Student Success Center
Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology
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Welcome!
As an online student, most of your interactions with the university will be done through various websites. For example:
- You’ll use your @sandiego.edu Email Address for all university-related communications.
- You’ll use Canvas for all of your coursework and assignments. See Canvas Tips and Tricks page.
- You’ll use your MyFST / MySanDiego Portal for tuition payments and to access most campus resources.
- You’ll use this site, Student Success Center, to get specific information about textbook information, deadlines, and more.
Stay Connected with your Program
YOUR PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Jessica Guerrero
(619) 260-4194
[email protected]
YOUR academic director
Darleen Pryds, PhD [email protected]
Before your first day of classes
COMPLETE YOUR MANDATORY NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST
Our number one priority is you! Our team has prepared a checklist of items that will set you up for success and clarify all action items as a new student. After you are enrolled for your first term and receive a confirmation email from a member of our team, please complete and review all of the following before classes start.
1. View Your Mandatory New Student Welcome Webinar
This webinar will go over a comprehensive look at your program and what to expect as an online learner including resources and tips for success. Each webinar should last around 30-40 minutes. Once you have been registered for classes and receive a confirmation email from our team, you will be given the link to schedule your new student check-in call.
2. Schedule Your New Student Check-in Call
In this call, you’ll “meet” a member of your Student Success Team for your program. This will be a chance for us to answer any additional questions you have before you start your first term. Please be sure to have any Canvas-related, program-related, or finance-related questions prepared.
3. Complete Your Canvas Orientation Course – Due January 3, 2025
Once you have been registered in your classes, you will be able to access your New Student Orientation Course on Canvas within 4 hours. When accessing Canvas, please make sure to use Firefox or Chrome as your browser.
The New Student Orientation course is designed to help you navigate your way around your course’s layout prior to beginning your first class. You will learn where to find the syllabus, course schedule, assignments, and discussion boards.
Your Orientation is mandatory, and must be completed before the first day of class—so we encourage you to get started! Please plan to spend about 8 hours completing the Orientation course. You can move through the Orientation at your own pace, so schedule your time accordingly.
Looking for assistance?
4. Finalize Your Tuition Payment Plan
We recommend that students start this planning early as some funding sources can take some time to process. Tuition payments should be completed in full by the first day of the semester. Visit the “Tuition and Payment Methods” section for more information.
5. Review your Student Handbook
Please make sure to review your student handbook prior to the first day of class, and reference it as needed throughout your program. The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
IMPORTANT DATES
Below is a list of significant dates regarding the registration process, payment deadlines, and other important academic and program deadlines.
Fall 2024 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | July 1, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | August 2, 2024 |
| Registration Deadline | August 16, 2024 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | August 30, 2024 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | September 2, 2024 |
| Payment Due Date | September 3, 2024 |
| Semester Begins | September 3, 2024 |
| First Course Start Date | September 3, 2024 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | September 6, 2024 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | September 30, 2024 |
| First Course End Date | October 21, 2024 |
| Second Course Start Date | October 22, 2024 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | November 4, 2024 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | November 18, 2024 |
| Second Course End Date | December 9, 2024 |
| Semester Ends | December 9, 2024 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | December 23, 2024 |
Spring 2025 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | November 1, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | December 2, 2024 |
| Registration Deadline | December 16, 2024 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | January 3, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | January 6, 2025 |
| Payment Due Date | January 7, 2025 |
| Semester Begins | January 7, 2025 |
| First Course Start Date | January 7, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | January 10, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | February 3, 2025 |
| First Course End Date | February 24, 2025 |
| Second Course Start Date | February 25, 2025 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | March 10, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | March 24, 2025 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | April 28, 2025 |
| Semester Ends | April 14, 2025 |
Summer 2025 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | March 3, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | April 4, 2025 |
| Registration Deadline | April 18, 2025 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | May 2, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | May 5, 2025 |
| Payment Due Date | May 6, 2025 |
| Semester Begins | May 6, 2025 |
| First Course Start Date | May 6, 2025 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | May 9, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | June 2, 2025 |
| First Course End Date | June 23, 2025 |
| Second Course Start Date | June 24, 2025 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | July 7, 2025 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | July 21, 2025 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | August 25, 2025 |
| Semester Ends | August 11, 2025 |
Download a pdf of your academic calendar
Class Registration Directions
You have most likely already filled out an Enrollment Agreement, which enables our team to register you for classes each term. No further action is required on your part.
