Students must complete thirty-six (36) credit hours for the M.A. degree, and are generally free to choose their courses within the required areas of study, but some concentrations require specific courses. All students must take courses in each of these areas: Old Testament, New Testament, Doctrinal Studies, Moral Studies, and Liturgical Studies. Students have a wide discretion in the choice of particular courses within each area. The programs outlined below represent the minimum requirements.
Core Requirements
In addition to the core requirements and the courses in each concentration, the student may choose from a number of elective courses. A broad selection of courses is offered each summer in order to provide the students with ample discretion in the choice of elective courses.
CONCENTRATIONS:
Religious Education
This concentration is designed to prepare students for teaching religion at the elementary and secondary school level, for those involved in adult education, and for coordinators and directors of religious education. In addition to a foundations course, students must take three specialized courses in Religious Education. Some of these concentration courses may be taken from the education or psychology departments at Saint Michael's College.
Pastoral Ministry and Spirituality
This concentration is designed particularly for those in the ministerial areas such as counseling, campus ministry, youth work, spiritual companionship, hospital ministry, work with the sick, retreats, and parish ministry. Following the foundations course, three additional courses must be taken in the pastoral ministry area. With approval, some courses may be taken in the psychology department at Saint Michael's College.
Scripture Concentration
This concentration is fitting for those students who wish to deepen their background in biblical studies, for those who teach Scripture, and for those who wish to explore the biblical foundations of spirituality. In addition to the two introductory courses in Scripture, students must take four additional courses in the Old and New Testaments.
Doctrinal Studies
This concentration is designed for high school religion teachers, for those involved in adult education and the training of teachers, for those contemplating doctoral studies, and for students interested in systematic theology. Four concentration courses are required, including Ecclesiology and Christology. Other concentration courses can be taken from scripture or doctrinal studies.
Students also have the opportunity to complete a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in conjunction with the master's degree.
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For further information, contact:
Dr. Edward Mahoney
Director, Graduate Programs in Theology and Pastoral Ministry
Saint Edmund's Hall 243
Phone: 802.654.2579
Box 252
E-mail: emahoney@smcvt.edu