Dual Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity
Program Overview
The dual Master of Arts in Theology (MA) and Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Aquinas Institute of Theology maintains the distinctive character and orientation of both the MA and MDiv degrees, while simultaneously allowing for greater integration of the research or professional elements of each. The dual degree requires an additional 18 credit hours of elective coursework (beyond the 81 required credit hours for the MDiv), a comprehensive examination, proficiency in a foreign language, and a Master’s thesis.
The dual MA/MDiv offers students the unique opportunity for preaching by studying theology with our Dominican brothers and other members of the Dominican family. Additionally, a number of supervised ministry experiences allows students to explore a wide variety of future ministries. These field opportunities provide students with concrete skills and experience, further preparing them for future service to the Church through academic work or pastoral ministry.
Program Details
- Program Format
- Curriculum
- Dominican Formation Curriculum
- Application Information
- Tuition and Fees
- Contact Us
Program Format
The dual Master of Arts in theology (MA) and Master of Divinity (MDIV) is a residential program that requires students to be present in person for classes at Aquinas Institute.
Full–time MA/MDiv students who take twelve credit hours a semester can complete this program in four years and a half, while part–time students may take up to seven years. Candidates for ordination should consult the formation requirements of their particular sponsoring religious community or diocese to determine the time required to complete their specific program of study.
Ministry Experience
Students seeking the dual MA/MDiv degrees have three opportunities to engage in field education: Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) I and II, as well as a Basic Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at an ACPE Certified Institution. The field education curriculum at Aquinas Institute assists student in developing a pastoral leadership style that is marked by effectiveness, service, integration, and a special commitment to the ministry of the Word.
Language Requirement, Comprehensive Exam, and Thesis
Students pursuing the dual MA/MDiv degrees must demonstrate reading competency in a foreign language, either classical or modern, by the time of graduation.
At the end of their course of study, students must successfully complete a written comprehensive exam. To this end, students must demonstrate their scholarly competence to engage reflectively and critically across the disciplines of theology.
Students must also engage in independent research leading to an academic thesis approved for presentation to the Aquinas community.. Assisted by a faculty member, students select and research a topic of personal interest that culminates in an original piece of scholarly research suitable for publication.
Ministry Opportunities
The dual MA/MDiv degree prepares students to excel in a variety of ministerial positions. These include serving as a high school and college campus minister, a parish life coordinator, a director of religious education, a hospital chaplain, and a theology teacher.
With the MA degree, our students have gone on for further theological study in prestigious PhD programs at schools in the United States and Europe. Some have used the theological expertise gained from completing the MA degree to pursue opportunities in professional fields such as health care, law, and business.
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Curriculum
MA/MDiv Curriculum
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Integrative Studies | |
|
Theological Research and Writing Integrative Project* |
0 0 |
| Philosophy | |
| Use of Philosophy in Theology | 3 |
| Biblical Studies | |
| Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| Old Testament Scripture Elective | 3 |
| New Testament Scripture Elective | 3 |
| Systematic Theology | |
| Introduction to Theology and Theological Method | 3 |
| Christology | 3 |
| Ecclesiology | 3 |
| Historical Studies | |
| Church History I | 3 |
| Church History II | 3 |
| Moral Theology | |
| Foundations of Catholic Morality | 3 |
| Ethics of Human Sexuality | 3 |
| Justice and Catholic Social Teaching | 3 |
| Pastoral Theology | |
| Foundations of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Foundations of Pastoral Counseling | 3 |
| Principles of Canon Law | 2 |
| Canon Law of Marriage | 2 |
| Preaching and Evangelization | |
| Foundations of Preaching I | 2 |
| Foundations of Preaching II | 2 |
| Liturgical and Sacramental Theology | |
| Theology of Worship | 3 |
| Christian Initiation | 3 |
| Eucharist | 3 |
| Liturgical Leadership I (baptismal) | 2 |
| Reconciliation or Pastoral Care of the Sick | 1 |
|
Elective |
|
| May be selected from any of the theological disciplines listed above | 21 |
| Professional Ministerial Formation | |
| Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) I | 3 |
| Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) II | 3 |
| Pastoral Year | 6 |
| Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) | 4 |
| Spiritual Formation (for lay students) | |
|
Human & Spiritual Formation I, II, and III |
4 units |
| Non Credit Requirements | |
| Comprehensive Examinations | - |
| MA Track Requirements (see MA for details) | - |
| Total Credit Hours | 99 (+4 units) |
*Integrative Project- At the conclusion of the program, the student should be prepared to make a public presentation of a 10-12 page paper that is an integrative expression of the student's theology of ministry. It should identify the key principles that shape the student's understanding of God, Jesus Christ, the Church, the moral life and Christian worship, as well as how the student sees these principles in relationship to one another and to the ministry the student hopes to undertake. The presentation period of one hour should include time for questions and answers.
