Theological Studies Graduate Programs

M.A. in Theological Studies Course Requirements

• The M.A. Theology Requirements  can be found by clicking on the link or it can be found below
• The MA Theology Checklist 2023-24 can be used to track your progress (especially during advisement sessions).

M.A. in Theological Studies Degree Requirements

All students must complete 42 semester hours, maintaining a minimum grade point average of "B" (3.0). All courses are 3 semester hours, unless otherwise noted.

Core Courses (21)

The following seven courses (21 semester hours) are required.

• THST 6010 Foundations of New Testament Theology or THST 6000 Foundations of Old Testament Theology
• THST 6020 Foundations of Historical Theology or any one course from 6020s
• THST 6030 Introduction to Systematic Theology
• THST 6060 Foundations of Theological Ethics
• THST 6090 Graduate Pro-Seminar (taken in the first semester)
• THST 6092 Comprehensive Exam Seminar (taken during final year in the Fall semester after 36 hours are completed)
• THST 6093 Directed Research and Writing Seminar (taken during final year in the Spring semester after 36 hours are completed)

Elective Courses (21)

Theology Students are to complete an additional 21 semester hours for a total of 42 semester hours. After 36 semester hours are completed, students may enroll in the Comprehensive Exam Seminar and the Directed Research Seminar.

Concentration in Comparative Theology

Theology students may choose to take elective courses that develop a concentration in Comparative Theology. The Concentration in Comparative Theology serves students who wish to focus their program more specifically around questions of religious diversity, interreligious dialogue, world religions, and comparative theology. The concentration is comprised of four courses (12 semester hours). Students who wish to do this concentration are required to take:

• THST 6080 Comparative Theology

In addition, students are required to take three (3) of the following (or other courses approved by the academic advisor in concert with the graduate director):

• THST 6033 Feminist Theology
• THST 6081 Comparative Religious Ethics
• THST 6082 Comparative Mysticism
• THST 6083 Hinduism, Vedanta, and Yoga
• THST 6084 Buddhism
• THST 6085 Classics of Chinese Philosophy
• THST 6086 Readings in Religious Literature
• THST 6087 Jainism

Capstone Experience

To complete the program, you must turn in various forms required by our Capstone Experience criteria.

START YOUR APPLICATION

All students must complete 42 semester hours, maintaining a minimum grade point average of "B" (3.0). All courses are 3 semester hours, unless otherwise noted.

Core Courses (24)

The following eight courses (24 semester hours) are required:

• THST 6010 Foundations of New Testament Theology or THST 6000 Foundations of Old Testament Theology
• THST 6030 Introduction to Systematic Theology
• THST 6060 Foundations of Theological Ethics or One Course from the Historical Area (6020s)
• THST 6070 Foundations of Pastoral Theology
• THST 6074 Spiritual Formation for Pastoral Ministry
• THST 6078 Supervised Pastoral Field Education
• THST 6090 Graduate Pro-Seminar (taken in the first semester)
• THST 6091 Pastoral Synthesis Project (taken after completion of 36 hours)

Elective Courses (18)

Pastoral Theology students are required to take one course (3 semester hours) in either Liturgy, Religious Education, or Spirituality and select other elective courses offered by the Department of Theological Studies after consultation with their advisor. The program is designed to allow students to pursue general interests or a particular concentration. Concentrations are offered in two areas: (1) Pastoral Leadership and (2) Spiritual Direction. Under special circumstances, students may take up to two courses (6 semester hours) outside the department.

Concentration in Spiritual Direction

This concentration is designed for anyone in the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology who would like to acquire the art of Spiritual Direction, a ministry of accompanying others in their spiritual journey. The purpose of the concentration is to provide a course of studies that integrates Theology, Scripture, Psychology, Spirituality, skills acquisition, and supervision in the art of Spiritual Direction. Students who wish to concentrate their electives in spiritual direction would take the following four courses in sequence:

• THST 6051 Theory and Practice of Spiritual Direction
• THST 6052 Ignatian Spirituality
• THST 6053 Psychological Foundations of Pastoral Ministry
• THST 6054 Practicum and Supervision in Spiritual Direction

