Master of Arts in Theology
Curriculum
The curriculum for the M.A. in Theology has been developed from the competency goals
identified by three key associations for ministry; namely, the National Association for
Lay Ministry, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Inc., and the National
Conference for Catechetical Leadership. Rev. Joseph T. Merkt, S.T.D. in Common Formation
Goals for Ministry, has summarized the competency-based certification standards for these
organizations. Three competency areas are delineated: personal, theological, and
professional.
The competency goals are central to the preparation of candidates for
ministry, but are not an immediately visible aspect of the program of studies. This aspect
of the program is primarily addressed in the opportunities provided for retreats, mentoring,
spiritual direction, etc. These competencies will be assessed through the portfolio
requirements (see THL 700). Students will be introduced to the portfolio requirements in
the required Orientation Seminar (THL 500). One section of the portfolio will be devoted
to documentation of meetings with mentors (or similar activities) and reflective essays
that address these issues.
The competency goals form the centerpiece of the ODU curriculum. ODU
offers courses in biblical, historical, and systematic theology. Students who complete this
program will be prepared for further academic study as well as for ministry.
The competency goals that are so necessary for successful work in
the church are primarily addressed in the internship experience (THL 697 and 698). The
internship includes both supervised field-learning activities in a student's area of
ministerial specialization and an instructor led seminar with all internship students.
In addition there are opportunities for students to pursue professional competencies in
Independent Study (THL 686). This option is likely to be used by students for study in a
particular ministerial field or in pursuit of a particular professional skill prior to the
internship experience.
All three sets of competencies identified by the pertinent national associations for
ministry are the focus of the required Integrative Seminar (THL 700). Upon completion of
the Master of Arts in Theology a student will have acquired not only a deeper understanding
of the theological insights of Catholic Christianity, but will also have addressed his or
her personal appropriation of this tradition as well as its ministerial implications.
- THL 500 Orientation Seminar
- THL 525 Prophetic Literature or THL 550 Synoptic Gospels and Acts
- THL 610 Christology
- THL 630 Ecclesiology or THL 635 Liturgy and Sacraments
- THL 650 Moral Theology or THL 655 Catholic Social Teaching
- THL 700 Integrative Seminar
