Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity degree is professional in orientation. It encompasses both intellectual and pastoral formation in preparation for ordained ministry. These two components, while distinct, are integrated throughout the entire program and are directed toward a single goal: that seminarians, as persons of faith, acquire through study, research and pastoral supervision the knowledge, skills and experience necessary for priestly ministry in the Church. The program’s purpose is to assist the student in the integration of the above in such a way that he can minister in the Catholic Church as a qualified, learned and committed priest.

The Master of Divinity degree consists of a four-year academic curriculum with seminary residence. There is a possibility of a supervised pastoral internship year at the discretion of the seminarian’s bishop; ordinarily, the internship year occurs following the second year of theology. It separates the four-year academic program into two phases.

In the first two years, the seminarian is introduced to that knowledge and ministerial experience which is considered foundational for the study of theology and a successful internship. In the final two years, he is encouraged to take advantage of the elective program in such a way as to develop his own ministerial identity and competency. Seminarians can also apply for a Master of Arts degree (Biblical Studies or Theology) during these final two years.

Admission

At Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, all candidates for the Roman Catholic priesthood are required to earn the Master of Divinity degree. Admission to the Master of Divinity degree program therefore requires an undergraduate degree or its equivalent as a prerequisite for admission. At least 30 credit hours of undergraduate philosophy and 12 credit hours of theology are also required. For students who do not have these requisite courses, a two-year pre-theology program is required prior to formal admission to the Master of Divinity degree.

To apply for admission to priestly formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, the student must:

  • contact the Vocation Office for his diocese or religious institute
  • have the sponsorship of the local Church and ordinary (i.e., the bishop or religious superior)
  • submit an application with the required documentation: physical examination, high school and college transcripts (and other theologate transcripts, if attended), and sacramental records
  • submit a favorable recommendation from his college seminary (if attended)
  • complete psychological testing
  • complete an interview with the Admissions Committee of the seminary

Requirements

The Master of Divinity requires 100 credit hours, of which 24 may be applied towards a second degree (either the Master of Arts, Biblical Studies or the Master of Arts, Theology). An additional 12 credit hours are required by the formation program, yielding a minimum of 112 credit hours expected of seminary students. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to be in good standing. After completing all course requirements, students must pass an oral case study examination integrating theological, pastoral, and professional skills.

Course of Study: 100 (112) credit hours

  • Biblical Studies: 21 credit hours
    • B 510 Biblical Hermeneutics and Pentateuch (3 credits)
    • B 521 Historical Themes and Wisdom Literature (3 credits)
    • B 541 Prophets (3 credits)
    • B 614 Gospels of Mark and Matthew (3 credits)
    • B 619 Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles (3 credits)
    • B 621 Pauline Literature (3 credits)
    • B 641 Johannine Literature (3 credits)
  • Catholic Studies: 3 credit hours
    • CS 600 History Of Christian Spirituality (3 credits)
  • Church History: 9 credit hours
    • H 511 Patristic Theology (3 credits)
    • H 520 Early And Medieval Church History (3 credits)
    • H 640 Reformation And Modern History (3 credits)
  • Liturgy And Sacraments: 23 credit hours
    • LS 600 Theology Of Liturgy (3 credits)
    • LS 612 Principles of Sacramental Theology (3 credits)
    • LS 620 Theology of the Eucharist (3 credits)
    • LS 630 Theology of Marriage (2 credits)
    • LS 641 Theology and Spirituality of Holy Orders (3 credits)
    • LS 652 Theology of Penance and Anointing of the Sick (2 credits)
    • LS 740 Practicum: Mass And Chant (3 credits)
    • LS 752 Practicum: Penance and Anointing of the Sick (1 credit)
    • LS 770 Blessings and Celebrating/Preaching the Rites (3 credits)
  • Moral Theology: 6 credit hours
    • MT 500 Fundamental Moral Theology (3 credits)
    • MT 600 Catholic Social Doctrine (3 credits)
  • Pastoral & Professional Studies: 20 credit hours
    • P 710 Principles Of Catechesis (2 credits)
    • P 720 Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)
    • P 730 Introduction To Canon Law (2 credits)
    • P 735 Marriage Law In Canon Law (2 credits)
    • P 749 Pastoral Leadership (2 credits)
    • P 750 Theology of Preaching (3 credits)
    • P 751 Preaching At Sunday Mass (3 credits)
    • P 770 Liturgical Music & Vocal Skills (3 credits)
  • Systematic Theology: 18 credit hours
    • S 541 Fundamental Dogma (3 credits)
    • S 553 Theology of the Trinity (3 credits)
    • S 560 Christology (3 credits)
    • S 591 Christian Anthropology (3 credits)
    • S 611 Ecclesiology I: The Church (3 credits)
    • S 639 Mariology And Eschatology (3 credits)
  • Formation Requirements: 12 credit hours
    • B 637 Catholic Epistles (2 credits)
    • H 651 Church In The U.S. (2 credits)
    • MT 560 Catholic Sexual Ethics (2 credits)
    • MT 580 Catholic Medical Ethics (2 credits)
    • S 612 Ecclesiology II: Ecumenism, Mission And Evangelization (2 credits)
    • Elective in Biblical Studies, Catholic Studies, or Systematic Theology (2 credits)

FOR DUAL DEGREE STUDENTS: The above, plus the following:

  • Master of Divinity plus Master of Arts, Biblical Studies: 122 credits
    • HEB 301-302 Hebrew I & II (4 credits) or GRK 301-302 Biblical Greek I & II (4 credits)
    • MA 696 Research Seminar (2 credits)
    • MA 697 Directed Research (2 credits)
    • MA 698 Thesis (2 credits)
    • MA 699 Thesis Defense (Pass/Fail)
  • Master of Divinity plus Master of Arts, Theology: 122 credits
    • Electives in Systematic Theology (4 credits)
    • MA 696 Research Seminar (2 credits)
    • MA 697 Directed Research (2 credits)
    • MA 698 Thesis (2 credits)
    • MA 699 Thesis Defense (Pass/Fail)