separate application to:
Graduate Admissions Office
Loyola College
7135 Minstrel Way
Columbia, MD
410-617-7613
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Curriculum Requirement
The curriculum is the same as that of the regular MAPS degree except that 4 credit hours of
supervised ministry and 4 of the 6 required elective credit hours will be waived in recognition of
complementary courses completed through the Loyola program.
Integrating Paper Requirement
Students must prepare a paper that integrates their theological studies and ministerial experience, with particular focus on their selected ministerial focus. The paper should be at least 50 pages and may take one of the following forms:
- a pastoral project
- a case study in ministry
- a research paper within the selected ministerial focus
Students must obtain proper approvals of the topic, outline, and the final version of the integrating paper. In addition, the student will participate in a ProSeminar at Loyola College for purposes of Loyola faculty and peer interaction in developing the paper. The Union’s paper director will consult with Loyola faculty on the coordinated paper requirements.
View or download MAPS/MS information (115 KB)
