Degree Programs and Application
Master of Arts Liturgical Studies
The Master of Arts (Liturgical Studies) is an academic degree which provides the graduate with the scholarship to serve as a resource to ministries at diocesan and parochial levels. This degree also qualifies the student to teach in secondary-education programs or for further graduate study at the doctoral level. The program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
I. Prerequisites:
1. A bachelor’s degree.
2. At least 18 hours of course work in theology, philosophy or religious studies, though this may be waived or reconsidered if an applicant presents significant pastoral experience.
3. Language competency examinations in Latin and one modern language must be completed before the end of the first quarter of study.
4. Official transcripts from all college and graduate programs attended.
5. Three letters of recommendation: from a pastor or religious superior; from a professor or academic instructor, preferably in theology or a related field; from an employer or supervisor in ministry.
6. A Personal Statement explaining the applicant’s interest in the program and professional or ministerial goals.
II. Course Requirements
The Master of Arts (Liturgical Studies) normally requires four consecutive semesters of study. The first academic year (September to May) is normally spent in residence. Courses may also be taken on a part-time basis. Students complete written and oral comprehensive examinations, language competency examinations and a thesis.
A. Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination will be taken during the student’s sixth quarter. Examination dates are arranged in consultation with the Director, examiners and student. The examinations are designed to enable the student to demonstrate mastery of program material.
B. The Master’s Thesis
Students develop a topic in liturgical or sacramental theology, conduct research and write a scholarly essay under the direction of a faculty advisor. The Master’s thesis must be approximately seventy-five pages in length and demonstrate a clear understanding of Catholic sacramental principles and of the Sacred Liturgy. See the Liturgical Institute’s Academic Bulletin for more information.
C. Coursework for the 2012-2013 academic year. (Note: course titles will change for the 2013-2014 academic year as the University transitions to a semester system from a quarter system, but all course content will remain the same).
Three credit courses:
Christian Initiation
Eucharist: Origins and Structure
Matrimony and Orders
Reconciliation, Anointing, Death
Liturgical Year and Liturgy of the Hours
Sacramentals, Blessings, Devotions
Liturgical Traditions East and West
Liturgical Documentation and Law
Liturgical Art and Architecture
Sources and Methods in Liturgiology
History of Sacramental Theology
Theology and Spirituality of the Liturgy
History and Spirituality of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
Two credit courses:
Sacramental Aesthetics
Music and Worship
Eucharist: Theological Issues
Word of God and Liturgy
The Liturgical Movement
Ritual, Symbol and Worship
Principles of Sacramental Theology
Liturgy and Cultural Adaptation
Liturgical Preparation and Training
Thesis writing