Concentration in Pastoral Leadership

This concentration is designed to educate those who will serve (or who currently serve) as leaders in pastoral settings, either as leaders in specialized ministries or as leaders in general ministry positions. Examples of leaders in specialized ministry: Directors of Religious Education, Directors of Youth Ministry or Campus Ministry, Directors of Catechumenate/RCIA. The concentration is deliberately open to the students to design under the guidance of the academic advisor. In this way, students who find themselves actively engaged in, or aspiring to, leadership ministries within schools or parishes will choose courses for the concentration that fit their current or aspired ministry commitments. Students who choose to do this Concentration are required to take:

• THST 6070 Foundations of Pastoral Theology, and
• THST 6073 Theory and Practice of Pastoral Leadership

In addition, students are required to take two (2) of the following (or other courses approved by the academic advisor):

• THST 6040 Liturgical Theology: History and Interpretation
• THST 6041 The Rites
• THST 6071 Pastoral Approaches to Religious Education
• THST 6043 Faith and Culture: Catechesis in Southern California
• THST 6075 Pastoral Liturgy
• THST 6076 The Theology of the Parish
• THST 6077 Special Topics in Pastoral Theology
• THST 6053 Psychological Foundations of Pastoral Ministry

The MA Pastoral Theology Checklist 2023-24 can be used to track your progress (especially during advisement sessions).

Capstone Experience

Learn more about the capstone experience.

START YOUR APPLICATION

SEMESTER: Spring 2024

COURSE TITLE: Foundations of Old Testament Theology 

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION:   THST 6000.01  

TIMES/DAYS: T 4:30pm-7:00pm - Hybrid

INSTRUCTOR: Rosanna Lu

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

This graduate seminar on Old Testament Theology is a survey of the Old Testament with particular attention to contemporary issues in Old Testament theology. This course focuses on the development of ancient Israelite traditions as well as development of interpretations of the biblical text. Students will critically examine selected biblical texts representing issues of social, societal, political and theological concerns. Students will also critically engage with the biblical text in comparative consideration of contemporary conceptualizations of social justice, power dynamics and spirituality.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who successfully complete this course will: (1) acquire basic familiarity with the content, context, and history of interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, (2) examine and critically evaluate the development of religious traditions throughout the span of ancient Israelite history, (3) develop skills in critical approaches to the study of the Old Testament, and (4) acquire basic familiarity with contemporary theological issues in relation to Old Testament studies.

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

None.

REQUIRED TEXTS

1. Bible – New Revised Standard Version
2. David Carr, An Introduction to the Old Testament: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts of the Hebrew Bible
3. Additional readings on Brightspace

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

1. Reading – students are expected to complete all readings prior to each class session (assessed by weekly reading quizzes)
2. Participation – students are expected to lead and engage in discussion of readings and research
3. Written assignments, research paper, and presentations

SEMESTER: Spring 2024

COURSE TITLE:  Introduction to Systematic Theology Graduate Seminar

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6030.01

TIMES/DAYS: M 4:30-7:00pm

INSTRUCTOR:  Cecilia González-Andrieu, PhD.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

This course introduces the concept of thinking “architecturally” or “constructively” about the very foundations that make up the Christian faith. The course readings interlace key doctrines and thinkers, with contemporary critical approaches and a global perspective. Areas covered include a historical overview of the development, figures and controversies surrounding principal doctrines and familiarity with key theological terms and methods. The course will also encourage the critical working out of the proposals of some of the major Christian doctrines as these are placed in dialogue with the theological perspective of Liberation Theologies and the preaching of contemporary women

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Familiarity with the constructive character of theological thought as it develops within diverse human communities.
2. Development of skills to interlace questions of doctrine with their particular context, expressions, applications and relevance to contemporary ministry, scholarship and advocacy.
3. Practice and growth in critical reading, skillful writing, constructive conversation and presentation.
4. Application of in-depth engagement with theological thought to a question arising out of the student’s chosen area of specialty, community of ministry, or global issue.

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

This is a graduate course which may be taken at any point during the program.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives. Francis Schussler Fiorenza and John P. Galvin, editors. 2nd edition, Fortress Press, 2011. ISBN-13: 978-0800662912 (704 pages)
• Systematic Theology: Perspectives from Liberation Theology. Jon Sobrino and Ignacio Ellacuria, editors, Orbis Books, 1996. ISBN-13: 978-1570750687 (302 pages)
• Catholic Women Preach: Raising Voices, Renewing the Church (Cycle B). Elizabeth Donnelly and Russ Petrus, editors, Orbis Books, 2023. ISBN 978-1-62698-536-0 (310 pages).

Articles and other additional materials as assigned.