If you are not able to register for both of your courses in a given term, please contact your program coordinator immediately. This often happens for students who need to take a leave of absence.
Textbook information
Students are required to have their textbooks on hand by the first day of class. Most textbooks in the online MTS-FT program can be accessed using the Digital Theological Library (DTL).
For textbooks not included in the DTL, students may select any vendor they prefer (such as Amazon.com, Half.com, Alibris.com, etc.) to purchase their course materials. In the event a specific vendor is required, it will be specified in the course materials list. The best way to ensure that you have the correct book is to search by the ISBN number(s) listed on the book list.
Physical copies of books are not on hand at the USD Torero Store. The USD Torero online store does offer price comparisons for different online vendors for some books.
Although all textbooks for all courses are listed, students only need to purchase the items for the classes they are taking for the semester.
Digital Inclusive Access (IA) – Integrated VitalSource Textbooks
If your course is indicated to have a “Digital Inclusive Access” textbook, you do have the option to use the integrated Vitalsource e-textbook without needing to purchase a textbook through an outside vendor. For more information, view the “Digital Inclusive Access” FAQs document.
- Students are able to access the e-textbook directly in the course without worrying about purchasing the wrong version or textbook!
- If your course is indicated as using “Digital Inclusive Access” on the textbook list, please note that you must opt-out within the first 7 days of each course to avoid being charged for the guaranteed-lowest price textbook.
- If you do intend to use “Digital Inclusive Access”, no further action is required after you create a Vitalsource account.
- No refunds can be issued once the textbook charge has been assessed.
By using Vitalsource e-Textbooks, students are able to use study tools in Bookshelf such as highlighting, printing limited pages/chapters, sharing notes, and using the Bookshelf CoachMe tool to test their learning while they read.
PAYing for your program
Tuition at FST and USD is billed per semester, not per course. Payment (or enrollment in an official USD payment plan) is always due by the first day of the semester. Students may not carry balances from one semester to the next.
Accounts with outstanding balances after the official payment due date may be subject to course cancellations/removal or a student account hold during the semester; related holds can prevent upcoming registration, graduation, or obtaining transcripts.
Remember: tuition is always due by the first day of each semester.
Program Tuition
Once you are registered for your courses, your student account will reflect the appropriate tuition costs according to your program. Your program’s tuition is the following:
- Per Unit (classes are typically 3-units) = $800
- Per Semester (assuming 6-units per semester) = $4, 800
- Total Program Cost (including 6 semesters) = $28, 800
Students who need to re-take or withdraw from a course may need to pay additional fees according to the Refund/Drop Deadline policies listed in your Student Handbook.
If you have any questions about your Student Account, please reach out to the Torero Hub by submitting their inquiry form or phone at 619-260-2700. All costs and fees are subject to change and are based on the academic year of enrollment.
ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT
Please note that students in FST’s Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology program are required to submit a one-time 5% non-refundable deposit. The payment will automatically be applied to your first-semester tuition.
Digital Theological library fee
All Students in the Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology program are automatically charged a technology or “tech” fee of $110 every semester to cover the cost of most textbook materials used throughout your program hosted in the Digital Theological Library (DTL). Please note that there may be required textbooks to purchase outside of the materials included in the DTL.
Refund Policy
Students will be registered for their prescribed courses each semester. All courses must be dropped prior to the first day of the semester to receive a 100% tuition refund and within the first three days of the start date of the semester to receive a 95% tuition refund. No refund (reversal of tuition) will be provided after the third day of the semester for any class.
DEGREE PROGRESS and COMMENCEMENT
Intent to Graduate
Completing a “Petition to Graduate” also known as “Intent to Graduate” Form is a requirement for every student. Based on your anticipated graduation semester, review the dates below to see the deadline for completing your petition. Once completed, the FST office will review your academic record and contact you if there are any outstanding requirements or issues. Please note that the $100 fee associated with the “Intent to Graduate” form covers the cost of your cap, gown, dinner, and diploma.
Intent to Graduate Submission Deadline
- Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 graduates must submit their Intent to Graduate Form by February 16, 2025.
Once your intent to graduate form has been approved for graduation by faculty and regents, please complete the following Graduation Logistics form to let us know how you would like your name displayed on your diploma. You may email the form to [email protected] or return it to the FST’s Office of Student Services.
