Distance Learning

The Distance Learning M.A. (Master of Arts) program is a course of study designed to give a
broad acquaintance with the major philosophical or theological disciplines. It is a flexible program, with a six year time limit from entry into the program to completion of the degree requirements. The program is designed to prepare men and women for ministry, teaching philosophy, religion or theology, for a subsequent Post Master’s Certificate in Theology, or for licentiate or doctoral work. Classes also serve as enrichment for persons in other professions wanting to deepen understanding of their faith or seeking to integrate their faith into their daily lives.

All students are required to complete 36 credit hours in order to earn their degree. For these students, neither a foreign language proficiency exam nor an M.A. thesis is required in order to
graduate. Students who aspire to pursue advanced degrees beyond the M.A. may write an
M.A. thesis or take a foreign language proficiency exam if they wish. However, neither the thesis nor the language exam may be substituted for any of the required 36 credit hours. 

Core Curriculum

All students must complete the prerequisite course, PHTH 600 Philosophy for Theologians. The Dean may consider exceptions to this requirement for students with bachelor's degrees in philosophy if he determines that the BA has sufficiently prepared them for the Thomistic emphasis found at Holy Apostles.

Requirements for Master of Arts in Philosophy (12 Credit Core Curriculum)

• PHL570 ‐Introduction to Moral Philosophy
• PHL590 ‐Metaphysics
• PHL725 ‐Philosophy of Nature
• PHL730 ‐Ancient and Medieval Philosophy

Requirements for Master of Arts in Theology (12 Credit Core Curriculum)

• STD707 ‐One and Triune God (meets 1 of 2 Dogmatic Theology requirement)
• STD 901 ‐Christology (meets 2 of 2 Dogmatic Theology requirement)
• SS 704 ‐Synoptic Gospels (meets 1 of 1 Sacred Scripture requirement)
• STM 620‐Fundamental Moral Theology (meets the Moral Theology core requirement)

Summative Evaluation

All candidates for the M.A. degree are required to complete a Summative Evaluation exercise (a thesis, comprehensive exams or a special project). Additional information and guidelines regarding the Summative Evaluation exercise are available from the Distance Learning Coordinator.