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

Engagement with all course readings evidenced in active and informed participation in class discussions and oral presentations. Regular class attendance. Weekly short assignments, two short critical inquiry papers. Oral presentations and leading of discussions. Tiered development of a Final Research paper through the process of proposal, annotated bibliography, peer colloquium and critique. Final Research Paper. The course meets on the Westchester campus three times and the rest of the meetings are synchronous online using the Zoom platform.

SEMESTER: Spring 2024

COURSE TITLE:  Foundations of Theological Ethics

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6060

TIMES/DAYS: T 7:15pm-9:45pm

INSTRUCTOR:  Roberto Dell’Oro

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

The class will introduce students to the foundations of theological ethics. After an introductory part, dealing with different models of ethical thinking, the class comprises different parts. It looks at the biblical sources of moral theology, the mediation of faith and moral reason, with special reference to the relation of philosophical and theological ethics, the ecclesial dimension of Christian morality, the debate on normative theories and the integration of virtue ethics, the place of conscience and discernment in moral decision-making, fundamental moral option and action theory. Applications to contemporary issues in the fields of bioethics, social, and sexual ethics, as well as pastoral theology will exemplify the meaning and function of different foundational frameworks, and the relation between theory and practice in moral theology.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. To introduce students to basic methodological questions in fundamental moral theology

2. To learn critical tools for ethical decision making

3. To relate foundational frameworks to concrete normative problems

4. To understand how theological themes inform and shape moral arguments and ultimately moral life.

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND 

Undergraduate degree

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Maureeen Junker-Kenny, Approaches to Theological Ethics: Sources, Traditions, Visions (T&T Clark: London, 2019)
• Richard M. Gula, Reason Informed by Faith: Foundations of Catholic Morality (New York: Paulist Press, 1989)
• Klaus Demmer, Shaping the Moral Life: An Approach to Moral Theology, transl. by Roberto Dell’Oro (Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2000)

Work expectations:

This graduate course is a combination of lectures and student participation through discussion sessions. Assignments include one written in-class presentation, two regular essays, and a research paper (15-20 pages) by the end of the semester. The midterm will be a take home exam. There is no final exam.

SEMESTER: Spring 2024

COURSE TITLE: Pastoral Synthesis Seminar

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6091.01

TIMES/DAYS: Thursdays, 4:30-7:00 pm (irregular meeting pattern), UH 3786

INSTRUCTOR:  Dr. Brett C. Hoover

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

In this course in the final year of study, pastoral theology students develop and execute their final capstone projects, each designed so that students can reflect on what they have learned and accomplished across the MA in Pastoral Theology. There are three capstone projects:

• A Theology of Ministry Paper (TMP), which allows the student to present their own theology of ministry as informed by critical reflection on both ministry experience and theological theory about pastoral ministry.
• An Assessment Portfolio, a required but ungraded assignment in which students draw upon previous academic work to show how they have met program learning outcomes for the MA in Pastoral Theology (PLOs 3-6 below).
• A Pastoral Synthesis Project (PSP) is project in which students study in depth a pastoral challenge from their own context, making use of pastoral/practical theology methodology and integrating pastoral inquiry with theological study and pastoral planning.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to:

1. Assess pastoral situations from a critical stance;
2. Reflect on ministerial practice in and perfect ministry skills for a culturally and religiously diverse society;
3. Perform biblical exegesis with attention both to historical contexts and contemporary pastoral contexts
4. Reflect critically on the praxis of faith and of justice within an ecumenically minded Roman Catholic context;
5. Situate contemporary theological developments and pastoral practice in light of historical trajectories;
6. Interpret the work of seminal thinkers in Christian ethics and analyze contemporary moral problems;
7. Establish strategies and habits for the integration of one’s own faith, pastoral practice, and theological expertise.

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

THST 6070 Foundations of Pastoral Theology, THST 6000 or 6010 (New or Old Testament), THST 6030 Introduction to Systematic Theology (may be concurrently enrolled)

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Kate L. Turabian, Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students & Researchers, 9th ed.

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

Expectations for this class include a Theology of Ministry paper, a portfolio, a proposal, and the different sections of a Pastoral Synthesis Project.  

