Master of Arts in Religious Studies

Why is it important to pursue a Master’s degree in Religious Studies/What can you do with this kind of education?

Are you a Christian and want to know more about the history and meaning of your religion’s belief and practices…
Are you a Catholic Christian and want to understand your religion’s tradition in relationship to other Christian churches and to other religious tradition…
Are you a teacher or leader in a church-related institution and you feel the need for more than a basic knowledge of catechetics…
Do you aspire to pursue doctoral studies in theology or ministry and you want a solid foundation in Scripture, Systematic Theology, Pastoral Ministry, and Christian Ethics…
Are you searching for a support community of others with whom you can explore and learn, whose companionship will enrich your life…
Do you need help establishing a balance between respect for the individual and for the common good, or integrating personal faith and institutional religion…
If you want the kind of knowledge and understanding which will help you become an agent of change…

Then you will want to pursue the M.A. in Religious Studies at Mount St. Mary’s College!

Introduction

The Graduate Program in Religious Studies integrates Roman Catholic theology and pastoral ministry. It provides opportunities for you to be able to place your personal faith within a theological context and understanding based on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. The program challenges you to consider the interrelation between theory and praxis, and to see personal religious goals and belief systems in new and contemporary ways. Those of you who are already in pastoral ministry will find the studies practically based with an orientation towards local ecclesial communities.

The Graduate Program responds to the goals and objectives of all its students. It serves equally students interested in academic research, ministers seeking to improve pastoral skills or to become pastoral associates and directors of parish life, teachers wishing to offer understandable theology to children and youth. As well as those who simply wish to enhance their personal theological and spiritual understanding. A core group of faculty and visiting professors provides both continuity for the program and theological competency in specific fields of inquiry. Request a brochure

View video on the Religious Studies Program

Fall 2008 Course Offerings
Spring 2009 Course Offerings
Summer 2009 Course Offerings

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Admission Requirements

Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate work
Complete Application and $50 fee
Application Essay
Two letters of recommendation
One copy of an official transcript must be mailed directly to MSMC from ALL Colleges/Universities attended
Evaluation of academic and theological background
Interview with the Director of Graduate Religious Studies
Scholarship and Tutition Reduction Program Information

Unit Requirements

36 units total

All students will complete 28 units including: 24 units consisting of six units in each of the four basic areas of Graduate Religious Studies: Sacred Scripture, Christian Ethics, Systematic Theology, and Pastoral Theology and Ministry.

RST_220: Foundations of Theology (3.0) required course;

RST_298: Comprehensive Examination (1.0)

Students who choose the Thesis option will take an additional four (4) units in the form of RST_290: Thesis and 4 units in the area of study in which they wish to specialize.
Students who choose the Research Essay option will take one (1) additional unit in the form of RST_291: Research Essay and seven (7) units in the area of study in which they wish to specialize.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be maintained to remain in the program.

Complete Course Descriptions