University of Saint Mary of the Lake

Divinity

The Master of Divinity curriculum is a four-year program of formation designed to fulfill all of the requirements of the Program for Priestly Formation, as set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The primary purpose of the MDiv is to prepare candidates for the diocesan priesthood, and the program includes participation in the Tolton Teaching Parish Program, a Pastoral Internship, and a Study Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Licentiate in Sacred Theology

Liturgical Studies

The Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies is an academic degree which provides the graduate with the scholarship necessary to serve as a competent resource person for ministries at diocesan and parochial levels. This degree is also designed to prepare the graduate for further graduate study at the doctoral level, and requires reading knowledge of Latin and one modern research language.

Liturgy

The MAL utilizes the same coursework and degree requirements as the MALS with the exception that the MAL does not require foreign language facility, and the student completes a pastoral project instead of an academic thesis for the final project. The Master of Arts in Liturgy is a professional, terminal degree which provides the graduate with theologically informed skills necessary for practical liturgical leadership in a diocesan office, Catholic parish, or secondary education program.

Ministry

Focused on Christian Leadership, the Doctor of Ministry program in the School of Parish Leadership is designed to help experienced pastoral ministers become knowledgeable, intentional, and effective Christian Leaders. It is open to all Christian faith traditions and attends to the growth of four dimensions of ministers: their intellectual, human, spiritual, and pastoral facets, culminating in a doctoral-level thesis project.

Ministry of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

The Post-Graduate Certificate in the Ministry of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises allows students to undertake graduate level course work to advance their studies and formation without completing a thesis project. 12 credits are required, focused on Ignatian contemplative spiritual direction and retreat ministry.

Pastoral Studies

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Degree Program seeks to educate leaders for pastoral ministry as co-workers, with the bishop and his priests and deacons, in service to the people of God.

Pastoral Theology

The Post-Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Theology is for students looking to undertake graduate level course work to advance their studies and formation without completing a thesis project. 18 credits are required, comprising 12 credits of required leadership courses plus two elective courses.

Philosophy and Religion

The Master of Arts (Philosophy and Religion) was accredited officially by ATS in August of 2013. Its basic coursework is the seminary's discipleship program, designed for those who need to make the transition into seminary life and acquire the requisite academic courses in philosophy and religious studies before beginning the MDiv program. The MA builds on the discipleship program by requiring a 3-question comprehensive exam and a 15-page capstone research paper.

Sacred Theology

Those who complete the STB degree, and meet the necessary language competency requirements, can begin work toward the ecclesiastical Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) during the fourth year of the MDiv program by taking additional courses.

Sacred Theology

The Pontifical Faculty of Theology, recognized and approved by the Congregation for Catholic Education at the Vatican, offers the Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD). Students can complete an STD at USML.

Sacred Theology

The Pontifical Faculty of Theology grants the ecclesiastical Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB). Students who wish to complete the STB degree concurrently with the MDiv can write extra research papers for three of their MDiv courses and take a comprehensive exam during their third or fourth year of study.

Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) provides a solid foundation in theology at the graduate level for students interested in growing in their understanding of the Christian tradition, working in a ministerial context, or preparing for advanced theological studies. Designed with working adults in mind, it can be completed online or onsite. The MTS program culminates in a comprehensive examination designed to integrate student learning in the core curriculum.