Master of Theological Studies

Student Profiles

John Fahy

Your area of concentration and expected graduation date:
I’m in Moral Theology—for short, ‘MT’ or just ‘Moral’—and hoping to rock the scarlet tassel in May 2009.

Degree and college you attended before ND, and any jobs you had between graduation and coming to ND:
I graduated from Notre Dame with a B.A. in Psychology in 2006. In my gap year, I worked at an academically rigorous Catholic high school in Manhattan. I wore plenty of hats there, helping out with guidance counseling, campus ministry, academic mentorship, and teaching, to name a few. I also worked closely with an academic enrichment and recruiting program for gifted but underprivileged middle school boys seeking admission to elite Catholic high schools.

What attracted you to the MTS program:
In spite of carrying a mere minor in this great Queen of the Sciences, my undergrad experience with the theology faculty was always very positive. When some of them encouraged me to continue working in theology, I rethought plans for law school. I’d enjoyed my studies and I knew right away—through my own experience and the acclaim of others—that our department was of an impressive caliber. The MT professors I’d worked with were especially earnest, friendly, and brilliant.

The greatest strengths of the MTS program:
Some things are already obvious: high-quality faculty, incredible availability, full funding plus available stipends. From my unique position as someone not planning on Ph.D. work, I would add the incredible flexibility of the program and department as a key strength, especially for people in Moral, Systematics, or Liturgy. It is possible and encouraged to take classes outside the department; they need not relate to theology at all, but you can receive distribution credit when they do. Plus, there are considerable freedoms to take theology classes inside and outside your area, such that you could take as many courses in your secondary interest as in your specialization. Especially for those new to theology or planning to move outside of academia, or simply looking for a broad experience, the flexibility is awesome.

Greatest challenge since beginning the MTS:
In part, making the transition from undergraduate work to graduate work was a big challenge—probably only enhanced by my gap year on the other side of the classroom. I also took on a demanding job and planned a wedding during my first year, so I kept mighty busy and probably bit off more than was chewable. I’d say that you learn a lot about your strengths and abilities in those challenges, though. By second semester I grew much more efficient and had a more ‘fruitful’ relationship with my ever-present schoolwork.

Employment opportunities you have pursued while in the program:
I was an assistant rector in one of ND’s undergrad dorms for my first year. Residence life is unique and central at Notre Dame, so dedicated grad students are highly sought after to help manage the residence halls. General responsibilities include enforcing policy, programming events, and responsiveness to various resident needs and concerns. I was on duty two to four nights weekly, but frankly found those times usually relaxing and excellent for getting ahead in reading or writing for school. Benefits are awesome: room and board and a stipend are included. Applications are in the spring for the coming year, so get on it soon if you want to learn more: http://osa.nd.edu/.

I’ve started tutoring for the LSAT in my second year. Many people work with Kaplan or other test prep companies, but I’m trying to strike out on my own, having already had a lot of experience in the field. I have no idea yet how it’ll work out.

Your housing situation:
As an assistant rector, I lived in Stanford Hall on the north end of campus (not far from the FOG graduate residences). The convenience of living on campus with a meal plan is unrivaled, though the facilities vary greatly from dorm to dorm, and there are important responsibilities attached to the job that puts you there. In my second year, I’ve moved off-campus with my wife. We were able to buy a great house about a mile from campus: South Bend real estate is very, very affordable, and some people could easily consider buying, especially if you’ll be here longer than just two years (Ph.D. plans, maybe?).

Any other thoughts about South Bend, ND, the program:
Rounding out my sixth year in South Bend, I’ve grown to love it more and more. There are hidden things to do everywhere, in spite of it being a smaller Midwestern city. There’s a vibrant theater downtown and plenty of amazing offerings at ND. Movies are everywhere (and a lot cheaper than the big cities). Chicago is close enough that a one-night affair can be pulled off easily, and the lakeside is only an hour away for a nice-weather change of pace in the late spring through early fall. In short summary, there are a hundred reasons why South Bend and Notre Dame have made a great destination for continuing my education in theology—there’s just no place and no department like it.