Master of Theological Studies

Student Profiles

Andrew Prevot
MTS Student in Systematic Theology, First year

Schools attended and degrees attained before MTS
BA in Philosophy from Colorado College

What attracted you to the MTS program
I was looking for a place that would both enrich and challenge my faith, a place where I could grow both spiritually and intellectually, and ND seemed just about right.  The MTS program in particular was attractive because it offered me a chance to get a broad basis in the different areas of theology but still left me with some flexibility to pursue my own interests.  Plus, the people were really friendly.

The greatest strengths of the MTS program
The program’s greatest strength is its ability to approach theology from a myriad of different perspectives without sacrificing any rigor or depth.  Also, the department is on the whole very supportive of its students, both financially and in terms of guidance and encouragement.

Your greatest challenges since coming to the MTS Program
The amount of reading required for classes has kept me very busy, and I definitely have less time than I used to to do other things.  But I wouldn’t say that the workload is totally overwhelming.  It just took some time to find the right balance.  Getting used to South Bend was also a bit of a challenge.  The winter is really cold (at least for me), and it’s not the most exciting place to live.  But after being here awhile, I realize that it has its own charm.  The (small) downtown area is nice, and life on campus is vibrant, especially during football season.

Employment opportunities have you pursued while in the program
I had a TA job last semester, and it was a great experience.  Leading the discussion groups and talking with the students about their papers was especially enjoyable.  It gave me a chance to apply some of what I had been learning in my own classes.

Your housing situation
I live off-campus in a house with another MTS student and an alum from ND.  I would recommend looking at off-campus housing because I think it tends to be cheaper.

Other thoughts that you have about South Bend, ND, the program
ND is a great place to be if you’re looking for a top-notch education and an environment where your faith can grow.  There are opportunities to pray and/or attend Mass on campus almost all the time.  The Basilica is a great place to go if you need a break from the library.