Master of Theological Studies

Student Profiles

Victor Carmona
MTS student in Moral Theology, Graduating spring 2006

Schools attended and degrees attained before MTS
Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, class of 1998. Bachelor in Science of Foreign Service. Majored in international politics, law, and organizations.

What attracted you to the MTS program
The fact that it is a well-rounded program. It has strong faculty in each area. I also didn't want to take out loans. Notre Dame made it possible.

The greatest strengths of the MTS program
The active support of faculty has been essential. Like master craftsmen (and women!) of old, they take their craft seriously and have taught me to as well...but they also know how to enjoy a good laugh. They are great people to be around! A great part of my experience has also been the amazing students the program attracts. I’ve learned too many great and humbling lessons from them to include here. The people are the program's greatest strength.

Your greatest challenges since coming to the MTS Program
After working for six years I was afraid of making a jump into the academic world. I was coming in cold. It was hard (and it sometimes still is) to learn a new skill-set while at the same time understanding how and to what extent my previous experience was useful for my studies. The faculty has kept me on my toes, however. They are always making sure I am challenging myself and growing beyond my comfort area. It has been two years of growing pains. I am not the same person I was when I came two years ago. I understand now why they call the study of theology a discipline.

Employment opportunities have you pursued while in the program
I've helped edit two chapters of a book, translated a chapter for a well-known Central American theology journal, translated for an international conference on Romero that Notre Dame hosted, and co-organized a conference on Catholic Identity and the Role of Sport. I've also been a research assistant. I am currently the graduate assistant for the Program in Catholic Social Tradition. If anything, opportunities to learn through work abound at Notre Dame. These experiences have all been important to me because the professors have become my mentors through them. They have taught me essential skills that are easier to teach outside the classroom setting.

Your housing situation
It's great! I have a great housemate who also attends the program. My share of the rent is $225 a month plus utilities (they can go over $100 in the winter). The house is near campus and has two rooms, a bathroom, living room, kitchen. Let me just say it is cheaper to live in South Bend than in Tijuana, Mexico.

Other thoughts that you have about South Bend, ND, the program
South Bend is not the most beautiful or warmest city in the world (I grew up in Mexico), but the people are great! I had a bit of a culture and weather shock the first semester, but this place and its people grow on you. The gist of it is this: the MTS program is not an easy one. It will challenge you and it will be painful at times. The students and faculty are great. They will welcome you. Trust them with your education, work as hard as possible, and you will be a better person, academic, and theologian for it.