Theology (B.A./M.A.)
The B.A./M.A. program is designed to provide high-achieving students an accelerated path to theological literacy and professional competency in service to the Church—especially in fields such as Pastoral Ministry, Religious Education and Parish Administration—or as preparation for doctoral-level research. B.A./M.A. coursework integration results in a streamlined educational program wherein students can earn their M.A. in approximately 6 years.
In addition to meeting separate admission requirements for the B.A./M.A. program (beyond general admission to the university), students must maintain a 3.3 GPA in their undergraduate coursework, and follow all undergraduate and graduate academic policies and procedures to remain in good standing in the program. With the permission of their advisor, B.A./M.A. students take three graduate courses during the last three semesters of their undergraduate degree program: THEO 679, THEO 680 and THEO 681. Upon completion of the undergraduate requirements for the B.A. portion of the program, students will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts. An official Change of Status form must be filed with the Division of Philosophy and Theology to change the student status from undergraduate to graduate. Upon completion of all graduation requirements, students will be awarded the Master of Arts.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will gain knowledge of Scripture and Tradition – Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of Sacred Scripture, Catholic Tradition, and Magisterial Teaching.
- Students will gain knowledge of Hermeneutics – Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of how the Catholic Church systematically organizes, contextualizes, and transmits the Christian Faith.
- Students will gain skill in Theological Thinking – Graduates will demonstrate ability to think critically about the Christian Faith, including its application to moral questions.
- Students will gain skill in Theological Communication – Graduates will demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in ecumenical and inter-religious contexts.
- Students will learn appreciation for Spiritual Growth – Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the relationship of theological knowledge and skills with their own spiritual growth.
- Students will learn appreciation for Servant-Leadership – Graduates will demonstrate understanding of the relationship of theological knowledge and skills with their service to others.
B.A. in Theology (36 sem. hrs.)
(Students must maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA.)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 200 | H2a:TH3:CIT:ChristiaTheoTo1500 | 3 |
| THEO 201 | H2a:TH3:CIT:ChrisTheo/1500-Pre | 3 |
| THEO 215 | H2a:TH1:CIT:OldTestamentScript | 3 |
| THEO 216 | H2a:TH3:CIT:NewTestamentScript | 3 |
| THEO 302 | H3:TH3:CIT: Liturgy/Sacraments | 3 |
| THEO 309 | H2a:TH1:CIT:SL:PrinJustic/Peac | 3 |
| THEO 406 | Theology Internship | 6 |
| Theology Internship options (see course description) | ||
| Choose 1 of the following: | ||
| THEO 408 | Seminar: Topics in Theology | 3 |
| or THEO 409 | ||
| THEO 579 | Christology and the Trinity | 3 |
| THEO 580 | Catholic Moral Life | 3 |
| THEO 581 | Ecclesiology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
M.A. in Theology (36 sem. hrs.) [= 27 Credit Hours + 9 Credit Hours from THEO 579, 580, 581]
(Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| THEO 670 | Catholic Tradition | 3 |
| THEO 682 | Old Testament Scriptures | 3 |
| THEO 683 | New Testament Scriptures | 3 |
| THEO 690 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| THEO 691 | Liturgy and Sacraments | 3 |
| Terminal Track | ||
| Pastoral Ministry Concentration (select three of the following courses) | 9 | |
| Lay Ecclesial Leadership | ||
| CPE: Eccl Leader/Pastoral Care | ||
| DV:Intro Counsel/Counsel Prof | ||
| Lifepsan Development | ||
| Group Process | ||
| Religious Education Concentration (select three of the following courses) | 9 | |
| Cetechesis | ||
| Lay Ecclesial Leadership | ||
| Psychology of Learning | ||
EDT 600 | ||
| Teach Strateg in Nursing Educ | ||
| Parish Administration Concentration (select three of the following courses) | 9 | |
| Parish Administration | ||
| Lay Ecclesial Leadership | ||
| Not-For-Profit Accounting | ||
| Services Marketing | ||
| Parish Administration | ||
| THEO 701 | Integration Project (Culminating assignment for students pursuing a terminal degree = concentration) | 3 |
| Non-Terminal Track | ||
| Elective Courses | 6 | |
| Spec Topics in Ecclesial Lead | ||
| Spec Topics in Moral Theology | ||
| Spec Topics in App Pract Theo | ||
| Special Topics in Scripture | ||
| Special Topics in Theology | ||
| THEO 702 | Integration Thesis (for students pursuing a non-terminal degree) | 6 |
Graduate course descriptions are listed in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission to the B.A./M.A. program follows three possible tracks:
Track 1 is Freshman Admission
Prospective students must meet two of the following three criteria:
-
Have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.5.
-
Have a minimum ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1200.
-
Graduate in the top 10% of their high school class.
Prospective students must complete the following protocol:
-
Complete an application form and submit with writing sample to Chair, Humanities Division.
-
Participate in an interview with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Graduate Program Director.
Students who do not meet requirements to enter the B.A./M.A. program as freshmen may apply through Track 2 or Track 3.
Track 2 is open to students after their freshman year who meet the following criteria:
-
Complete 30 semester hours, including transfer credits, with a minimum 3.3 GPA.
-
Complete THEO 106.
-
Complete an application form and submit with writing sample to Chair, Humanities Division.
-
Participate in an interview with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Graduate Program Director.
Track 3 is open to students after their sophomore year who meet the following criteria:
-
Complete 60 semester hours, including transfer credits, with a minimum 3.3 GPA.
-
Complete THEO 200, 201, 215, 216, and 302 OR 309
-
Complete an application form and submit with writing sample to Chair, Humanities Division.
-
Participate in an interview with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Graduate Program Director.
Students in the B.A./M.A. program must follow all undergraduate and graduate academic policies and procedures including a change of status for the graduate program.
Walsh University