SEMESTER: Spring 2024

COURSE TITLE: Supervised Pastoral Field Education

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6078.01

TIMES/DAYS: W 4:30pm (Synchronous via Zoom , and On Line Asynchronous Work)

INSTRUCTOR: Michael Horan

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

Drawing upon an interdisciplinary framework, this contextual (field) education seminar addresses ministerial leadership aimed at the whole person in the service of faith communities for the sake of God’s Reign. It offers foundational concepts and skills required for ministry practice that is contextual, collaborative, intercultural, and faithful to Christian tradition. In a context that models collaborative ministry, THST 6078 functions to engage students in theological reflection and ministry skill development. Students reflect in an integrated way on required supervised field education experiences, either at their current ministry, or in some other professor-approved ministry environment. The course aims to fortify ministry skills, especially in oral communication, listening skills, and leadership. As present and future leaders in the church, students learn so that they may also be able to teach and influence/form others in what they learn.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who successfully complete this course and all its requirements will be able to:

1. Identify and elaborate the connections between their experiences of ministry and the theology they are learning;
2. Articulate key contextual factors—environmental, cultural, psychological, spiritual and ecclesial—that impact particular ministry sites and pastoral challenges;
3. Facilitate work and learning groups in the context of ministry;
4. Demonstrate competency in prayer leadership and oral presentation (preaching) skills;
5. Demonstrate improvement in the interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for effective ministry

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

In order to enroll, students must have completed THST 6090 (Graduate Pro-Seminar), THST 6070 (Foundations of Pastoral Theology), and THST 6000 or 6010 (Foundations of New or Old Testament theology). Students must at least be co-enrolled in THST 6060 (Ethics) or 6030 (Systematic Theology). We will bring the curriculum from these courses to bear on our reflection and case studies.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Anthony J. Gittins, Living Mission Interculturally: Faith, Culture, and the Renewal of Praxis (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2015).
• Elizabeth A. Johnson, Creation and the Cross: The Mercy of God for a Planet in Peril. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2018.
• Jeffrey H. Mahan, Barbara B. Troxell, and Carol J. Allen, Shared Wisdom: A Guide to Case Study Reflection in Ministry (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993).
• Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ (portions only) .

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

Active Class Participation

Preparation of Case Studies

Regular meeting with Supervisor at Your Current (or Chosen) Ministry Site Portfolio, drafted in stages during the course, serves as the final exam.   

SEMESTER: Spring 2024 

COURSE TITLE: La Teología Pastoral en Clave Sinodal 

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6998

TIMES/DAYS: Th 4:30pm-7:00pm (3 face-to-face classes, all others online) Location: VDA(Von der Ahe)40

INSTRUCTOR:  Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Ph.D., STD

CORE AREA:  Pastoral Theology

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

Un curso híbrido (hybrid) de posgrado en teología pastoral desde la perspectiva del proceso sinodal propuesto por el Papa Francisco como vehículo principal de la reforma de la Iglesia Católica hoy. Las clases serán llevadas principalmente en Español con el propósito de familiarizarse con y aumentar el vocabulario religioso/teológico español—un recurso para mejorar la efectividad pastoral en los numerosos ambientes de habla hispana en Estados Unidos. El curso se conducirá en estilo de seminario y se abarcarán los siguientes tópicos:

1. Un repaso de como se entiende la pastoral hoy especialmente en contextos Latinos e interculturales;
2. Un estudio detallado de la sinodalidad entendida como manera de ser y de proceder para la Iglesia y vehículo de transformación del Catolicismo del futuro.
3. Una investigación acerca de las consecuencias prácticas de la revolución sinodal para la praxis pastoral actual en contextos comunitarias, parroquiales, y escolares;
4. Una profundización en el tema de la sinodalidad como espiritualidad especialmente relacionada con el enfoque ignaciano sobre el discernimiento individual y comunal.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Se familiarizará con las consecuencias de la vuelta hacia la sinodalidad sobre la práctica pastoral. Se explorará las bases históricas y teológicas del camino sinodal Se profundizará en los aspectos espirituales del camino sinodal como manera de vivir y de ser iglesia Se familiarizará con los autores sobresalientes en las perspectivas teológicas, pastorales y canónicas sobre la sinodalidad.

