school of theology
The Josephinum School of Theology is primarily dedicated to providing four full years of theological and ministerial formation in preparation for priestly ordination through the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program. The School of Theology offers three additional academic programs: A Master of Arts in Theology degree, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree (in affiliation with the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy), and a Certificate in Hispanic Ministry Field Education.
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Completion of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and ordination to the priesthood are the normative credentials promoted by the School of Theology of the Pontifical College Josephinum for its seminarians. These credentials are conferred after the successful completion of the fourth year of studies in the School of Theology. The MDiv program, which is intended to prepare candidates for the Catholic priesthood, is open only to seminarians who have been accepted into the program by the rector/president of the Josephinum. The MDiv is a first-level professional degree that is included in the seminary’s ordination program. The ordination program also requires various advanced components.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Theology (hereafter MA) is a first-level graduate degree that can be taken for personal enrichment, as preparation for teaching, or as preparation for further studies. It has two primary goals: first, to provide a core, graduate-level competency in theological studies; second, to allow for a concentration in biblical studies, dogmatic theology, moral theology, or evangelization. Seminarians preparing for the priesthood at the Josephinum, and therefore working towards a Master of Divinity degree, may pursue the MA concurrently.
Bachelor of Sacred Theology
The Pontifical College Josephinum, in affiliation the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum) in Rome, Italy, offers a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB). Since this degree is awarded by the Angelicum, it is an entry-level pontifical degree. Candidates awarded this degree can then move on to pursue higher pontifical degrees. Requirements for ordination are not satisfied by the STB degree since it does not require the practical courses included among the requirements for ordination.
Certificate in Hispanic Ministry Field Education
This program prepares both non-Hispanic and Hispanic seminarians in the School of Theology for ministry to the growing population of Hispanic Catholics in the United States. It emphasizes learning through practice of the different elements involved in ministry to Hispanic Catholics in the United States. Prerequisites and requirements may be found in the current catalog.
