Graduate Programs

Ph.D in Systematic Theology
M.A. in Pastoral Ministry
Dual Degree: M.A. in Pastoral Ministry and M.A. in Communication
M.A. in Religious Education
M.A. in Theology

See the McAnulty Graduate School Program Mission and Goals

Ph.D. in Systematic Theology

The Ph.D. in Systematic Theology program offers a perspective and identity which has, as its origin and focus, the Roman Catholic faith tradition. It concentrates on systematic theology, encompassing the fields of doctrinal and moral theology. Since Vatican Council II, the Catholic Church has urged the development of a contemporary systematic theology, rooted in sound biblical and historical scholarship, and in dialogue with the human and physical sciences. The Department of Theology is committed to the development of a Ph.D. program in Theology which listens to the other voices of human learning, including history of religion, philosophy, anthropology, spirituality, sociology and physical sciences.

Requirements

1. Completion of 12 graduate seminars totaling a minimum of 36 credit hours with at least a B average.

2. Each candidate for the Ph.D. in Theology must demonstrate a reading competence in two modern or ancient languages which are theologically relevant. In addition each student must show the ability to recognize the Greek and Hebrew alphabets as well as principal theological words. This requirement is ordinarily met in taking 600 level courses in Old and New Testament. The language competency must be met before taking the comprehensive examination.

3. Attendance at all departmental colloquia.

4. Each candidate for the Ph.D. in Theology is required to take a comprehensive examination upon completion of course work and satisfaction of the language requirements. Normally this exam is taken within one year of finishing course work. The comprehensive exam includes a research component, a written component and an oral component in each of four areas: Foundational Theology, Ecclesiology and Sacraments, General Moral Theology and an area of specialization chosen by the student and approved by the faculty.

For information on the Comprehensive exam Look Here

5. A dissertation (6 credits), which makes an original and significant theological contribution in the area of contemporary Systematic Theology, written under the supervision of a director, and publicly defended before a 5 person dissertation defense board which includes the director.

Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Scholarships

Each year the Department of Theology appoints a limited number of graduate assistants, normally for Ph.D. students. Assistantships include full tuition and fees in addition to a stipend. The assistantship is renewable on a yearly basis, if mutually agreeable to the student and the Department. Assistants carry a full-time course load and are asked to work 15 hours a week for the department, in teaching, assisting faculty in teaching or research, or in some other suitable assignment.

The Department of Theology also awards full and partial tuition scholarships to qualified applicants. These awards range from 1-9 credits tuition remission per semester and must be reapplied for on a yearly basis.

Tuition remission of 50% is granted by the University to all ordained persons, to all members of religious communities and to teachers in Catholic schools, etc. This form of tuition scholarship can be used only for the M.A. degree programs.

Ph.D. candidates, at their request, may also be employed by the department on a part-time basis for teaching undergraduate courses.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (top)

The MA in Pastoral Ministry provides a foundational, integrative curriculum for the theological education of people engaged in a variety of pastoral ministries, including: parish pastoral associate, parish life collaborator, director of religious education, youth minister, parish social minister, campus minister and health care minister. The curriculum is designed with attention to the competencies needed by Catholic lay ecclesial ministers and others. Students combine course work in central areas of theology with a year-long, formative practicum, including a field placement in their area of ministerial focus and an integrative seminar which culminates in a paper or pastoral project.

Students who follow a course rotation as shown below, taking two courses per semester plus the Formative Practicum/Integrative Seminar, can complete the MA within 3-4 years. Departmental funding is available only to those who enroll in two courses per semester and maintain this status throughout their program. Others may enroll on a part-time basis, taking one or two courses per semester and completing the program in up to 6 years.

Students may begin studies in Year A, B or C. A minimum of 12 credits must be completed before enrolling in Formative Practicum/Integrative Seminar I and II.

Credit total: 30 credits are required for the degree, earned through completion of 10 courses at 3 credits each. The Formative Practicum/Integrative Seminar I and II is a two-semester requirement, fall and spring semesters, totaling 2 practicum units.

Beginning in Fall 2008, courses will be offered on the following schedule on Tuesdays each semester, with the first course at 1:00-3:40 P.M. and the second course at 6:00-8:40 P.M. The second, evening course will also be offered via videoconferencing at selected locations. In subsequent rotations, afternoon courses will move to evening times, and evening courses to afternoon times. Contact the Department of Theology for a separate list of course titles, times and instructors by semester.

Year A
Fall Semester:
Theol 520, Christology
Theol 509, New Testament

Spring Semester:
Theol 543, Social Ethics
Theol 531, Ecclesiology

Year B
Fall Semester:
Theol 541, Theological Ethics
Theol 510, Old Testament

Spring Semester:
Theol 538, Sacraments
Theol 596, Human Development: Theological Context

Year C
Fall Semester:
Theol 539, Theology of Ministry
Theol 595, Leadership in the Faith Community

Spring Semester:
no credit courses

Formative Practicum/Integrative Seminar I and II (1 unit each): offered approximately every 2 years, fall and spring semesters. This supervised ministry program requires that students complete a field placement appropriate to their area of focus (e.g., pastoral care, catechetics, campus ministry, etc.), study key resources in this area, engage in theological reflection based on their ministerial experiences, and complete a final project as evidence of their integrative learning.

