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Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology
Curriculum
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connect your faith to your purpose
The Franciscan School of Theology takes a practical approach to theological instruction by placing faith traditions into a contemporary context. Students of the online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology are asked to consider the effects technology, cultural diversity and social justice have on today’s Catholic tradition. This framework prepares graduates to be adaptable teachers and faith leaders in the 21st century.
With an online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology degree, graduates will be qualified to teach theology at the elementary, high school and community college levels, or enter a profession in college or youth ministry. Students who do not aspire to teach or serve in the church will still make valuable faith-career connections in this dynamic program, or open altogether new doors.
Course of study
Students will complete 11 courses, including a capstone course, equaling 36 course units. Each student will also be required to complete an orientation course (no credit units) or all USD online programs.
PROGRAM COURSE CURRICULUM
The MTS – Franciscan Theology program takes place over 6 semesters spanning 24 months, featuring 2 courses per semester (except the capstone, which fills an entire semester). Below is the course schedule students can expect
Orientation
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
This course introduces you to the University of San Diego and provides important information about the program. Throughout the orientation, … |
0 |
Semester 1
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
What does the tradition of Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, and those who continue to follow in their footsteps offer our world today? Th… |
3 |
|
What is the “new paradigm” that Franciscan Theology contributes to the Catholic tradition? The significant authors of the Franciscan tra… |
3 |
Semester 2
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
If Jesus only had access to the Old Testament, should we not give it the importance that he gave it? Are stories about Adam and Eve relevant… |
3 |
|
How do we make sense of a faith that develops over time? This course examines key moments of change in the history of the Church, its strugg… |
3 |
Semester 3
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Why are the infancy narratives in some gospels and not others? Why do some writings focus on the cross and others do not? Why do Catholics s… |
3 |
|
The Catholic Church continues to grow as a global community of faith. Trace its new directions from Vatican II to 2021. How does the church … |
3 |
Semester 4
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
What does the moral life look like? How do we understand personal and social good in a pluralist society? How are our understandings of God,… |
3 |
|
At a critical point in his ministry, Jesus asked his followers: Who do you say that I am? How has Christian tradition grown in its understan… |
3 |
Semester 5
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
How do we make sense of a faith that is diverse and at the same time unified? This course explores the complex issues of Catholic theologies… |
3 |
|
Franciscan Spirituality addresses today’s ethical challenge by contributing to an “integral ecology,” (cf. Laudato Sì), that is a new… |
3 |
Semester 6
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
An MTS capstone demonstrates each student’s ability to develop a coherent theological argument on a topic about which they feel passionate… |
6 |
TEACHING AND LEARNING Methods
Every course is designed to be interactive and uniquely designed with the material in mind, so you will might find a unique combination of the following in each class
Recorded Lectures
Interactive Lessons
Open and Deep Weekly Discussions
Required Reading
Creative Assignments
Opportunities to Connect Live*
*Not required or graded
What is theology?
The Franciscan School of Theology takes a practical approach to theological instruction by placing faith traditions into a contemporary context. Students of the online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology are asked to consider the effects technology, cultural diversity and social justice have on today’s Catholic tradition. This framework prepares graduates to be adaptable teachers and faith leaders in the 21st century.
With an online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology degree, graduates will be qualified to teach theology at the elementary, high school and community college levels, or enter a profession in college or youth ministry. Students who do not aspire to teach or serve in the church will still make valuable faith-career connections in this dynamic program, or open altogether new doors.
Why Are Online Theology Courses Important?
With a broader understanding of world faith traditions throughout the millennia, we can begin to see how the age-old tenets of a given faith system apply to our contemporary world. The virtual format of this online master’s program enables anyone, anywhere to access the world-class instruction for which the Franciscan School of Theology is renowned, further expanding the inclusive intention of cross-cultural theological studies. Our foundational theology courses give students historical and social context for the evolution of religion over time; more advanced theology courses challenge students to find their own place within a spiritual tradition, whether that’s entering the clergy, educating others, providing crucial service or continuing their studies to build a deeper intellectual bond with their faith.
Most importantly, the study of theology in any format enables us to make deeper connections to the wider world, opening doors to other schools of thought and worship and encouraging greater global unity in the process.
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