Master of Arts, Catholic Studies

The Master of Arts, Catholic Studies (MACS) is for those who wish to study the Catholic intellectual tradition in the arts and sciences, especially the interaction between theology and Western philosophy. The degree is directed towards those in preparation for further graduate studies in theology, for certain Catholic educators, and for professionals serving in a Catholic context.

Admission

Admission to the MACS requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Application materials include:

  • the School of Theology Application
  • two letters of reference
  • college transcripts
  • $30 Application Fee

Applications for Fall Semester admission should be submitted by July 1. Applications for Spring Semester admission should be completed by November 1.

Requirements

The MACS requires 36 credit hours of graduate course work, including the writing of a synthetic research paper (25 pages). Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA during their studies in order to be in good standing. After completing all course requirements, students must pass a comprehensive examination consisting of objective and essay-based questions.

Course of Study: 36 credit hours

  • Philosophy: 12 credit hours
    • PH 511 Ancient Philosophy (3 credits)
    • PH 521 Medieval Philosophy (3 credits)
    • PH 531 Modern Philosophy (3 credits)
    • PH 541 Contemporary Philosophy (3 credits)
  • Theology: 12 credit hours (choose a track)
    •  Catechism Track:
      • S 501 Catechism: Catholic Doctrine (3 credits)
      • S 511 Catechism: Liturgy & Sacraments or LS 612 (3 credits)
      • S 521 Catechism: Moral Life in Christ or MT 500 Fundamental Moral Theology (3 credits)
      • S 531 Catechism: Prayer (3 credits)
    • Systematic Theology Track:
      • S 541 Fundamental Dogma (3 credits)
      • LS 6120 Sacramental Theology (2 credits)
      • MT 5000 Fundamental Moral Theology (2 credits)
      • S 6110 Ecclesiology (2 credits)
      • S 591 Christian Anthropology (3 credits)
  • Electives: 10 credit hours (choose 5)
    • Theology of the Body
    • Theology of Saint Augustine
    • Theological Themes in John Henry Newman
    • Virtue Theory of Saint Thomas Aquinas
    • Theology of Martyrdom
    • Theology of Evangelization
    • Carmelite Mysticism
    • Sacraments in Film
    • The Writings of Flannery O’Connor
    • Immanence Apologetics of Walker Percy
    • Memory and Psychology
    • Foundations of Catholic Political Philosophy
    • Religious Freedom in the American Context
    • The Church in the Civil War
    • Sacred Scripture Seen Through Sacred Art
    • Sacred Music Seminar: The Requiem Mass
    • Sacred Music Seminar: Holy Week
  • Major Research paper: 2 credits

Major Research Paper

The paper topic will be established with a professor in an area of research proposed by the student. The format for the identification of the professor to direct the paper, and the chosen topic, will follow the format for independent studies. The length will ordinarily be 25 pages, a standard length for articles published in academic journals. The student will receive 2 credits for the work, with the professor serving as evaluator of the work.

Comprehensive Exam

The exam will consist of objective and essay questions covering the core content of the degree program. Study materials for the Comprehensive Exam will be furnished to the students at the end of the Fall Semester of the academic year in which the completion of the degree program is anticipated.

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