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: Fall 2023 

COURSE TITLE: Foundations of New Testament Theology 

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION:   THST 6010.01  

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

INSTRUCTOR: Roy Fisher

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

This graduate-level seminar style course examines the foundations of New Testament Theology. It is designed to introduce students to: (1) the historical-critical analysis of the New Testament as an entrée to a more textured understanding of the political, historical, social, cultural, and theological/pastoral dimensions of the texts; (2) the role social-location plays in both the historical and contemporary interpretation of texts (history of interpretation). As a result, students will consider their individual (private) and community’s (public) engagement of the New Testament (texts reading texts) in the processing and actualization of biblical interpretations (“scripturalization”). Throughout the course we will repeatedly engage the work of Native American scholars and theologians as a way of decolonizing both the texts we are reading as well as our own scholarly practices. These Native American interlocutors will help us think more holistically about questions such as: What kind of literature are we reading? For what communities were these texts written? When and why were they written? What are the texts doing and how are they functioning? How might the use of a particular theory or methodology impact/shape/influence what we see in the text? And, finally, what does any of this have to do with theology today? 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through their exposure and immersion into both text and textures of New Testament and biblical interpretation, students: 

1. Will have gained a more complex understanding of the basic contours of the New Testament, including a general understanding of its literary diversity and textual complexities. 
2. Will have considered how New Testament texts might have been significant to their first-century communities. 
3. Will have begun to assess how culture, race, gender, sexual-orientation, class, and ethnicity impact theological reflection; and the social implications and/or ramifications for constructed interpretive practices.  
4. Will be further empowered to conduct critical research and write intelligently, ethically, and persuasively on both New Testament and biblical interpretation as socially conditioned and located readers.  
5. Will be able to identify significant contextual events leading up to, and contemporaneous with, the New Testament (aka the Second Temple period) and why these events are significant for properly understanding the New Testament. 
6. Will better understand how Biblical Studies as an academic subject that incorporates literary analysis, historical analysis (esp. archaeology, and reading ancient texts) including sociological, anthropological, political, and economic analysis – all in addition to the Bible as a document of religious interest. 
7. Will have considered how New Testament thought can be a source of important theological concepts informing contemporary Faith and Practice; including how to think critically and reflectively about the ways in which the New Testament continues to influence contemporary culture. 

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

None.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Schneiders, Sandra M. The Revelatory Text: Interpreting The New Testament as Sacred Scripture. Liturgical Press, 1999. ISBN 9780814659434. Available a free e-book via the LMU Library https://linus.lmu.edu/record=b2691011~S1  
• Additional resources/links posted on Brightspace. 

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

This is a hybrid course that meets once each week for 2.5 hours, either in-person or synchronously online. In addition to our schedule class meetings, participants will be watching several films and utilizing online learning platforms like the discussion board on BrightSpace. Methods of instruction will be multidisciplinary combining various media, lecture, sacred texts in translation, academic analysis, and class discussion of the assigned course materials. Given that this is a seminar style course, lectures by the professor will be minimal. Collaborative discussion, guided by the assigned materials (lectures, readings, films, web-resources, etc.) will constitute our primary experiential in-class activity. Students will engage in analysis of the multidisciplinary course content through class discussion, independent research, and reflective practices. This means that you MUST attend and actively participate in ALL scheduled class sessions (in-person AND online) as well as Brightspace assignments in order to successfully pass the course. 

At Loyola Marymount University, for each hour of scheduled class time per week, there is an expectation of at least 2 hours of outside work by each student per week. Using this ratio, class participants are expected to spend an average of 5 hours outside of class per week on class-related learning activities. This includes, but is not limited to: assigned reading, preparation for class, online discussions, projects, and exams. As a graduate level course this is a reading intensive course! Furthermore, it’s a class about a collection of books (aka the New Testament) so plan for extensive reading assignments EVERY week. 

SEMESTER: Fall 2023

COURSE TITLE: Christology

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6031.01

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

INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Pineda-Madrid 

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

This course seeks to clarify what it means to confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, and why this is a significant claim. With this purpose in mind, the course surveys the origins and development of three fundamental approaches to Christology: (1) the historical Jesus, (2) Jesus as Savior, and (3) the divine and human natures of Jesus.  Accordingly, the course examines the New Testament, the early councils of the Church, the writings of early and medieval Christian theologians, the teachings of the Church and the contributions of contemporary theologians. Throughout this course two main questions will be addressed: Who is Jesus? and How does Jesus save us?   

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will have . . .  

1. Examined the development of theological reflection upon Jesus as he is portrayed in the Christian Scriptures, and as he has been interpreted over the course of the Christian Tradition 
2. Developed a basic sense of the teachings of the Church which deal with Christology. 
3. Grown in appreciation for the ways Christological (and Soteriological) insights and claims grow out of a particular social world (i.e., political, economic, gendered, etc.) 
4. Developed skills in identifying and reflecting upon a theological issue in light of both its historical Church setting and its import for the Church today (i.e., pastoral concerns and implications). 

