Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Theology M.A.(Th.)

The M.A.(Th.) is a 30-credit program intended for candidates who already have a solid undergraduate formation in theology which includes courses in various areas of theology such as systematic theology, history, biblical studies, ethics, and spirituality. It is designed to allow these students to gain greater familiarity with the various research methods in theology and to begin a specialization in a particular area of theological disciplines, while promoting an integration of the theological formation already acquired.

Graduate programs normally have a residency requirement, where residence is defined as the period in which the student is registered full-time at the Faculty of Theology. This requirement must be met ordinarily at the beginning of the program. For the M.A.(Th.), its duration is of three–usually consecutive–terms. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Academic Regulations”.

Admission procedures and requirements specific to the program

In addition to the common admission procedures, the additional documents and requirements for admission are:

1. the candidate must hold a honours bachelor (60 credits in theology) or its equivalent with minimum second class standing (“B” average);
2. the candidate must have a mastery of one of the two official languages of Canada and have a passive knowledge (ability to read and to follow lectures) of the other. Evidence of the passive knowledge of the other official language must be provided with the request for admission. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
3. two confidential letters of reference written by persons from the academic world must be provided with the request for admission. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
4. the candidate registers in a concentration (Biblical Studies, Ethics, Systematic and Historical Theology, Spirituality, Eastern Christian Studies). To be admitted to a particular concentration, the candidate must have demonstrated a certain level of knowledge in the chosen concentration;
5. to be admitted in the Biblical Studies concentration, a candidate must have basic knowledge (Introduction — Part 1) of Hebrew and of Greek;
6. a candidate who registers in Eastern Christian Studies must have basic knowledge of Greek.

Program requirements

The program structure of the M.A.(Th.) is identical for the Biblical Studies, Ethics, Spirituality, and Systematic and Historical Theology concentrations. The structure of the Eastern Christian Studies concentration is specific to that concentration and can be found following the M.A.(Th.) requirements.

1. Methodology course and major research paper (9 cr.)

THO 6399 Theological Methodologies (3 cr.)
THO 6998 Research paper (6 cr.)

The submission of the research paper is dependent upon successful completion of the Methodology course (THO 6399).

2. Foundation Courses (12 cr.)

THO 6310 Theological Hermeneutics
THO 6318 Interpretation of the Biblical Text
THO 6333 Methods and Approaches in Contemporary Ethics
THO 6358 Spirituality: Methods and Relationships with the Human Sciences

3. Electives (9 cr.)

Three courses from the following in the chosen concentration.

Biblical Studies

THO 6317 Formation of the Biblical Text
THO 6319 Biblical Texts: Author(s) I
THO 6320 Biblical Texts: Author(s) II
THO 6321 Rhetorical Analysis
THO 6322 Semiotic Approaches
THO 6323 Narrative or Poetic Approaches
THO 6324 Contemporary Reading and Interpretations I
THO 6325 Contemporary Reading and Interpretations II
THO 6326 History of Israel
THO 6327 Archaeology of the Holy Land
THO 6328 Judaism: Greco‑Roman Period
THO 6329 History of the Christian Community: 1st Century
THO 6330 Biblical Hebrew: Reading of Biblical Texts
THO 6331 Biblical Greek: Reading of Biblical Texts
THO 6332 Bible and Computer Assisted Research

Ethics

THO 6334 Issues and Debates in Contemporary Ethics
THO 6335 Ethics and Biblical Hermeneutics
THO 6336 Ethical Themes in Scripture
THO 6337 Ethics and History
THO 6338 History of Ethical Thought
THO 6339 History of an Ethical Question
THO 6340 Sexual Ethics
THO 6341 Political Ethics
THO 6342 Ethics and Health Sciences
THO 6343 Social Ethics
THO 6344 Economic Ethics
THO 6345 Ethics and Spirituality
THO 6346 Ethics of Speech

Systematic and Historical Theology

THO 6348 History and Theology I
THO 6349 History and Theology II
THO 6350 Contemporary Theology I
THO 6351 Contemporary Theology II
THO 6354 Religious Experience
THO 6355 Theology and Culture
THO 6356 Scripture and Theology I
THO 6357 Scripture and Theology II

Spirituality

THO 6354 Religious Experience
THO 6359 Comparative Study of Spiritual Traditions
THO 6360 Biblical Spiritual Traditions I
THO 6361 Biblical Spiritual Traditions II
THO 6362 Early Christian Spiritual Traditions I
THO 6363 Early Christian Spiritual Traditions II
THO 6364 Liturgy and Spirituality I
THO 6365 Liturgy and Spirituality II
THO 6366 History of Spiritual Traditions I
THO 6367 History of Spiritual Traditions II
THO 6368 Spiritual Movements – Their Social Context and Importance I
THO 6369 Spiritual Movements – Their Social Context and Importance II
THO 6370 Contemporary Theology of Spirituality I
THO 6371 Contemporary Theology of Spirituality II
THO 6372 Spiritual Direction

