Theology \ Graduate Studies \
M. A. Degree
The M.A. is the first academic degree in theology on the graduate level. As such, its primary purpose is to introduce students to the study of theology as an academic discipline. It seeks to provide a basic exposure to the different branches of the theological enterprise, while permitting more specialized concentration in an area of particular interest.
Degree Requirements:
The Fordham M.A. specifies a core of six courses to be taken by every student. This core comprises two courses each from the biblical, historical, and systematic sections of the department, as follows:
RSGA 5820 Introduction to the Old Testament
RSGA 5890 Introduction to the New Testament
RSGA 5300 History of Christianity I
RSGA 5301 History of Christianity II
RSGA 5600 Fundamental Theology
RSGA 6720 Fundamental Moral Theology |
The remainder of the M.A. program is devoted to intensive work in one of the three sections of the department. This aspect of the program allows students to concentrate in an area of personal interest. Students plan the specifics of this part of the program in consultation with their section coordinators. In all, the M.A. program consists of ten courses for students concentrating in the historical or systematic areas and twelve courses for students concentrating in the biblical area.
Proficiency in either French or German is also required for the M.A. degree. The ability to read theology in a foreign language is important for two reasons: it makes the student a member of a community of theologians that is broader than English-speaking North Americans, and it enriches the theological imagination by offering access to different ways of speaking and hence of thinking.
At the conclusion of course work, every student must pass the
M. A. Comprehensive exam which reviews the main points of the program. This exam consists of four parts. The first three cover the subject matter of the core courses, while the fourth is devoted to the individual student’s particular area of concentration.
