The B.A./M.A. program is designed to provide high-achieving students an accelerated path to theological literacy and professional competency in service to the Church—especially in fields such as Pastoral Ministry, Religious Education and Parish Administration—or as preparation for doctoral-level research.Through integrated coursework, this streamlined program enables students to earn their Master of Arts in Theology in approximately six years.

To remain in the program, students must: 

  • Meet admission general University admission requirements as well as requirements for the B.A./M.A. program
  • Maintain a 3.3 GPA in their undergraduate coursework
  • Follow all undergraduate and graduate academic policies and procedures to remain in good standing

With the permission of their advisor, B.A./M.A. students take three graduate courses during the last three semesters of their undergraduate degree program: THEO 579, THEO 580 and THEO 581. Upon completion of the undergraduate requirements for the B.A. portion of the program, students will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts. An official Change of Status form must be filed with the Division of Philosophy and Theology to change the student status from undergraduate to graduate. Upon completion of all graduation requirements, students will be awarded the Master of Arts.

TRACK 1 - FRESHMAN ADMISSION

Prospective students must meet two of the following three criteria:

  • Have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.5.
  • Have a minimum ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1200.
  • Graduate in the top 10% of their high school class.

Prospective students must complete the following protocol:

  • Complete an application form and submit with writing sample to Chair, Division of Philosophy and Theology.
  • Participate in an interview with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Graduate Program Director.

Students who do not meet requirements to enter the B.A./M.A. program as freshmen may apply through Track 2 or Track 3.

TRACK 2 - OPEN TO STUDENTS AFTER THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR 

Prospective students must meet the following criteria:

  • Complete 30 semester hours, including transfer credits, with a minimum 3.3 GPA.
  • Complete THEO 106.
  • Complete an application form and submit with writing sample to Chair, Division of Philosophy and Theology.
  • Participate in an interview with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Graduate Program Director.

TRACK 3 - OPEN TO STUDENTS AFTER THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR 

Prospective students must meet two of the following three criteria:

  • Complete 60 semester hours, including transfer credits, with a minimum 3.3 GPA.
  • Complete THEO 200, 201, 215, 216, and 302 OR 309
  • Complete an application form and submit with writing sample to Chair, Division of Philosophy and Theology.
  • Participate in an interview with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Graduate Program Director.

Students in the B.A./M.A. program must follow all undergraduate and graduate academic policies and procedures including a change of status for the graduate program.