Program requirements – M.A.(Th.) Eastern Christian Studies Concentration

1. Resources and Methods – Synthesis Exam – Research Paper (12 cr.)

THO 6378 Resources and Methods for the Study of Eastern Christianity (3 cr.)
THO 6997 M.A. Synthesis Exam in Eastern Christian Studies (3 cr.)
THO 6998 Research Paper (6 cr.)

2. Two Foundational Courses (6 cr.)

Selected from the following six courses offered on a three-year cycle:

THO 6375 Foundational Texts in Eastern Christian Church History (Year B)
THO 6376 Foundational Texts in Eastern Christian Spirituality (Year C)
THO 6377 Foundational Texts in Eastern Christian Liturgical History (Year A)
THO 6382 Foundational Texts in Eastern Christian Theology (Year A)
THO 6388 Foundational Texts in Eastern Christian Liturgical Theology (Year B)
THO 6397 Foundational Texts in East-West Ecumenism (Year C)

3. Three other Courses in Eastern Christian Studies (9 cr.)

Selected from the list of foundational courses (above) or from the following list:

THO 6352 Studies in Eastern Christianity
THO 6379 Issues in Eastern Christian Hermeneutics and Exegesis
THO 6380 Patristic Theology
THO 6381 Contemporary Eastern Theology
THO 6387 Issues in Eastern Christian Liturgical History
THO 6392 The History of Eastern Christian Institutions, Movements, Persons
THO 6393 Methodological Issues in Eastern Church History
THO 6398 Interreligious Issues and the Christian East

4. THO 6310 Theological Hermeneutics

Normally, this course is required unless the student has already taken it or its equivalent, in which case the student may take, with Faculty approval, another course (3 cr.) outside the concentration.

Licentiate in Theology – ecclesiastical (L.Th.)

The L.Th. (also known as the Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus, S.T.L.) is an ecclesiastical degree granted by Saint Paul University by virtue of its pontifical charter. The L.Th. is a 51-credit program structured identically in all concentrations.

Graduate programs normally have a residency requirement, where residence is defined as the period in which the student is registered full-time at the Faculty of Theology. This requirement must be met generally at the beginning of the program. For the L.Th., its duration is of three–usually consecutive–terms. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Academic Regulations”.

Admission procedures and requirements specific to the program

In addition to the common admission procedures, the additional documents and requirements for admission are:

1. the candidate must hold an ecclesiastical B.Th. with minimum second class standing (“B” average);
2. the candidate must have a mastery of one of the two official languages of Canada and have a passive knowledge (ability to read and to follow lectures) of the other. Evidence of the passive knowledge of the other official language must be provided with the request for admission. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
3. two confidential letters of reference written by persons from the academic world must be provided with the request for admission. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
4. the candidate registers in a concentration (Biblical Studies, Ethics, Systematic and Historical Theology, Spirituality, Eastern Christian Studies). To be admitted to a particular concentration, the candidate must have demonstrated a certain knowledge in the chosen concentration;
5. to be admitted to the L.Th. program, the candidate must have sufficient knowledge of Latin (Level I — Introduction);
6. to be admitted in the Biblical Studies concentration, a candidate must have basic knowledge (Introduction — Part 1) of Hebrew and of Greek;
7. to be admitted to the second year of the L.Th. program in Eastern Christian Studies, the candidate must also have sufficient knowledge of Greek. Other ancient or modern languages may be required depending on the area of research chosen.

Program requirements

1. Thirty credits identical to the structure of the M.A.(Th.) program

Please refer to the previous section that deals with the M.A.(Th.) program.

2. Twenty-one credits divided as follows:

a. two courses in the concentration (6 cr.), to be chosen from the courses listed in the M.A.(Th.) program
b. one course in any other concentration (3 cr.), to be chosen from the courses listed in the M.A.(Th.) program
c. THO 6105 Important Theological Syntheses (3 cr.) – Written and oral exams
d. one course at the University of Ottawa in pedagogy or its equivalent (3 cr.)
e. major paper in the student’s concentration (6 cr.)

Master in Pastoral Theology (M.P.Th.)

The M.P.Th. is a 30-credit program that offers women and men of various Christian traditions a milieu for practical ministry formation founded on theological reflection. The program aims to enable students to discern the sociological and psychological dimensions of specific communities and to integrate spiritual life within these dimensions. The learning process includes supervised ministry.