MA in Pastoral Ministry with Concentration in Health Care Ministry(30 credits plus 2 CPE units): Students interested in becoming chaplains in a hospital or other health care center pursue the same course sequence as above, with the following substitutions:

Year C, Fall: Substitute Theol 546, Health Care Ethics, for Theol 595, Leadership in the Faith Community

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE): substitute 2 units of CPE at an accredited center for Formative Practicum I and II.

Dual MA in Pastoral Ministry/MA in Communication: Students who wish to combine studies in pastoral ministry with communication may enroll in the dual MA. Students must apply concurrently to each sponsoring department to be considered for the dual MA. Separate guidelines are available through Pastoral Ministry (ministry@duq.edu, or phone 412-396-6528) and through the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies (phone 412-396-6446).

Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (12 credits plus 2 Practicum units): Students who do not desire a Master’s degree but who are interested in theological studies for ministry may enroll in the Certificate. They take 4 courses among those offered, including Theol 539, Theology of Ministry, plus the 2-unit Formative Practicum.

Graduate Certificate in Health Care Ministry (12 credits plus 2 CPE units): Students who do not desire a Master’s degree but who are interested in ministry in health care settings may enroll in the Certificate. They take Theol 546 (Health Care Ethics), Theol 539 (Theology of Ministry), 2 other courses among those offered, and 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at an accredited center.

Financial Assistance for MA or Certificate in Pastoral Ministry:
Departmental Scholarships: Students who agree to enroll in 2 courses (6 credits) per semester and maintain this status throughout their program may apply for a limited number of full departmental tuition scholarships. Forms are available through the Pastoral Ministry office, ministry@duq.edu.

Partial Tuition Discounts: Other students may apply for partial tuition assistance as follows. These discounts may be utilized for one degree at Duquesne University, and students must re-apply for them annually. Forms are available through the university Financial Aid Office, phone 412-396-6607.

50% Discount for Lay Ministers and Catholic School Teachers: Lay ministers employed at least part-time in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, as well as Catholic school teachers in local dioceses, receive an automatic 50% tuition discount.

50% Discount for Clergy and Vowed Religious: Ordained clergy of any denomination, and members of Catholic religious congregations, receive an automatic 50% tuition discount.

50% Discount for Students over Age 60.

This program is designed for students who wish to prepare to serve as directors of religious education and youth ministers in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. It is offered by the Department of Theology of Duquesne University in collaboration with the Department for Religious Education of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Students enrolled in this program are eligible for a full tuition scholarship, and normally enroll in one course per semester.

This program is currently under review for further curricular alignment with the MA in Pastoral Ministry.

Contact the Department of Theology for a separate list of course titles, times and instructors by semester.

Required courses in Theology and Catechetics (27 credits):
Theol 510, Old Testament
Theol 509, New Testament
Theol 520, Christology
Theol 531, Ecclesiology
Theol 538, Sacraments
Theol 541, Theological Ethics
Theol 543, Social Ethics
Theol 577, Introduction to Catechetics
Theol 579, Catechesis of Adults

Required courses in Education (6 credits):
GPSY 511, Psychology of Learning
GPSY 514, Human Growth and Development

Elective courses in Education (3 credits):
3 credits in an Education course

Financial Assistance for MA in Religious Education:
Diocesan Scholarships: Students working as parish catechetical leaders and youth ministers in the Diocese of Pittsburgh may apply to the Office for Religious Education for full tuition scholarships. Contact the Office for Religious Education at 412-456-3112 for information and application.

Master of Arts in Theology (top)

The MA in Theology provides a graduate-level foundation in central areas of theology. It is especially appropriate for those who wish to teach theology at the secondary level or prepare for doctoral-level studies in theology.

Students complete the following 10 courses for 3 credits each, and may begin studies in Year A, B or C. Beginning in Fall 2008, courses will be offered on the following schedule on Tuesdays each semester, with the first course at 1:00-3:40 P.M. and the second course at 6:00-8:40 P.M. The second, evening course will also be offered via videoconferencing at selected locations. In subsequent rotations, afternoon courses will move to evening times, and evening courses to afternoon times. Students may also enroll in one course per semester, recognizing that this will lengthen the time needed to complete the degree.

Contact the Department of Theology for a separate list of course titles, times and instructors by semester.

MA in Theology students also complete a written comprehensives examination to assess their grasp of foundational topics in theology. Further guidelines are available from the Department of Theology.

Year A
Fall Semester:
Theol 520, Christology
Theol 509, New Testament

Spring Semester:
Theol 543, Social Ethics
Theol 531, Ecclesiology

Year B
Fall Semester:
Theol 510, Old Testament
Theol 541, Theological Ethics

Spring Semester:
Theol 538, Sacraments
Theology PhD Seminar or other course approved by the department Chair

Year C
Fall Semester:
Theology PhD Seminar or other course approved by the department Chair

In addition to the courses listed above, a required course, Theol 508, Theological Foundations, will be offered periodically when there is sufficient enrollment.

Financial Assistance for MA in Theology:
Partial Tuition Discounts: MA in Theology students may apply for partial tuition assistance as follows. These discounts may be utilized for one degree at Duquesne University, and students must re-apply for them annually. Forms are available through the university Financial Aid Office, phone 412-396-6607.

50% Discount for Lay Ministers and Catholic School Teachers: Lay ministers employed at least part-time in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, as well as Catholic school teachers in local dioceses, receive an automatic 50% tuition discount.

50% Discount for Clergy and Vowed Religious: Ordained clergy of any denomination, and members of Catholic religious congregations, receive an automatic 50% tuition discount.

50% Discount for Students over Age 60.