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

One graduate course in theology and one graduate course in scripture.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Norris, Richard A.  The Christological Controversy.  Philadelphia:  Fortress Press, 1980. ISBN# 0-8006-1411-9 
• O’Collins, Gerald.  Christology:  A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus.  Second edition.  New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.   ISBN# 978-0-19-955787-5 
• Theissen, Gerd.  The Shadow of the Galilean.  Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2007.  ISBN# 978-0-8006- 3900-6 
• The Bible (any translation recognized by the scholarly community; no paraphrased translations; the preferable translation is the New Revised Standard Version.) 

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

Active Participation & Discussion 15%  

Two Papers 60%  

Take Home Final Exam 25% 

SEMESTER: Fall 2023

COURSE TITLE:  Spiritual Formation for Pastoral Ministry

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6074.01

TIMES/DAYS: T 7:20pm-9:50pm - Hybrid Course

INSTRUCTOR: Douglas Christie

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

In this course, we will consider what it means, in the context of Christian spiritual formation,
to follow a path or embark upon an itinerary and how one’s commitment to this work can inform and
deepen the work of pastoral ministry. The invitation to walk a path often points to a practice of simply
putting one foot in front of the other: pilgrimage, the journey to a destination of great importance.
But ‘walking a path’ can also refer to a way of life, a spiritual practice, and a way of understanding
what it means to live deeply in relation to God, others and the world. We will consider how these
ideas can help in the cultivation of a spiritually informed approach to pastoral ministry.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Students will gain an understanding of the historical development of Christian spiritual formation, including some of the key ways of conceiving of the idea of a “spiritual itinerary.”

2. Students will gain an understanding of the varied prayer practices that have been central to the Christian spiritual tradition and how such practices inform interpersonal and social engagement and the work of pastoral ministry. 

3. Students will gain an understanding of how the practice of discernment can inform both personal and pastoral dimensions of decision making. 

4. Students will gain an understanding of the complex social reality underlying Christian spiritual formation, especially as it relates to matters of race, ethnicity and gender. 

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND 

None.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land (Oxford).  
• Augustine, The Confessions (Modern Library).  
• Teresa of Avila, The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, Vol. 2 (ICS Publications).  
• Elizabeth Liebert, The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making (Westminster John Knox).  
• Gustavo Gutierrez, We Drink From Our Own Wells: The Spiritual Journey of a People (Orbis). 

Work expectations:

1. Regular class participation. 
2. Weekly Discussion Posts on the Main Readings for the Course 
3. A Mid-Term Essay  
4. A Final Term Paper 

SEMESTER: Fall 2023

COURSE TITLE: Comparative Mysticism

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6082 / YGST 6082

TIMES/DAYS: M 4:30-7:00pm - In-person

INSTRUCTOR: Christopher Key Chapple

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

In this class we will explore the inner or mystical life as articulated in the life and practice of various religious traditions.  We will begin with a study of Tongva indigenous California culture and the study and practice of elemental meditation techniques from India. We will then turn to two womanist classics: Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill and Patterns of Culture by Ruth Benedict. We will also explore June Singer’s explication of the key ideas of Carl Jung.  We will then examine the emerging field of contemplative Christian ecology as well as Jewish and Islamic mystical traditions. Yoga and mysticism will be examined through the writings of 20th century philosopher Sri Aurobindo.  We will conclude the course with an exploration of music and mysticism.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be familiar with the psychological approaches to religious experience .Students will learn the principles and practices of mystical theology from the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Yoga traditions.  They will be versant with primary figures. They will also be able to write about and discuss this topic. 

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Evelyn Underhill, Mysticism 
• June Singer, Boundaries of the Soul: The Practice of Jung’s Psychology 
• Christopher Chapple, Living Landscapes (unlimited e-book on order) (proofs posted) 
• Louis Cozolino, Why Therapy Works: Using Our Minds to Change Our Brai 
• Douglas Christie, The Blue Sapphire of the Mind https://linus.lmu.edu/record=b2631168~S1 
• Anne Marie Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam https://linus.lmu.edu/record=b4157146~S1 
• Debashish Banerji, Seven Quartets of Becoming: A Transformative Yoga Psychology Based on the Diaries of Sri Aurobindo 

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

Class participation. Summary paper and presentation of one assigned reading. Final research paper on a topic to be chosen in consultation with the professor of 15 to 20 pages. 