Graduate programs normally have a residency requirement, where residence is defined as the period in which the student is registered full-time at the Faculty of Theology. This requirement must be met ordinarily at the beginning of the program. For the M.P.Th., its duration is of three–usually consecutive–terms. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Academic Regulations”.

Career Opportunities

Pastoral agent (parishes, community agencies and services, immigration services, schools, etc.); priest or religious; lay and ordained pastoral minister; spiritual director; missionary; responsible for religious formation; director of pastoral services (hospitals, retirement homes, detention centres, universities, etc.); military chaplain; senior chaplaincy executive (military, correctional system, school boards, health care institutions); university professor.

Admission procedures and requirements specific to the program

In addition to the common admission procedures, the additional documents and requirements for admission are:

1. hold a honours bachelor’s degree in theology (B.Th.) or a honours bachelor and 60 credits in theology, with minimum “B” average;
2. supply three letters of reference of which at least one must be written by a person from the academic world and another by a person from the pastoral world. Candidates are to use the form-letters available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
3. provide a completed autobiographical questionnaire. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
4. an interview is normally required.

A “Master Stream” has been established to identify students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, who have been granted 60 credits advanced standing and who wish to pursue master’s level studies in the Faculty of Theology after completion of the B.Th.(civil) program.

Program requirements

1. Six academic courses (18 cr.)

a. Three foundational courses (9 cr.)

THO 5301 Pastoral Theology
IPA 5321 Pastoral Ministry and Psychology
IPA 5322 Pastoral Ministry and Sociology

b. Two courses (6 cr.) selected from:

THO 5302 Catechetical Pastoral Theology
THO 5303 Liturgical Pastoral Theology
THO 5304 Christian Community in its Social Dimension
THO 5305 Christian Community and its Development
DCA 5310 Canonical Pastoral Theology

c. One elective (3 cr.)

To be selected from section (b) or:

THO 5307 Studies in Pastoral Practice I
THO 5308 Studies in Pastoral Practice II

2. Two Practica (12 cr.)

The practica are composed of two elements: training sessions at Saint Paul University and the actual praxis in a field placement.

IPA 5481 Professional Ministry Practicum I, over one session (Fall)
IPA 5482 Professional Ministry Practicum II, over two sessions (Winter ‑ Spring/Summer)

Anglican Studies Profile

The M.P.Th. is an integral part of the formation within the Anglican Studies Program. The successful completion of the M.P.Th. degree is required for ordination to the priesthood in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa.

The M.P.Th. includes two credited and supervised practica. The parish setting for postulants will be determined by the Director of the M.P.Th. program, in consultation with the field placement supervisor of the Anglican Studies Program. (N.B. The placement setting for Anglicans in the M.P.Th. program who are not postulants will be determined by the Director of the M.P.Th. program.)

While the student will fulfill the requirements of the M.P.Th. practica, he will also work with the incumbent of the parish and the Lay Support Groups, who will submit a separate evaluation to the coordinator of the Anglican Studies Program, which will be forwarded to the prospective diocese, upon request.

Liturgy and Community Life

Theological and pastoral formation in the Anglican Studies Program occurs within the context of a worshipping community. All Anglicans are invited (and postulants for ordination are expected) to participate in the regular liturgical life of the Anglican Community at Saint Paul University, as well as extra-curricular activities such as retreats, quiet days, and workshops.

Program requirements – M.P.Th. Anglican Studies Profile

The course requirements for the Anglican Studies Profile of the M.P.Th. are identical to those of the M.P.Th., as described in the previous section, with one exception: DCA 5310 Canonical Pastoral Theology is not an available option for students in the Anglican Studies Program.

Master in Religious Education (M.R.E.)

The M.R.E. is a 30-credit program that consists of two modules: a theological module (15 cr.) and a religious education module (15 cr.). It is offered on a part-time basis and takes three years to complete. All courses are offered on-line and candidates are only required to participate in one weekend session per course, which is scheduled to fit the needs of the candidates registered in the course.

The M.R.E. seeks to form competent teachers of religious education both in the school system and in parish or diocesan settings. It offers the development of leadership skills for educating in faith.

Admission requirements specific to the program

The candidate must submit official transcripts (or other documents) which attest that the following conditions have been fulfilled:

1. completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with minimum second class standing (“B” average);
2. possession of a B.Ed. (or teacher’s certificate) or completion of five three-credit courses in the field of Education;
3. completion of five three-credit courses in the field of theology (including an Introduction to the Old Testament and an Introduction to the New Testament). An Additional Qualification Specialist in Religious Education Certificate is considered the equivalent of two three-credit courses.

