Collegeville Core

At Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, the Collegeville Core lies at the center of nearly every degree program. This shared curriculum forms students for lives of service, preparing them to think critically, constructively, and appreciatively about the Christian theological tradition as they grow into scholars, ministers, and leaders.

Core Areas of Theological Formation

The Core spans the breadth of Christian thought and practice through six key academic areas:

  • Monastic Studies – Encounter the Benedictine tradition as a living source of wisdom and spiritual depth.
  • History of Christianity – Trace the development of Christian communities, practices, and beliefs through time.
  • Systematic Theology – Reflect on the structure and coherence of Christian doctrine.
  • Moral Theology – Consider the ethical dimensions of Christian life and social responsibility.
  • Sacred Scripture – Engage deeply with the biblical text through historical and theological interpretation.
  • Liturgy – Study the theology and shape of worship across Christian traditions.

The interplay among these areas fosters an integrative and holistic theological education.

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A Shared Academic Experience Across Degrees

The Collegeville Core brings together students from diverse programs—Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Arts in Theology (MAT), and Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM)—into a common academic experience. This shared learning environment encourages rich dialogue and collaboration across a variety of ministerial and scholarly paths, strengthening the formation of each student.