Dominican Formation Curriculum
Dominican Formation MA/MDiv Curriculum
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Integrative Studies | |
| Theological Research and Writing | 0 |
| Integrative Project | 0 |
| Philosophical Studies | |
| Use of Philosophy in Theology | 3 |
| Thomas Aquinas: Life, Thought, and Works | 3 |
| Metaphysics | 3 |
| Prima Pars: God and Creation in the Thought of Thomas Aquinas | 3 |
| Secunda Pars: Human Person and Society in the Thought of Aquinas | 3 |
| Tertia Pars: Christ and Sacrament in the Thought of Thomas Aquinas | 3 |
| Philosophy Electives (Greek, Medieval, Modern, or Contemporary) | 12 |
| Biblical Studies | |
| Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| Torah/Pentateuch | 3 |
| Prophets | 3 |
| Wisdom/Psalms | 3 |
| Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, or Luke) | 3 |
| Johannine Literature | 3 |
| Pauline Literature | 3 |
| Systematic Theology | |
| Introduction to Theology and Theological Method | 3 |
| Doctrine of God | 3 |
| Christology | 3 |
| Christian Anthropology | 3 |
| Ecclesiology | 3 |
| Historical Studies | |
| Church History I | 3 |
| Church History II | 3 |
| U.S. Catholic History | 3 |
| Moral Theology | |
| Foundations of Catholic Morality | 3 |
| Ethics of Human Sexuality | 3 |
| Justice and Catholic Social Teaching | 3 |
| Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| Pastoral Theology | |
| Foundations of Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Foundations of Pastoral Counseling | 3 |
| Principles of Canon Law | 2 |
| Canon Law of Marriage | 2 |
| Theology of Priesthood | 3 |
| Spiritual Direction | 3 |
| Preaching | |
| Foundations of Preaching I | 2 |
| Foundations of Preaching II | 2 |
| Topics in Preaching I | 2 |
| Topics in Preaching II | 2 |
| Liturgical and Sacramental Theology | |
| Theology of Worship | 3 |
| Christian Initiation | 3 |
| Eucharist | 3 |
| Marriage | 3 |
| Reconciliation | 1 |
| Pastoral Care of the Sick | 1 |
| Liturgical Leadership I (diaconal) | 1 |
| Liturgical Leadership II (presbyteral) | 2 |
| Professional Ministerial Formation | |
| Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) I | 3 |
| Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) II | 3 |
| Pastoral Year | 6 |
|
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) |
4 |
| Non Credit Requirements | |
| Comprehensive Exam | - |
| MA Track Requirements | - |
|
Total Credit Hours |
144 |
*Integrative Project- At the conclusion of the program, the student should be prepared to make a public presentation of a 10-12 page paper that is an integrative expression of the student's theology of ministry. It should identify the key principles that shape the student's understanding of God, Jesus Christ, the Church, the moral life and Christian worship, as well as how the student sees these principles in relationship to one another and to the ministry the student hopes to undertake. The presentation period of one hour should include time for questions and answers.
Application Information
Application Information
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Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees for the 2022-23 Academic Year
For Credit: $825 per credit hour
Audit: $400 per credit hour
Alumni, Non-Degree Audit*: $200 per credit hour
Student Services Fee: $300 per semester
Tuition and Fees for the 2023-24 Academic Year
For Credit: $850 per credit hour
Audit: $425 per credit hour
Alumni, Non-Degree Audit*: $212.50 per credit hour
Student Services Fee: $300 per semester
*this rate applies to alumni who want to audit one course or a few courses, not those who are seeking to earn the degree
Contact Us
Program Directors
Fr. Kevin Stephens, OP, SSD
Assistant Professor of Old Testament
stephens@ai.edu
314-256-8863
Nathan Chase, PhD
Assistant Professor of Liturgical
and Sacramental Theology
chase@ai.edu
314-256-8868
Schedule a time to Talk
Questions?
Contact our Admission team using the links below!
admissions@ai.edu