Commencement and Diploma Details
After you complete your online MTS-FT program, you will be invited to participate in a commencement ceremony (which means walking in your cap and gown). Commencement details and information will be sent from your Student Success Team around the month of February. Please note, there is only one commencement ceremony each academic year. Summer and Fall graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May after they graduate. All degree requirements must be completed before a student can participate in the commencement ceremony.
Course Details
program requirements
The completion of all the courses in the prescribed curriculum of ten 3-unit courses and the 6 -unit Capstone course, for a total of 11 courses and 36 units, is required to successfully complete this program.
Course Titles and Descriptions
Following Francis: An Introduction to the Franciscan Tradition (MTS 510)
What does the tradition of Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, and those who continue to follow in their footsteps offer our world today? The Franciscan way cultivates peace-making, cares for creation, and forges solidarity with the poor and marginalized in a Christ-centered way of life that responds to the challenges of our world. This interdisciplinary course introduces major Franciscan figures, sources of the Franciscan tradition, and significant interpreters of this tradition to establish the foundation that is developed throughout the MTS-FT program.
Introduction to Franciscan Theology (MTS 515)
(Prerequisite: MTS 510 with a minimum grade of C-)
What is the “new paradigm” that Franciscan Theology contributes to the Catholic tradition? The significant authors of the Franciscan tradition shaped this new approach in the Middle Ages. This course will guide students through an introductory-level study of the themes of the Trinity, Creation, Incarnation, and the human person in major works of these writers. Their relevance today, as expressed in documents of the Papal Magisterium, will be highlighted.
Old Testament: Our Jewish Roots: An Introduction to the Old Testament (MTS 520)
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 in today’s world? Is the God of the Old Testament different than the God of the New Testament? We will learn about the Old Testament through reading the writings that the peoples of the Old Testament left as their heritage. We will also study the material culture of these people that archaeologists have been able to unearth. We will do this in a manner consistent with various documents on the study of Sacred Scripture that the Roman Catholic Church has issued in the last century. Students will be challenged to recognize the different types of literature present in the OT: wisdom, prophetic, historical and apocalyptic.
History: Unity, Diversity, Change Over Time (MTS 525)
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 struggle to maintain unity while respecting the diversities of culture, language, geography, and societies. Special attention will be given to the movement of the early church from the Jewish to the Hellenistic world; the missionary developments and the cultural impact of the Germanic world; the 13th-century social changes associated with the Franciscan movement; the mission to the “new world” and China; “Beloved Amazonia” and the challenges of the 21st century.
New Testament: The Cradle, The Cross, and The Community: An Introduction to the New Testament (MTS 530)
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 say that we are saved by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ? We will learn about the New Testament through reading the writings that the peoples of the New Testament left as their heritage. We will also study the material culture of these people that archaeologists have been able to unearth. We will do this in a manner consistent with a sound historical-critical methodology.
Ecclesiology: Being the 21st-Century Church (MTS 535)
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 respond to changes in society? What is the role of dialogue with other religions? How is decision-making changing? What are the emerging roles of lay leaders, women and men? This course will introduce the thinkers and documents shaping the Church in the 21st Century.
Moral Theology: Conscience and the Common Good (MTS 540)
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, the human person and the good connected? And what insights does Catholicism’s moral tradition–especially the Franciscan tradition–bring to this conversation? These are the sorts of questions that will animate this course as we examine imagination, holiness, sin, virtue, discernment, vocation and other core concepts from Catholicism’s moral tradition.
Christology: Who Do You Say That I Am? (MTS 545)
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 understanding and affirmation of full divinity and humanity in Jesus Christ? How does the Franciscan tradition shed renewed light on the importance of the Incarnation and God’s universal salvific desire? In today’s global reality, how do we best give witness to our faith in Jesus Christ in dialogue with other world religions? These questions frame our study in this course in Christology as we focus on the development of early Church doctrine, the particular contribution of Franciscan thinkers, the importance of intercultural dialogue today, and the significance of Franciscan Christology for the third millennium.
Intercultural Theology: Theology in an Intercultural Context (MTS 550)
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, missions, and indigenous cultures.
