Time “In Residence”

Time in residence is a requirement for all graduate Theology degrees at Holy Spirit College. To qualify as “in residence,” the candidate must devote an average of fifteen or more hours per academic week to their studies. This requirement will typically be met by enrollment in required program courses.
 

Degree candidates must also meet with their advisor each calendar month throughout the academic year. During thesis writing, M.Th. and Th.D., candidates who are not resident in metropolitan Atlanta may, with the agreement of their advisor, conduct advisory meetings by Skype or other electronic media.

Master of Theology (M.Th.)

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for the M. Th. program is completion of the M.T.S. program or, for those with a comparable academic foundation in Theology (to be determined at the absolute discretion of the Board of Theology), a written and/or oral Comprehensive Examination addressing all areas covered by the M.T.S. program.

Comprehensive Examinations will be conducted by not less than two members of the Board of Theology. Following the examination, the examiners will do one of the following:
      a) Authorize the Candidate to proceed with the M.Th. program or
      b) Authorize the Candidate to proceed with the M.Th. program following completion of specified prerequisites or
      c) Invite the candidate to schedule a second Comprehensive Examination no less than 60 days following the first or
      d) Require that the Candidate complete the M.T.S. program as a pre-requisite to the M.Th.

The award of a M.Th. degree requires a minimum of three semesters in residence after completing academic prerequisites.

THEO 625: Introduction to Biblical Studies: Building on the foundation laid in Introduction to Sacred Scripture this course will proceed to more in-depth examination of selected biblical texts, with the aim of giving the student a personal overview of prominent literary genres and methods of exegesis. Exegetical methods and examples from throughout the history of the Church will be explored, enabling the student to develop an understanding of the ongoing relationship between the Church and the scriptures, as well as a greater familiarity with the sacred text. (4 credit hours)

 

CATH 600: Catechetics: An introduction to Catechetics (teaching catechists how to teach the Catholic Faith), this course will discuss the Person of Jesus Christ as the heart of catechesis and the Deposit of Faith as its content. After addressing the meanings of evangelization, catechesis, ministry, and apostolate, the course will examine the history of catechisms; program and curriculum development; professional catechetical preparation; catechist formation; and various environments including Catholic schools; CCD/RE; sacramental preparation youth ministry; adult education; RCIA; pastoral ministry; apologetics; missions; and family-based catechesis. This course will survey contemporary catechetical resources and modern catechetical methodologies, while emphasizing the importance of being a living witness of Christ. (4 credit hours)

 

THES 670/675/680/685/690: Mentored Research and Thesis: The Thesis is to be an original written work documenting research done by the Candidate. The Thesis will typically comprise approximately 60 pages of substantive content in MLA format accompanied by a bibliography, index, appendices, etc. The Provost of the College, following consultation with the candidate, will appoint a Thesis Advisor to mentor the Candidate through the proposal, research and writing processes. (20 credit hours)

The Thesis Advisor will assist the Candidate in the preparation of a 750-1,000 word Thesis Proposal which will be reviewed by the Board of Theology of the College. The Board of Theology may accept the proposal as written or recommend revisions and resubmission. Upon completion of the Thesis, Candidates are required to provide an oral defense of their Thesis before an examining panel made up of their Thesis Advisor and two additional members appointed by the Board of Theology. For the purpose of the defense the Candidate must submit three soft-bound copies of the Thesis and one copy in PDF format. If the defense is successful the three examiners will sign the Thesis thus recommending the Candidate for conferral of the degree.

The examining Board may pass one of the following judgments on the Thesis:

  • Accepted with no corrections. The thesis is accepted as presented.
  • The thesis must be revised. Revisions (e.g. correction of grammatical or spelling errors, clarification of concepts or methodology, addition of sections) are required. The Thesis Advisor will make the decision on the acceptability of revisions and provide written confirmation that they have been satisfactorily completed. If the needed revisions are not substantial, the examiners may sign the thesis with the understanding that the candidate will review the revised thesis with his or her Thesis Advisor who will sign the Thesis when satisfied with the revisions.
  • Extensive revision required. The Thesis must be revised extensively and undergo the defense process again. Problems may include theoretical or methodological issues. A Candidate who is not recommended for the degree after a second defense must normally withdraw from the program.

Prior to the award of the degree, the Candidate must provide two bound copies of the Thesis (together with an electronic copy in PDF format) to the College Librarian. The bound and electronic copies should incorporate the Dissertation Abstract. The specifications for the bound copy will be provided by the College Librarian.

Catholic , Classical & Complete