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

Normalmente se pide el grado de bachiller (BA) en Teología o en otro campo de las humanidades o ciencias sociales y que han estudiado la teología pastoral. Con el consentimiento del profesor habrá lugar para algunos alumnos que han tomado una clase de teología o pastoral cuya experiencia les permite participar en la clase con mejor comprensión, atención y aportaciones relevantes.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Richard R. Gaillardetz, Ecclesiology for a Global Church, Revised Edition, (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2023).
• José San José Prisco, Sinodalidad: Perspectivas Teológcas, Canónicas y Pastorales, (Salamanca: Ediciones Sígueme, 2022).
• Varios capítulos de libros, revistas y videos pertinentes

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

1. Para cada sesión (con la excepción de la primera y la última) se espera un resumen de una (1) página (single-spaced) con descripción, breve análisis y preguntas demostrando una lectura crítica.
2. Cada sesión será precedida por uno de los alumnos que se encargará de presentarnos el tema y orientarnos acerca de la lectura asignada para todos en común. Algunas lecturas serán en inglés. El/la alumno/a que presenta será el/la experto/a en la materia para esa clase.
3. Habrá un examen escrito a modo de MId-Term sobre los aspectos esenciales del estudio de la pastoralidad, la sinodalidad y otros temas pertinentes que hayamos estudiado hasta el MId-Term.
4. Cada alumno/a presentará oralmente y por escrito un tema de entre12-18 páginas (double-spaced) en una fecha hacia el final del curso. El tema del reporte se escogerá en diálogo con el profesor. Esto en lugar de un examen final.  

Thesis Proposal (10%) 

To see examples of courses offered in the past, view the Course Offerings Archive.

There are many sources and types of assistance available to help finance your graduate education. This page offers guidance with respect to two primary types of financial assistance – Departmental Scholarships and University Scholarships – both accessible through a single application process. Additional information is provided below regarding Graduate Assistantship positions and Fellowship opportunities.

Graduate Theological Studies Scholarship Application

Department Scholarship

The Graduate Theological Studies Department offers a Department Scholarship on the basis of demonstrated financial need and merit.

Students who wish to be considered for a Theological Studies Department Scholarship must file a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), in addition to filling out the current year's Graduate Theological Studies Scholarship Application. This Scholarship Application will need to be filled out and submitted for every semester that the student wishes to receive scholarship aid. FAFSA will need to be filed annually.

When filing your FAFSA, LMU's Federal School Code is #001234. The FAFSA is not required for international students.

For questions about the Departmental Scholarship, please contact the Theological Studies Program Administrator at 310.338.7772 or Jennifer.Scott@lmu.edu.

University Scholarships

In addition to the Department Scholarship offered by Theological Studies, LMU's Graduate Division offers the following scholarships to graduate student applicants across the University:

Catholic Teacher / Ministry Scholarship

• Award Amount: $1000 per 3-unit class (*for up to 2 courses per semester in Fall and Spring, and 1 course in Summer sessions)
• Eligibility: Applicants must teach full-time in Catholic Elementary or Secondary Education or work full-time in Catholic Ministry.
• Additional Materials: Applicants should include employment verification in the form of a signed statement from your employer on official letterhead along with their scholarship application.

Developing Countries Scholarship

• Award Amount: 100% of tuition
• Eligibility: Available to priests or members of a religious order (non U.S. citizens) who come from developing countries.
• Additional Materials: Applicants should include a copy of their R-1 visa and a one-page statement of intent along with their scholarship application.

Religious Scholarship

• Award Amount: 25% of tuition
• Eligibility: Applicant must be a member of the Catholic Clergy or Catholic religious orders.
• Additional Materials: Applicants should provide evidence of membership in a Catholic religious order or proof of Clergy along with their scholarship application.

For questions about any of these University Scholarships, contact the Graduate Division at 310.338.2721 or graduatescholarship@lmu.edu.

Financial Aid General Information

• Financial Aid Office
• Graduate Financial Aid
• Student Accounts Department

• Graduate Division Bulletin Catalog: M.A. Pastoral/M.A. Theology
• Forecast Calendar 2023-24
• MYLMU
• Graduate Theological Studies Resource Guide 2023-24
• Graduate Theology Student Research & Writing Assistance and Support

T‌he Capstone Experience for the M.A. in Theology consists of the Comprehensive Exam Seminar and Research and Writing Seminar/Thesis. For the M.A. in Pastoral Theology, the Pastoral Synthesis Project serves as the Capstone Experience.
 

