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DISTANCE LEARNING MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM
The Distance Learning Master of Arts (M.A.) 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 ten 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 who begin taking courses in the Distance Learning program on or after June 1, 2005, 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. Students who do opt to write a thesis must first take the analytical writing portion of the Graduate Record Exam (G.R.E.).
Core Curriculum
All students must complete the prerequisite course, DL 028 - Philosophy for Theologians, or have had an undergraduate course in Philosophy.
Requirements for Master of Arts in Philosophy: Twelve Credit Core Curriculum
DL 004 - Introduction to Moral Philosophy
DL 019 - Metaphysics
DL 020 - Philosophy of Nature
DL 024 - Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
Requirements for Master of Arts in Theology: Twelve Credit Core Curriculum
DL 025 - One and Triune God
STD 901 - Christology
SS 704 - Synoptic Gospels
Choice of one:
DL 003 - Biblical Foundations of Moral Theology
DL 005 - Introduction to Moral Theology
DL 013 - Moral Magisterium of John Paul II
DL 026 - Elements of Moral Theology
Comprehensive Examination
All candidates for the M.A. degree in theology are examined in Sacred Scripture, Dogmatic Theology, Moral Theology and Church History. Philosophy majors are examined in Philosophy of Nature/Metaphysics, Ethics, History of Philosophy, and Human Nature. The M.A. exam questions are given to the student at the time of acceptance into the M.A. program. The candidate is responsible for all the questions. Additional information and guidelines regarding the Comprehensive Examination are available from the Distance Learning Coordinator.
Admission Requirements
The M.A. program is for the student who is prepared to do graduate work. Candidates should have an interest in Theology and Philosophy, be well versed in Christian principles, and have the ability to articulate the principles well.
Applicants for the M.A. program should print the application form from the Holy Apostles website, www.holyapostles.edu, complete it and send it to:
Distance Learning Coordinator
Holy Apostles College and Seminary
33 Prospect Hill Road
Cromwell, CT 06416
Applicants to the M.A. program must:
1) Have a Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (B);
2) Provide proof established by official college transcripts and/or GRE scores of ability to succeed in graduate studies;
3) Have completed one or more undergraduate philosophy courses. Students who do not meet this requirement must take DL028 Philosophy for Theologians.
A maximum of six graduate credits toward the Distance Learning M.A. degree will be accepted by Holy Apostles for transfer. These credits must be from accredited colleges, and must be applicable to the M.A. degree as outlined.
DISTANCE LEARNING POLICIES
The Distance Learning Master of Arts program is designed to serve students whose circumstances make it difficult to enroll in a residential program at a Catholic college.
1. In their first semester students are expected to take only one course. In subsequent semesters, students who feel capable of studying more than one course may take up to three.
2. On an exceptional basis, incompletes are granted by permission of the professor. Students must complete the course work within six weeks of being granted an incomplete, or the grade will be changed to F. Students must eliminate incompletes before enrolling in other distance learning courses.
3. Students may audit a distance learning course with the permission of the professor.
4. There are additional fees in this program. In addition to tuition and video or audio tape fees, and the cost of books, the student must pay a $25 one time admission fee, a graduation fee (currently $125), and, if the student writes a thesis, a fee equivalent to a three credit course.
5. Financial aid is available to qualified students.
6. There is no residency requirement.
AREAS OF STUDY FOR THE DISTANCE LEARNING M.A.
A candidate for the M.A. in Philosophy or Theology is required to complete course work from appropriate areas of graduate study. As of July 1, 2005, Theology students must choose from one of four areas of concentration for their studies: Church History, Dogmatic Theology, Moral Theology, or Sacred Scripture. Additional concentrations may be added in the future as more courses become available.
The following descriptions provide an overview of each area of graduate study, and specify course work normally required for the M.A. in Theology or Philosophy.
Courses in Theology
Church History
Offer a study of the Church from its foundation to the Second Vatican Council. They include a study of the teachings of the Church Fathers. They provide for students an understanding of the role of Catholics in knowing the times and interpreting them in light of the Gospel.
Dogmatic Theology
Examine the doctrine of the Catholic Church. Topics covered include the Sacraments, the Trinity, and Grace. From these the student will come to appreciate more fully the Catholic faith.
Moral Theology
Offer an examination of the moral teachings of the Catholic Church and the complex issues surrounding them. Topics include the theological and moral virtues within the context of human activity, the role of conscience, etc.
Philosophical Theology
This one course explains the importance of philosophical thought as it relates to theology.
Scripture
Courses covering the Old and New Testaments help the student in his or her understanding of God’s Word in Sacred Scripture.
Courses in Philosophy
History of Philosophy
Offer the student a solid background in the history of philosophical thought from the pre-Socratic to the modern period. Emphasis is placed on Greek, Medieval and Modern philosophy.
Philosophical Theology
This one course explains the importance of philosophical thought as it relates to theology.
Systematic Philosophy
Provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of nature, human nature, and human thought from a Roman Catholic perspective. Topics include the fonts of morality, linguistic arts, propositional logic, and the study of the soul.
Topical Courses
Introduce the student to current issues from a philosophical perspective. Topics include medical ethics, sexual ethics, and the relationship between science and belief.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISTANCE LEARNING M.A.
Theology Degree Requirements
Moral Theology Concentration
Church History 1
Dogmatic Theology 2
Moral Theology 4
Sacred Scripture 1
Philosophical Theology 1
Electives 3
Dogmatic Theology Concentration
Church History 1
Dogmatic Theology 4
Moral Theology 1
Sacred Scripture 1
Philosophical Theology 1
Electives 4
Church History Concentration
Church History 4
Dogmatic Theology 2
Moral Theology 1
Sacred Scripture 1
Philosophical Theology 1
Electives 3
Sacred Scripture Concentration
Church History 1
Dogmatic Theology 2
Moral Theology 1
Sacred Scripture 4
Philosophical Theology 1
Electives 3
Philosophy Degree Requirements
Philosophy
History of Philosophy 2
Systematic Philosophy 5
Philosophical Theology 1
Topical Courses 3
Electives 1
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