Learning Outcomes

Master of Theological Studies

Students graduating with the Master of Theological Studies will

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the history and contemporary context of the Christian theological tradition, including its global context, ecumenical character, and the multicultural realities.
  • Exercise a critical, historically-rooted approach to theology that includes reading primary texts in their historical context, assessing them critically, and identifying the social, cultural, and personal lens through which they interpret the tradition.
  • Articulate ways in which theological study serves the ongoing life of the Church.
  • Incorporate the Benedictine charisms of biblical, liturgical, and communal life into their vocational identity and practice.

Master of Divinity 

The requirements for the Master of Divinity Degree leading to ordination follow the Program of Priestly Formation (USCCB)  implemented according to the Formation for Presbyeral Ministry in Institutes of Religious Life (CMSM) approved by the Vatican in October 2011.

Ordination candidates who graduate with the Masters of Divinity Degree will

      • Demonstrate a knowledge of the history and development of the Bible and Catholic theology, including the Church's sacramental life, ministries, moral and social teachings
  • Exercise leadership which incorporates practical theological reflection on worship, catechesis, biblical interpretation and preaching, pastoral care, administration, and social ministries
  • Demonstrate Christian maturity through ministerial ethics, respect for cultural diversity, commitment to lifelong learning about the Christian faith as well as to celibacy lived as both a gift and a discipline, with awareness of its theological, personal, and pastoral meaning.
  • Incorporate the Benedictine charisms of biblical, liturgical, and communal life into their presbyteral identity and practice.

Lay persons who graduate with the Masters of Divinity Degree will

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the history and development of the Bible and Catholic theology, including the Church's sacramental life, ministries, moral and social teachings.
  • Exercise leadership which incorporates practical theological reflection on worship, catechesis, biblical interpretation and preaching, pastoral care, administration, and social ministries.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to Christian maturity through ministerial ethics, respect for cultural diversity, and lifelong learning about the Christian faith.
  • Incorporate the Benedictine charisms of biblical, liturgical, and communal life into their ministerial identity and practice.

Master of Arts in Ministry 

Based on the principles established in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry and The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, the Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary's Master of Arts in Ministry degree is designed to equip current and future ecclesial ministers for effective ministerial leadership.

  • Deacons and Lay students who graduate with the Masters of Arts in Ministry will  
  • Accurately represent the Christian tradition and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
  • Utilize practical theological skills to describe ministry situations and contexts, interpret situations theologically, and develop effective strategic responses.
  • Demonstrate growth and integration in intellectual, spiritual, pastoral, and human formation for ministry.
  • Incorporate the Benedictine charisms of biblical, liturgical, and communal life into their ministerial identity and practice.

Master of Arts in Liturgical Music

  • Students will gain a basic knowledge of the liturgy in order to understand the role of music in worship.
    • Students will understand and be able to use theological and liturgical vocabulary and concepts in liturgical, theological and ministerial discussions
  • Students will be able to engage in research, writing, and oral expression of liturgy-related topics.
  • Students will demonstrate musical excellence in a major area (organ, voice/choral conducting, or composition) and a secondary (minor) area (organ or voice) through auditions, coursework, and juries.
  • Students will integrate liturgical awareness with musical excellence and pastoral sensitivity.

Master of Theology

  • Students will gain a general knowledge of the Christian theological tradition and of contemporary scholarship.
    • Students will understand and be able to use theological vocabulary and concepts in theological and ministerial discussions.
    • Students will be able to engage in research, writing, and oral exposition.
    • Students will develop an understanding of the global context of the Christian tradi­tion, the ecumenical character of the Christian tradition, and the multicultural realities of contemporary society.
    • Students will demonstrate the ability to use theological texts in a language other than English.
    • Students will develop a critical, historically-rooted approach to theology.
    • Students will know how to read primary texts in the context of historical periods.
    • Students will be able to assess theological texts and materials critically.
    • Students will be aware of the social, cultural, and personal lens through which they interpret the tradition.
    •  Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in theological research and defend a position responsibly through the writing and oral defense of a thesis.
    • Students will understand how theological study serves the ongoing life of the Church.