Program requirements

1. Theological Module (15 cr.)

THO 5101 Jesus the Christ and Salvation
THO 5102 Church and World
THO 5103 Liturgy
THO 5104 Moral Existence and Christian Life
THO 5105 Faith and the Challenges of Modern Culture

2. Religious Education Module (15 cr.)

a. Core courses (6 cr.)

THO 5106 Religious Education
THO 5107 Teaching and Faith Tradition

b. Elective (3 cr.) to choose from:

THO 5108 Christianity and World Religions
THO 5110 Leadership in Catholic Institutions
THO 5111 Ethical, Cultural and Religious Issues for Catholic leaders
IPA 5180 Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on Religious Development

c. Two practica (6 cr.)

IPA 5181 Practicum Religious Education I
IPA 5182 Practicum Religious Education II

The Master in Religious Education (M.R.E.) Project

The M.R.E. Project is the culminating activity for the M.R.E. Degree. Participants prepare and design a project which brings together their learning experiences and a key aspect of their educational praxis. They do this in a peer learning environment with the direction and support of the trainer/supervisor.

Doctorate in Theology – civil (Ph.D.(Th.))

The Ph.D.(Th.) program is intended to promote specialization in a particular field and development of skills pertinent to that field. It likewise aims to develop the student’s research capabilities. The structure of the Ph.D.(Th.) is identical for all concentrations.

Graduate programs normally have a residency requirement, where residence is defined as the period in which the student is registered full-time at the Faculty of Theology. This requirement must be met generally at the beginning of the program. For the Ph.D.(Th.), its duration is of six–usually consecutive–terms. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Academic Regulations”.

Admission procedures and requirements specific to the program

In addition to the common admission procedures, the additional documents and requirements for admission are:

1. the candidate must hold a M.A.(Th.) degree from the University of Ottawa/Saint Paul University with high second class standing (“B+”) or its equivalent;
2. among the applicants who meet this requirement, only those whose academic record gives assurance that they are able to succeed and to make an original contribution to the field of theological studies will be accepted as candidates to the doctorate;
3. the candidate must be proficient in one of the two official languages of Canada and have a have passive knowledge (ability to read and to follow lectures) of the other. Evidence of the passive knowledge of the other official language must be provided with the request for admission. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
4. two confidential letters of reference written by persons from the academic world must be provided with the request for admission. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
5. a description of his or her proposed area of research. The candidate must submit a description of his proposed area of research. Candidates should take into consideration the areas in which Faculty members are competent. The form is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
6. the candidate registers in a concentration (Biblical Studies, Ethics, Systematic and Historical Theology, Spirituality, Eastern Christian Studies). To be admitted to a particular concentration, the candidate must have demonstrated a certain knowledge in the chosen concentration;
7. to be admitted to the Biblical Studies concentration, a candidate must have prerequisite knowledge (Introduction – Part 1) of Hebrew and of Greek, and must acquire a further level of competence in Hebrew and Greek (Intermediate – Part 2) before the thesis project presentation;
8. the Faculty may require a candidate to acquire certain skills deemed necessary for the achievement of his research project (e.g. knowledge of a language, initiation in other disciplines, etc.).

Program requirements

1. a continuous (lasting two years) seminar (3 cr.) which culminates with the presentation and final approval of the thesis project (THO 9295)
2. two courses (3 credits each) in the student’s concentration, to be chosen from the courses listed in the M.A.(Th.) program
3. one directed readings course (THO 8311, 3 cr.) in the student’s concentration
4. synthesis examination (THO 9998) – written and oral
5. submission and defence of a thesis (THO 9999) (at least 200 pages)

Doctorate in Theology – ecclesiastical (D.Th.)

The D.Th. (also known as the Sacrae Theologiae Doctor, S.T.D.) is an ecclesiastical degree granted by Saint Paul University by virtue of its pontifical charter. The structure of the D.Th. is identical for all concentrations.

Graduate programs normally have a residency requirement, where residence is defined as the period in which the student is registered full-time at the Faculty of Theology. This requirement must be met generally at the beginning of the program. For the D.Th., its duration is of six–normally consecutive–terms. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Academic Regulations”.

Admission procedures and requirements specific to the program

In addition to the common admission procedures, the additional documents and requirements for admission are:

1. the candidate must hold a Licentiate in Theology (L.Th.) from Saint Paul University with minimum high second class standing (“B+”);
2. the candidate must meet the admission requirements of the Ph.D.(Th.) program.