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM SEMINAR (FOR M.A. IN THEOLOGY)

COURSE TAKEN DURING FALL SEMESTER:
This is the required comprehensive exam seminar for all M.A. in Theology students enrolled in the 42-unit program. While drawing on previous course work, the seminar also requires participants to study additional sources that will help them integrate their theological education and provide a foundation for their research projects. The comprehensive exams will be administered as a part of the course requirements. Students are required to take two exams and produce a proposal for a Master’s thesis. The first exam covers general themes in systematic theology. The second exam is based on a bibliography reflecting a specific interest of the student. This exam is administered by a faculty member who has agreed to serve in this capacity with the consent of the course instructor. The research proposal is supervised by the faculty member who will eventually serve as the student’s thesis-director. This faculty member must be approved by the course instructor.

Comprehensive Exam Seminar Course Descriptions

Chicago Manual of Style

RESEARCH AND WRITING SEMINAR/THESIS (PRE-REQUISITE: COMPREHENSIVE EXAM SEMINAR)

COURSE TAKEN DURING SPRING SEMESTER:
This graduate capstone course is open to students who have completed the Comprehensive Exam Seminar. Building on the research proposal crafted in that course, students will develop a Master’s level thesis through careful research and analysis, rigorous argumentation, and creative theological reflection. Students will drive the class in terms of presenting their own work, working constructively to assess their colleagues’ writing, and discussing the theological, ethical, pastoral, and cultural implications of their collective work. The instructor will facilitate class discussions and establish milestones for the progression of the thesis. The instructor will also work with the external reader of the thesis, who will be assigned in consultation with the student, instructor, and Graduate Director. Thesis paper is approximately 30-40 pages in length.

• Thesis Preliminary Proposal
• Thesis Cover Page Sample
• Thesis - Notice of Successful Completion Form

Students submitting a Thesis or Pastoral Synthesis Project to fulfill their Capstone Experience are also encouraged to submit their research projects to the William H. Hannon Library - Digital Commons Library. Please fill out the library's online form in order to submit your thesis/PSP:

• Project Submission Form for Hannon Library – Digital Commons Library

The library provides instructions for any students who may need assistance filling out the form:

• Instructions for Submitting to Digital Commons

Binding your Thesis: While students are no longer required to bind their Thesis or Pastoral Synthesis Projects, they are welcomed to do so and printing guidelines can be found in the attachment below. Students are encouraged to print a copy for themselves as well as a copy to be donated to the Graduate Theological Studies Department Library (where future students can read and reference your excellent binding!):

• Pastoral Synthesis Project & Thesis- Printing & Binding Your Pastoral Synthesis

Need Further Assistance with your Thesis? Additional research tips and library resources can be found here:

• Hannon Library Resources

PASTORAL SYNTHESIS PROJECT (FOR M.A. IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY)

• Student Proposal Form PSP
• Pastoral Synthesis Project Cover Page
• PSP Completion Form
• PSP Requirements

 
Students submitting a Thesis or Pastoral Synthesis Project to fulfill their Capstone Experience are also encouraged to submit their research projects to the William H. Hannon Library - Digital Commons Library. Please fill out the library's online form in order to submit your thesis/PSP:

• Project Submission Form for Hannon Library – Digital Commons Library

The library provides instructions for any students who may need assistance filling out the form:

• Instructions for Submitting to Digital Commons

Binding your Pastoral Synthesis Project: While students are no longer required to bind their Thesis or Pastoral Synthesis Projects, they are welcomed to do so and printing guidelines can be found in the attachment below. Students are encouraged to print a copy for themselves as well as a copy to be donated to the Graduate Theological Studies Department Library (where future students can read and reference your excellent binding!):

• Printing and Binding your Capstone Project

Need Further Assistance with your Pastoral Synthesis Project? Additional research tips and library resources can be found here:

• Hannon Library Resources

Theological Studies Reference Librarian

Theological Studies has a dedicated reference librarian, Alexander Justice, who is located in Room 126 of Hannon Library. The reference librarian is available to answer any questions you have regarding the library's resources and can even consult with you to find sources for your research papers. You may contact Alexander at 310.338.5947, or by email: Alexander.Justice@lmu.edu

Graduate Theological Studies LibGuide

Theology and Pastoral Theology students will find many helpful reference, research, and biblical studies tools on the Graduate Theology LibGuide website. Library call numbers, expert lists and directories, collections of theological texts by title and author, writing and citation guidelines, and information on various religious organizations are available. Video tutorials and research strategy guides can also be accessed from this page.

