Program Requirements
GRADUATE PROGRAMProgram Requirements
The Master of Arts degree in Catholic Studies requires students to complete 10 courses (30 credits) and one master's essay (3 credits) for a total of 33 credits.
Core interdisciplinary courses:
CSMA 500 Catholic Thought and Culture I
CSMA 501 Catholic Thought and Culture II
Core area courses:
A course in Catholic theology
A course in Catholic philosophy
A course in Catholic history
Elective Courses:
All students must complete five elective courses. A variety of courses from various disciplines is offered each year. In consultation with the director of graduate studies, students choose electives that correspond to their interests and that provide additional exposure to areas of study that may be lacking in their academic background or current program. By tailoring electives, students may obtain a concentration in a discipline or pursue a thematic concentration that allows examination of a single topic across several disciplines.
Master's Essay:
Under the supervision of a faculty adviser, all students complete a master's essay as the final, qualifying project for the degree. The master's essay gives students an opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills and deepen their mastery of areas of Catholic Studies that are particularly intriguing to them. The completed paper, approximately 25-30 pages, will be evaluated by a committee of three faculty members who will hold a formal conversation about it with the student. Normally, students complete the master's essay during their last semester of study.