Program requirements

1. a continuous (lasting two years) seminar which culminates with the presentation and final approval of the thesis project (THO 9295)
2. synthesis examination (THO 9998) – oral and written
3. submission and defence of a thesis (at least 200 pages)

Students who have not obtained the L.Th. from Saint Paul University must complete 12 credits in their concentration: 9 credits are to be selected from courses listed in the M.A.(Th.) program, as well as the directed readings course (THO 8311).

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

The D.Min. is a 36-credit program that combines theological reflection and social sciences research methods. The program is designed to give spiritual thinkers, leaders and professionals the knowledge and skills required to discern and promote models of ministry that favour collaboration and transformation, and that respond to the human values, the cultural expressions and the multiple dynamics of the contexts in which they work.

Graduate programs normally have a residency requirement, where residence is defined as the period in which the student is registered full-time at the Faculty of Theology. This requirement must be met generally at the beginning of the program. For the D.Min., its duration is of six–usually consecutive–terms. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Academic Regulations”.

Career Opportunities

Pastoral agent (parishes, community agencies and services, immigration services, schools, etc.); priest or religious; lay and ordained pastoral minister; spiritual director; missionary; responsible for religious formation; director of pastoral services (hospitals, retirement homes, detention centres, universities, etc.); military chaplain; senior chaplaincy executive (military, correctional system, school boards, health care institutions); university professor.

Admission procedures and requirements specific to the program

In addition to the common admission procedures, the additional documents and requirements for admission are:

1. the candidate must hold a Master in Pastoral Theology or equivalent, with minimum “B+” average;
2. candidates with Master’s degrees in theology, religious education, or other related disciplines require 60 credits in theology plus 30 credits of graduate level study in a related field (e.g., pastoral counselling, religious education, etc.), with a component of relevant supervised field experience;
3. five years of sustained professional experience in ministry;
4. proficiency in one of the two official languages of Canada and a passive knowledge (ability to read and to follow lectures) of the other. Evidence of the passive knowledge of the other official language must be provided with the request for admission. Details are to be found at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”. The Faculty may require a candidate to acquire knowledge of another language if such skill is deemed necessary for the completion of his or her research project;
5. two confidential letters of reference written by professors who know the candidate well and who are familiar with his or her work. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
6. provide a letter of confirmation of sustained professional experience in ministry. The D.Min. is designed for students who have at least five years of sustained practical experience. The letter of confirmation (five years of sustained practical experience in ministry) must be written by the candidate’s employer. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
7. provide one confidential letter of recommendation from an experienced professional in the applicant’s area of ministry attesting to the applicant’s skills in pastoral practice and suitability for the program. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
8. provide one letter of support from the candidate’s supervisor who will be called upon to support the candidate thoughout the program. Typically, the letter of support is signed by the person who supervises the applicant in his ministerial context and indicates support for his or her program of study (release time: 1.5 to 2 days a week) and an appreciation for the need for stable placement, insofar as possible, during the period of study. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
9. a letter from the candidate indicating the goal of his or her program of studies and proposed area of research. The model is available at www.ustpaul.ca/theology, under “Process of Admission”;
10. an interview may be required.

Program requirements

1. Four core courses (12 cr.)

THO 7191 Methods of Theological Reflection
THO 7192 The Ecumenical and Interreligious Context of Ministry
IPA 7120 Methods for Applied Research
IPA 7121 The Social and Cultural Context of Ministry

2. Three electives (9 cr.)

N.B. A modification that would reduce the electives requirement from three to two courses has been submitted and is pending approval.

a. At least one course from the following list:

THO 7196 Bible and Contemporary Christian Identity
THO 7197 Ethical Issues in the Practice of Ministry
THO 7198 Theologies and Practice of Ministry
THO 7199 The Dynamics of Faith

b. Two courses from the list above (section a.) or the courses below:

THO 8311 Directed Readings and Research I
THO 8312 Directed Readings and Research II

Graduate THO courses (USP or other institutions)

The other two courses can be taken at other recognized universities if certain conditions are met. For more information, please contact the Faculty of Theology.

3. Research Practica (12 cr.)

A research practicum takes place during each of the first two years of the program (6 credits each). A Practicum Supervisor will assist students in identifying someone in the context of their professional practice to serve as a mentor throughout their program. Mentors meet regularly (at least once a month) with students and report on these meetings to the Practicum Supervisor.

Year One: IPA 8210 Research Practicum I
Year Two: IPA 8211 Research Practicum II

4. Comprehensive Examination (THO 9998 – no credit)

5. Thesis Project Presentation (THO 8998 – 3 cr.)

6. Submission and defence of a thesis (at least 200 pages) (THO 9999)