• Grad Theology LibGuide

Capstone Project Library Submission

Students submitting a Thesis or Pastoral Synthesis Project to fulfill their Capstone Experience are also encouraged to submit their research projects to the William H. Hannon Library - Digital Commons Library. Please fill out the library's online form in order to submit your thesis/PSP:

• Project Submission Form for Hannon Library – Digital Commons Library

The library provides further instructions for any students who may need assistance filling out the form:

• Instructions for Submitting to Digital Commons

‌Learn about the following grants we offer and see if you qualify:

• Graduate Theological Studies Scholarship Application 2023-2024

FINANCIAL AID GENERAL INFORMATION

• Financial Aid Office
• Graduate Financial Aid
• Student Accounts Department

Below you will find a variety of information and forms pertaining to course checklists and requirements, transfer course approvals, independent study procedures, graduate assistantships, departmental scholarships, and filing an application for degree. Simply click the desired link and the form will be displayed in a different window.

COURSE CHECKLISTS AND REQUIREMENTS
Below are course checklists and requirements for both the M.A. in Theological Studies and M.A. in Pastoral Theology. Course checklists and requirements are applicable to each student based on the program in which they are enrolled:

• Theology MA Checklist 2023-24
• MA Pastoral Theology Checklist 2023-24

CHANGING YOUR PROGRAM, ADJUSTING TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION, APPLYING FOR TRANSFER COURSE CREDIT(S), AND COURSE WAIVERS
Below are forms needed to be filed with the Office of the Registrar (located in the Von der Ahe building, suite 150), if you wish to make a change of program  (i.e. changing from an M.A. in Theology to an M.A. in Pastoral Theology), petition an adjustment of your transcript information (i.e. adding or dropping courses), apply for transfer course credit for courses taken at institutions other than Loyola Marymount University, and/or degree audit adjustments (i.e. for course substitutions and/or course waivers):

• Change of Program
• Transfer Course Approval
• Petition for Degree Audit Adjustment
• How to View & Print Your Degree Audit

INDEPENDENT OR TUTORIAL STUDY COURSE
If you are planning to take, or wish to take, an Independent or Tutorial Study Course, please download and fill out the Independent and Tutorial Studies form with the professor you will be partnering with. Together you will need to prepare a syllabus with planned meeting times and assignments.

• Independent and Tutorial Studies

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP
The Graduate Theological Studies Department offers several part-time, Graduate Assistantship positions. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. To be eligible, you must be enrolled full-time (6 units or more) in both the Fall and Spring semesters. More information can be found through the link below:

• Graduate Assistantships

GRADUATE THEOLOGICAL STUDIES GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
The Graduate Theological Studies Department offers several different departmental grants based on factors such as financial need, merit, evidence of membership in a Catholic religious order, and employment verification for full-time teachers or ministers at a Catholic institution. Additional information regarding eligibility can be found here. You can download the general scholarship application below which can be used for one or more (dependent on eligibility) of the departmental grants offered. ‌

• Graduate Theological Studies Scholarship Application

APPLICATION FOR DEGREE
Graduate students who plan to graduate and participate in the May Commencement ceremony are required to file an application for degree with the Office of the Registrar (located in the Von der Ahe building, Suite 150). This application should be filed no later than the first week of the spring semester:
Application for Degree

Click on the following links to obtain information about the dates and process of registration.

NOTE: To register, you will need to log in to PROWL, so make sure to have your login and password. If you do not have them, please contact the Office of the Registrar. If you have forgotten your PIN, you can have it reset by presenting valid identification at the Office of the Registrar in the Charles Von der Ahe Building, Suite 150. You can also visit the Registrar's web page by clicking here.

• PROWL Login Website
• Real Time Schedule of Classes
• Current Course Descriptions

For both current and prospective students, this section provides you with additional information regarding Graduate-life resources available on our campus:

• On-Campus Housing
• Graduate Student Campus Ministry
• Graduate Students of Loyola Marymount University
• Graduate Theological Studies Resource Guide 2023-24

To listen, please click on the reflection below:

• A Pentecost Message of Hope
  Kim Harris, Ph.D

• Connections Between the Book of Lamentations and the Blues
  Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, Ph.D

• Connections Between the Three Traditions, All Focusing on Community
  Amir Hussain, Ph.D

• Optimism or Hope: A Theological Question
  Brett Hoover, Ph.D

• Reflection on Public Theology
  Cecilia González-Andrieu, Ph.D

• Reflection on the Metaphysics of Optimism vs Hope
  Matthew Petrusek, Ph.D