Spirituality: Spirituality for the Digital Age (MTS 555)
Franciscan Spirituality addresses today’s ethical challenge by contributing to an “integral ecology,” (cf. Laudato Sì), that is a new understanding of economics, peace-making, intercultural communication, and inter-religious dialogue. The Franciscan spiritual perspective helps to build a new relational paradigm for the Church. The course will underline that the new forms of media are gifts of God that can strengthen bonds of fraternal communication and build a more responsible lifestyle. However, they also present ethical challenges that must be addressed.
Capstone: Finding Your Voice in the Franciscan Tradition (MTS 599)
What statement do you want to make with your life? The capstone project offers the opportunity to find your voice in the Franciscan tradition since the project offers the opportunity to integrate the learning from throughout the program and invites each student to articulate their own interpretation of a theological problem that is grounded in a Franciscan source or related group of sources. Using an academic discipline or group of disciplines to frame their research, the student finds their voice in the Franciscan Tradition through their research, interpretation, and presentation of a theological argument.
Student Resources
This list is helpful resources that will set you up for success. Haven’t written in Chicago/Turabian formatting since your undergraduate program? We’ve got you covered! Want to know what type of computer you will need? No problem. We have listed helpful resources below.
Technical Requirements
You must own or have unrestricted access to a computer for this program. A fast Internet connection is also mandatory.
Courses will utilize a variety of technologies and multimedia. To complete course activities and to access course content, please verify that you have the following technologies and plug-ins available:
- Browser Plug-ins – Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Flash, Shockwave, Adobe Reader, and Java.
- Mozilla Firefox is the recommended browser.
- Microsoft Office is required. If you are using Office 2003 or earlier, download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility pack.
- Speakers or headset – to listen to multimedia.
- Webcam – for recording video.
- Email – To contact your faculty.
- High-speed internet connection strongly encouraged (DSL or better)
Digital Theological Library (DTL)
All students in the Master of Theological Studies program have access to the Digital Theological Library (DTL) which contains most of the textbook materials used throughout your program. Please note that there may be required textbooks to purchase outside of the materials included in the DTL.
The Digital Theological Library (DTL) can be accessed using this link.
Graduate Writing Expectations and Tips
All writing assignments must be formatted according to Chicago Manual of Style/Turabian standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate citations. If you want additional writing support, we recommend Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL@Purdue). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to formatting guidelines.
- The Chicago Manual of Style Online website that has a lot of additional resources to support you, as well. Using the link, you can view a web version of the printed manual.
- You have a dedicated USD/FST Librarian Martha Adkins to help you with any individual assistance with references or citations. She can be reached at [email protected].
- Another helpful writing resource is the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center. Enrolled students can submit assignments for review by a writing professional.
- View the FST “6 Tips for Excellent Writing” PDF
- View the FST “Footnotes and Referencing” PDF.
Academic Resources (Study Skills, Videos, and Book Examples)
Study Skills
- How to Research and Write in Graduate School
- How to Develop a Thesis Statement
- How to Construct an Argument
- Template for Analyzing Primary Sources
- Template for Analyzing Secondary Sources
- Grading Rubric for Writing Assignments
Videos
- Making Sense of Academic Writing (12min)
- Skills to Succeed in Graduate School (5min)
- Reading at the Graduate Level (29min)
- Writing at the Graduate Level (22min)
Book Review Examples
Spiritual Resources
Download Microsoft Office 365 (Free for FST and USD Students)
Students at the University of San Diego are able to download Microsoft Office 365 for free! If you don’t have it already, you can download the Microsoft Office 365 suite using your USD student email.
TimelyCare – Telehealth for USD and FST Students
TimelyCare is a provider of 24/7, no-cost telehealth services for USD and FST students to address common conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely. TimelyCare services are available at no cost to the student. Services include:
- Live and on-demand self-care sessions (yoga, breathing, stretching)
- Access to on-demand counselors for emotional health support
- Access to schedule a session with a licensed counselor (up to 12 times per year)
- View the Nurturing Balance Webinar Recording to learn about more resources
Join the “Franciscan School of Theology Community” Facebook Group
This Facebook group is a place for current FST students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters to: connect; to share in specifically Franciscan perspectives, topics, stories, and spirituality; and to stay updated on FST/Santa Barbara friar events and news. Alumni are encouraged to post updates on current work and projects.
