Master of Pastoral Theology (MPT) Requirements
The MPT program is a non-thesis graduate program. The course of study requires a minimum of 34 graduate credits. The preference for entry into the program is an undergraduate degree in theology or religious studies with an emphasis in Christian studies. Applicants without such preparation will be required to take the prerequisite foundation courses or their equivalent. Although students are taking these courses for credit, they do not apply to the minimum number of credits required for completion of the degree program.
Master of Pastoral Theology students are admitted to cohorts that begin degree work with the summer intensive. 500-level courses and other preparation work can be completed prior to the beginning of candidate’s cohort.
MPT MASTER OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY CORE Areas (21 CREDITs REQUIRED) | ||
|---|---|---|
Hebrew Scriptures (3 credits required) | ||
RE 600 | Prophets and Writings | 3 |
RE 606 | Pentateuch and Historical Books | 3 |
RE 610 | Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures | 3 |
Christian Scriptures (3 credits required) | ||
RE 607 | Synoptic Gospels and Acts | 3 |
RE 608 | Pauline Corpus and Catholic Epistles | 3 |
RE 609 | Johannine Writings and Revelation | 3 |
RE 615 | Introduction to Christian Scriptures | 3 |
Fundamental Systematic Theology (3 credits required) | ||
RE 631 | Trinity | 3 |
RE 637 | Christology | 3 |
The Church (3 credits required) | ||
RE 616 | History and Theology of Vatican II/Catholic Catechism | 3 |
RE 642 | Ecclesiology: Its Nature and Mission | 3 |
Sacraments and Liturgy (3 credits required) | ||
RE 643 | Sacramental Theology and Practice | 3 |
RE 647 | Theology of Liturgy | 3 |
Ethics (3 credits required) | ||
RE 629 | Catholic Social Teaching | 3 |
RE 664 | Moral Theology: Fundamental and Applied | 3 |
Capstone (1-2 credits required) | ||
RE 790 | Pastoral Theology Seminar | variable credit |
MPT MASTER OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY Electives (13 CREDITs REQUIRED) | ||
TOTAL CREDITS | 34 credits | |
PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PLANS
1. Alumni and diocesan surveys are used to assess needs and effectiveness of the program in preparing students to meet those needs.
2. Faculty use indirect and direct evidence assessment tools for each class. The tests are based on the learning outcomes for the course, which are in turn linked to the program learning outcomes. Results of the tests are collected to give an overview of the on-going learning process in the program and to track effectiveness in reaching each of the program learning outcomes. Rubric-based assessment tools are designed to track the relative attainment of the learning outcomes as indicated in the program matrix. Assessment tools will include a variety of formats appropriate to the knowledge or skill area being assessed.
3. Diaconate Education Track students will prepare an electronic portfolio for the program that they will present for assessment by the Program and to the leadership of the Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Program. The portfolio will contain representative work from each of their courses as evidence of their attainment of each program outcome as well as an integrative essay.
4. Students will also complete exit surveys prior to their ordination to access their overall perception of the experience, and participate in a comprehensive assessment exam that will be used for evaluation of the program and part of the evaluation of the candidate’s readiness for ordination.
TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY
Students may apply for acceptance into the program and request consideration for transferring credits from another accredited program. The Director will determine the acceptability of credits and apply them to the program requirements. The decision of the Director in this regard is final. Transfer students will be expected to complete at least half of their total credit within the MPT program, including the completion of PL/RE 601, PL/RE 603 and RE-790.