Religious Studies Graduate Program

The Graduate Program in Religious Studies empowers students to effect social change and social justice in their communities and the world at large by providing theoretical foundations and praxis-centered learning in scripture, theology, ethics and pastoral outreach. It provides opportunities for the student to place personal faith within a theological understanding based on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.

The program challenges students to consider the interrelation between theory and praxis, and to see personal religious goals and belief systems in new and contemporary ways. Those who are already in pastoral ministry will find the studies practically based with an orientation towards local ecclesial communities. The department has a core group of faculty and visiting professors who provide both continuity for the program and theological competency in specific fields of inquiry.

The program responds to the goals and objectives of all its students. It serves:

• Students interested in academic research
• Ministers seeking to improve pastoral skills or to become pastoral associates and directors of parish life
• Teachers of religious studies
• Those who simply wish to enhance their personal theological and spiritual understanding

Learning Outcomes

Learn and employ prominent theories and methods used routinely in each of the major program areas.

Demonstrate the ability to think critically by using program-specific theories and research methods to access, research, synthesize and analyze information and ideas.

Communicate effectively both in writing and orally; master the conventions of the field’s standard notation & bibliographic style.

Engage a diverse society through increased awareness of race, class, gender, and socioeconomic issues that lead to systemic and distributive injustices.

Graduate Courses are divided according to the four areas listed below:

I. Scripture

II. Systematics

III. Ethics

IV. Pastoral Theology/Ministry