Accredited Degree Programs
See a Model Curriculum Schema
What does six years of seminary education look like? Here’s a model curriculum schema from 1st Pre-theology through 4th Theology.
All accredited graduate-level degree programs at St. Mary’s must complete the entire core curriculum, which includes a complete treatment of Sacred Scripture; systematic, liturgical, moral, spiritual, and pastoral theology; church history; pastoral internships; and a comprehensive examination process. All courses are (3) credits, unless otherwise noted. A complete description of each course is available in the on-line catalog.
PRE-REQUISITE UNDERGRADUATE COURSES (pre-theology)
Philosophy (30 credits)
- Introduction to Philosophical Argumentation
- Philosophical Anthropology
- Philosophical Ethics
- Ancient Philosophy
- Medieval and Modern Philosophy
- Contemporary Issues in Philosophy
- Epistemological Issues in Theology
- Metaphysics
- Philosophy of Nature
- Philosophy of God
Undergraduate Theology (12 credits)
- Introduction to Catholic Catechism I
- Introduction to Catholic Catechism II
- Introduction to Scripture
- Prayer and Priesthood
- Liberal Arts (9 credits)
- Communication for Pastors
- Ecclesiastical Latin or Pastoral Spanish
GRADUATE THEOLOGY COURSES
Sacred Scripture (22.5 credits)
- The Bible in the Church (1.5)
- Pentateuch & Historical Literature
- Gospels of Mark & Matthew
- Gospel of Luke & Acts of the Apostles
- Pauline Epistles
- Prophetic Literature
- Psalms & Wisdom Literature
- Johannine Literature
Systematic and Liturgical Theology (38 credits)
- Liturgical Theology
- Fundamental Theology
- Doctrine of God
- Theological Anthropology
- Christology & Soteriology
- Theology of the Church
- Sacraments of Initiation (3) & Practicum (1)
- Theology & Spirituality of Priesthood
- Patristic Theology
- Eucharist (3) & Practicum (1)
- Eschatology (1.5)
- Marian Theology & Spirituality (1.5)
- Elective
Moral and Spiritual Theology (19.5 credits)
- Foundations of Moral Theology
- Spiritual Theology (1.5)
- Medical Ethics
- Human Sexuality, Celibacy, Marriage
- Catholic Social Ethics
- Sacraments of Healing
- Elective
Pastoral Theology (30 credits)
- Pastoral Care and Practice
- Field Ministry Practicum
- Preaching I
- Preaching II
- Survey of Canon Law
- Canon Law of Marriage and Sacraments
- The Pastor as Catechist (1.5)
- The Pastor as Evangelist (1.5)
- Parish Practicum
- Ecumenism
- Pastoral Administration & Leadership
Church History (9 credits)
- Ancient & Medieval Christianity
- Modern & Contemporary Catholicism
- American Catholicism
- One Free Elective (3 credits)
TOTAL: 122 Graduate Credits
Next, See Individual Degree Programs:
- Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology Degree (S.T.B.)
- Licentiate in Sacred Theology Degree (S.T.L.)
- Doctorate in Sacred Theology Degree (S.T.D.)
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.)
- Pre-Theology Program
- Model Curriculum Schema