FST Student Leadership
The Franciscan School of Theology has an ongoing student leadership group representing all programs and students. They are a welcoming and participatory community for all to come together for spiritual and social purposes. Their mission is to :
- To develop academically and spiritually for professional ministry.
- To promote the Gospel message, following the examples of Francis and Clare.
- To ensure FST is a welcoming community to students and visitors.
- To recognize and embrace diversity.
- To reach beyond the walls of the School in service, peace, justice and care for creation.
- To represent students in academic, administrative, and strategic School policy.
- To identify and address the needs of the student body.
- To facilitate communication to, from, and among students.
- To lead the student body in FST’s common mission.
Don’t hesitate to contact your online MTS-FT representatives with any interest, questions, or ideas.
- Kriselle Llamas, [email protected]
- Denise Clare, [email protected]
Online MTS-FT Student Handbook
The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
External Tutoring Resource
FST @ USD does not offer subject-specific tutoring resources, so students who are looking for tutoring support are encouraged to identify a tutor using Wyzant.com. Please note that Wyzant is not a FST/USD-managed resource, so use them at your own discretion.
USD Economic Resources List
USD’s Case Management team has compiled a list of on-campus (local to San Diego) and national economic resources to help students find assistance with a variety of life aspects such as housing, food, mental health, parenting, etc. If you have a need or concern that isn’t addressed by the resources included in this list, please reach out to your Program Coordinator for further assistance.
First-Generation Student Resources
USD welcomes first-generation college and first-generation graduate students. Please view the resources below to connect with your first-gen peers!
- Visit the USD First-Generation website.
- Free & Virtual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium.
- Instagram accounts: @usd_fgsa and @usdfirstgen.
- Contact the First-Gen Action Team at [email protected]
- View the USD First-Generation Student Guide.
- Sign up for the First-Gen Network Newsletter (sign up here).
- Facebook account: USD First-Generation Students.
Military Student Resources
USD provides student-focused services to all USD military-connected students, including student veterans, active-duty, dependent children, and spouses.
- Get started by requesting your Request to Certify each semester.
- Explore Military Scholarship Opportunities.
- Please use this link to get a statement of benefitor call the GI Bill Hotline, (888) GI Bill 1(888-442-4551).
USD Campus Partner Email Opt-Out
Get too many emails? Follow our email opt-out guide to optimize your USD email experience.
DACA/Undocumented Student Resources
Please view the USD information trifold for current and prospective students. It is also available in Spanish.
Review the Higher Ed Immigation Portal website which includes some useful information and connections to the undocumented student community, state and national policies, information on graduate and professional school access, retention and success. It is a living document that will be updated regularly and include any new resources that campuses and organizations develop.
Student Parent Resources
Many students who attend USD are also parents. USD offers the following resources:
- Join the Parenting Student listserv: [email protected]
- Pregnancy Resources: Several USD Centers are available to accompany pregnant students as they navigate pregnancy while a student at USD.
- Financial Aid: The university’s Financial Aid Offices can help you qualify for additional loans to cover medical expenses and child care.
- Childcare Solutions: USD supports many resources for finding infant and child care to meet your family’s needs.
University of San Diego Campus Resources
The USD Campus is available to all of our students and includes these additional resources.
Need Something?
- Request an Itemized Statement
- Request a Degree Plan
- Request a Grade Verification Letter
- Request an Enrollment Verification Letter
- Request a Student ID Card
- Request an Official Transcript
- Complete the request form, submit payment, and then send the form via mail, fax, or email to FST.
Canvas @ USD
In your program, you can think of Canvas as your virtual tool to share information with professors and peers. You will use Canvas to access your course content, find course syllabi, review your assignments, and more. Be sure to use your USD credentials to log in. If you have any difficulty logging into your course, be sure to contact ITS at (619) 260-7900 or [email protected].
Netiquette Guidelines
The concept of netiquette covers proper communication online. Read our guidelines to help cultivate a supportive and productive online environment.
your partners toward success
At USD, you join a community of individuals who are all committed to one common goal: your success. As you familiarize yourself with your team, take the opportunity to virtually meet and connect with the resources available to you as a student. Click on the profiles below to learn more about each office or staff member and watch a brief video about their role in supporting you through graduation.
Career and professional resources
Whether you’re hoping to find a new job or earn a promotion, FST and USD have a wealth of resources available to prepare you for your dream role.