- M.A., Theology
The Master of Arts in Theology program offers students a substantial academic background in specific theological disciplines. ICSST offers the M.A. in Theology in two formats: general and research. The general M.A. is for students seeking a terminal degree in Theology that allows them to pursue in-depth studies without a formal research component. The general M.A. is well-suited for persons teaching at the secondary school level. The research M.A. serves as the basis for further graduate studies and includes language reading and research requirements usually deemed prerequisites to doctoral studies.
- M.A., Pastoral Ministry (M.A.P.M.)
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program prepares students for competent leadership in a specialized ministry in the Catholic Church. The program strives to provide the student with both a theological education and specialized training in a chosen field of ministerial engagement.
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The Master of Divinity program is the first professional degree program providing theological training for those preparing to undertake ministry in the Roman Catholic Church, primarily through ordination to the priesthood. The program meets all the requirements of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Program of Priestly Formation (Fifth Edition, 2005). While the M.Div. program is oriented toward seminarians preparing for the Roman Catholic priesthood, others may be admitted to this program, at the discretion of the rector and dean, provided that they meet all other requirements.
- Pre-Theology Program
The Pre-Theology program is designed for students preparing for priestly ordination who possess an undergraduate Bachelor's degree or equivalent, but who do not have sufficient preparation in Philosophy and Theology. The Pre-Theology program provides a sequence of courses that satisfies all the preparatory requirements for admission to major seminary study in accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Program of Priestly Formation (Fifth Edition, 2005).
Certificate Programs
An ICSST certificate attests to the completion of a substantial and coherent program of learning, involving 12 to 24 graduate credits in a given area of study, without completion of all the requirements for a degree program. A certificate program allows some students to finish a discrete program of learning and obtain a credential for it. Other students may use a certificate program as a way of "testing the waters" prior to and/or en route to completion of a degree program. A certificate can be earned concurrently with a degree. ICSST offers the following five certificate programs:
- Christian Spirituality Certificate
This certificate program is for persons interested in a systematic and theoretical grounding in Christian spirituality and for those working in spiritual direction or associated with centers involved in the area of spirituality: campus ministers; adult educators; formation personnel; RCIA leaders; retreat leaders; and clergy.
- Great Spiritual Books Certificate
This certificate program is for persons interested in opportunities to reflect on great spiritual literature, to deepen their capacity for spiritual reflection and dialogue and to relate the contents of spiritual classics to current living concerns. This program is also offered online.
- Pastoral Ministry Certificate
This certificate program is for persons working or seeking to work in pastoral ministry settings broadly considered.
- Scripture Studies Certificate
This certificate program is for persons working or seeking to work in religious education, catechetics or leading parish Scripture study groups. It also is geared toward those wanting to extend and deepen their personal knowledge of Sacred Scripture.
- STEPS: Seminary's Theological Education for Parish Services Certificate
This certificate program is for persons seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, particularly those who are preparing to work in a parish setting or those who already work in a parish and seek additional academic and professional credentials.