SEMESTER: Fall 2023

COURSE TITLE: Graduate Pro-seminar

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6090-01

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

INSTRUCTOR: Brett C. Hoover

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

Christian theology is disciplined reasoning through the questions raised by human beings as a result of their relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Studying theology is neither catechesis (formation in Christian faith) nor apologetics (defending Christian faith). It means joining an ongoing historical dialogue (occasionally an argument) that Christians call tradition, analyzing and critiquing how and why diverse Christians from the past and present have expressed their relationship to God as they have, but also continuing to seek adequate ways to do so today. This course will also explore some of the foundations of religious studies, that is, the discipline that considers religious traditions irrespective of one’s personal faith commitments. In short, the proseminar course prepares students for further graduate study in Theological Studies. It introduces some of the vocabulary, background knowledge, methodologies, and skills necessary for such study, including theological reading, research, and writing. The seminar includes input and exercises that will expose students to the basic subfields of theology (including biblical studies, historical theology, ethics, systematic or constructive theology, pastoral theology, liturgy, spirituality, and comparative theology). Students will explore methodological questions and procedures appropriate to each.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be able to...

• Say what Christian theology is and demonstrate the foundational mechanics of theological study at the graduate level (critical reading and writing, attention to context, research and citation);
• Understand theological arguments, offering analysis and critique, learning to make their own theological arguments;
• Define and use the disciplinary vocabulary of Christian theology and religious studies;
• Recognize and interpret how theological ideas, practices, and methodologies occur in response to the questions and challenges of different historical eras and different cultures.
• Responsibly read the primary sources of theological study, including historical texts as well another “reports” from daily Christian life (e.g., liturgical practice, popular religion, and art), learning to honor the original context for these sources but also to connect them to contemporary theological questions, practices, and commitments;
• Understand and make critical use of vocabulary and central ideas from different sub-disciplines of Christian theology.

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

None.

REQUIRED TEXTS

• Gonzalez, Justo L. Essential Theological Terms. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox, 2005.
• Johnson, Elizabeth A. Creation and the Cross: The Mercy of God for a Planet in Peril. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2018.
• Rausch, Thomas. I Believe in God: A Reflection on The Apostles Creed. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2008.
• Yaghjian, Lucretia B. Writing Theology Well: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers. (New York: Continuum, 2006).                                                                                                                 

COURSE WORK

Expectations for this class include argument summary papers, glossary contributions, reading response blog, oral presentations in class, primary source analysis, midterm exam, and a book review.  

SEMESTER: Fall 2023 

COURSE TITLE: Comprehensive Exam Seminar 

COURSE NUMBER/SECTION: THST 6092.01

TIMES/DAYS: W 7:20pm-9:50pm - Hybrid

INSTRUCTOR: Tracy Tiemeier

COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPAL TOPICS

This is the required comprehensive exam seminar for all MA in Theology students. While drawing on students’ previous course work, the seminar also requires students to study additional sources that will help them integrate their theological education. The comprehensive exams are administered as a part of the course requirements (primarily, though not exclusively--see course work/expectations below) through seven (7) assessments targeting the MA in Theology program learning outcomes (see student learning outcomes below). Assessment prompts will be given to students before the beginning of the semester so students can plan for the semester, and essay responses can be drawn from work completed in other courses. This course has a hybrid format where some classes will meet on campus in person and other classes will meet online through Zoom. 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Perform biblical exegesis with attention to historical contexts, the history of interpretation, and contemporary theological developments;
2. Engage in critical reflection on major theological themes, including the ability to articulate different perspectives and place them in dialogue, and the ability to engage such themes in real world contexts;
3. Perform critical historical analysis, reading and interpreting primary sources of theology in their broader context;
4. Situate contemporary theological developments in light of historical trajectories;
5. Interpret the work of seminal thinkers in Christian ethics and analyze contemporary moral problems;
6. Discern accurate and credible knowledge about diverse religious traditions and expressions;
7. Engage the question of the theological significance of religious diversity;
8. Articulate multiple methods in theological studies and apply them in appropriate scholarly ways and contexts;
9. Engage critically with the Roman Catholic intellectual tradition, appreciating the internal diversity within Roman Catholic and wider Christian traditions, and articulating how an encounter with the Roman Catholic intellectual tradition enhances engagement with one’s own religious perspectives. 

PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND

36 units of course work completed.  

Students with at least 30 units may petition the Graduate Curriculum Committee for permission to enroll. 

REQUIRED TEXTS

[ALL TEXTS ARE AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THE LMU LIBRARY] 

• Confessions (Oxford World’s Classics).
• Shawn Copeland. Knowing Christ Crucified: The Witness of African American Religious Experience.
• Gustavo Gutiérrez. On Job: God-talk and the Suffering of the Innocent.  
• Elizabeth A. Johnson. Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love.  
• Clara Sue Kidwell, Homer Noley, George E. “Tink” Tinker. A Native American Theology.  
• Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, SJ. Religion and Faith in Africa: Confessions of an Animist.  
• Peter C. Phan. The Joy of Religious Pluralism: A Personal Journey.  
• Karl Rahner, SJ. The Trinity.  

COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS

Bibliography Reading and Seminar Discussion (20%) 

7 Theological Assessments (70%) 

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.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2023-24

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 Theological Studies Graduate 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 2023-2024

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