Master of Arts (Summer Program)

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Theology responds to a student’s desire for advanced theological training and the goal to be a theological resource for others. The M.A. degree will prepare you for such roles as serving the Church or diocese, teaching theology at the high school level, or ministering to people in contexts like health care and social work.

The popular option to pursue this degree exclusively during the summer has made the program ideal for a dynamic community of individuals who are passionate about theological exploration. Up to 200 students may be enrolled during a given summer, pursuing somewhat different programs and goals but all well-positioned for a unique experience of personal and intellectual growth.

(Summer 2012 Information Coming soon.)

View Calendar and Additional Summer Information
Plan Ahead for Summer
Summer Session - Office of the Registrar (Registration information for non-degree students)

Unique Attributes

Flexible Approach

Content: Choose a standard area of concentration or an overview approach.
Timeline: Attend during the summers only or extend into the academic year. Five to six consecutive summers in residence are the typical preparation. Take courses online during the academic year. If pursuing the degree only during the summer months, students must complete the degree within seven years. If pursuing the degree during the summer and the academic year, students must complete the degree within five years.
Outcome: Receive a master’s degree or a certificate with reduced requirements.

Occasional Satellite Course Offerings

Engage in courses away from Notre Dame's main campus. The Department offers courses in different settings on occasion: in Tucson, Arizona, at the Redemptorist Renewal Center and in Israel at the Tantur Institute for Ecumenical Studies.

Tucson, Arizona Course (Spring 2012)

December 27, 2011– January 7, 2012

The Sacramental Life: Ecclesial, Biblical, Historical Syllabus

David W. Fagerberg Tucson, Arizona class picture

This course will be an exploration of how Christians live a sacramental life. We will look at the sacraments from three distinct perspectives. First, we will place them within the liturgical life of the Church. Second, we will trace the biblical foundation for sacraments. Third, we will do a history of sacramental doctrine, treating the whole and then each sacrament in detail. Christianity is not primarily a set of doctrines, or a social organization, it is Christ's life lived by his disciples. The sacraments do not stand between us and Jesus like a wall, they extend from Jesus to us like a bridge.

Tantur, Israel (Summer 2012)

May 27-June10, 2012

THEO 64208. Jerusalem, the Desert and Galilee: A Theological Inquiry

2 credits, Vigilio Elizondo

TBA; MTWRF

This two-week course through the land of Jesus will seek to explore the theological themes of the gospel narratives informed by the socio-cultural and historical perspectives. The journey through the land organizes the theology, which is a reflection on the deeper meaning of the journey. In keeping with the tradition of the earliest followers of Jesus and of subsequent generations of Christians, by returning to the places of origins, we will seek a better understanding of the foundational words, persons, events and places mentioned in the gospels so as to probe their redemptive value for us today.

Community Prayer

During the M.A. program’s summer session, an important part of student life is liturgical celebration. Morning and Evening Prayer are celebrated each day. Join in these common prayers and participate in various ministerial roles, including joining the choir, playing the organ or other instruments, or becoming a cantor.