Master of Theological Studies

Student Profiles

Dulcinea Boesenberg
MTS Student in Biblical Studies, First Year

Schools attended and degrees attained before MTS
I graduated from Hanover College in 2002 with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Greek.

What attracted you to the MTS program
I was attracted to Notre Dame’s MTS program primarily because of the department’s philosophy of “faith seeking understanding.”  I wanted to be in an environment that both respected the Christian faith and took seriously the importance of critical scholarship in the life of the Church.  In addition, I found the students and faculty friendly and helpful when I came to visit the campus. Free summer language classes were a draw.  I was happy to stay in the Midwest.  And, like everyone else, I was attracted by my scholarship.

The greatest strengths of the MTS program
Notre Dame’s MTS program allows you to focus in one particular area while still receiving a general theological education since you are required to take classes in all five areas (Biblical Studies, Moral, Systematic, History of Christianity, and Liturgical Studies).  In Biblical Studies, you get an excellent foundation in languages, especially if you are able to take advantage of summer languages classes.  The faculty are outstanding scholars, and I have had some incredible teachers.  The other students in the program are great.  We regularly eat lunch together in the theology lounge, and we frequently get together on the weekends.  I feel like I am part of a community that extends beyond the classroom.

Your greatest challenges since coming to the MTS Program
Intermediate Hebrew with Eugene Ulrich.  It was by far the most difficult class I had last semester and easily the most rewarding.

Employment opportunities have you pursued while in the program
Last semester I worked as a TA for Gary Anderson’s Foundations of Theology class for freshmen.  My primary responsibility was grading essay quizzes and tests.  It was a great experience because it gave me ideas about how to teach an intro theology class and because I received lots of practice at grading fairly and consistently.

Your housing situation
I live in FOG (Fischer O’Hara-Grace Graduate Housing -- on campus).  The best part of this is the incredible convenience.  I can walk to the library or class in about 10 minutes.  Also, it is nice to have some friends very close by.  I found FOG social activities helpful when I first arrived and didn’t know many people.  FOG is excellent if you don’t have furniture or a car.  In my opinion there are two drawbacks.  It’s a bit on the expensive side for South Bend housing, and the apartments and townhouses are not exactly homey.

Other thoughts that you have about South Bend, ND, the program
I've got nothing.