Degree Requirements
Academics
Degree Requirements
Events
The chart below shows what is required to complete the Master of Catholic Thought program as a Degree student.
| CORE CURRICULUM | ELECTIVES | RESEARCH PAPER | PROGRAM COMPLETION |
| 5 core courses are mandatory for the completion of the program |
2 elective courses must be chosen from the available elective courses offered at SJU or from another eligible theology program
|
35-50 page paper | Students must maintain a minimum average of 75%, or B, in the 7 courses and research paper, and complete a Non-Credit Academic Integrity Module |
CORE CURRICULUM
Five core curriculum courses are mandatory for the completion of the Master of Catholic Thought degree program. Each of these core MCT courses offers students the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of a key aspect of the Roman Catholic tradition: scripture, history, theological foundations, ethics, and spirituality.
CT 601: The Books of the Church
Examine the historical development of the Bible, the different types of writing found in the Bible, and the methods used to interpret the meaning of the scriptures.
CT 602: The History of Catholicism
Survey the development of Christianity from the time of Christ to the present, with a particular emphasis on the Roman Catholic tradition.
CT 603: Foundations of Theology
An examination of the fundamental aspects and categories of theological reflection including: the nature of faith, religious and theological language, the mystery of God, the meaning of the Incarnation, creation and redemption, the human person, the nature and mission of the church, the role of Mary.
*Note: Normally, this course will be completed prior to enrolling in other courses in the Master of Catholic Thought degree program.
*Note: Residency is normally required for this course.
CT 604: Catholic Moral Life and Thought
Explore the field of ethics in the context of Catholic Christian faith. Examine fundamental concepts in the Catholic moral tradition and look at the significance of those concepts when dealing with contemporary ethical issues.
CT 605: The Prayer Life of the Church: Spirituality and Liturgy
Deal with the essential aspects of Christian spirituality and Catholic liturgical life. Examine these aspects from biblical, historical and theological perspectives and explore their role in contemporary Catholicism.
ELECTIVE COURSES
In addition to the five core courses, two elective courses must be completed from a variety offered, for degree students to complete the Master of Catholic Thought program.
CT 610: Catholic Sacramental Life
Biblical, historical, theological and pastoral perspectives on the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.
CT 611: Catholic Perspectives on Ecology
An examination of the ways in which Roman Catholic thinkers and communities are involved in the theology and ecology discourse. Historical background, recent debates, church teachings and contemporary approaches to the ethical issues will be explored.
CT 612: Special Topics in Catholic Theology
In-depth examination of select topics in Catholic theology. Consult the MCT website or Graduate Studies calendar for current offerings. Examples include topics such as: The Papacy; Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue; the Bible and Peace.
CT 613: The Catholic Imagination in Art and Literature
An exploration of the role and significance of the Catholic imagination in a variety of art forms and literature.
CT 614: Catholicism and Education
An historical perspective on Catholic education in Canada and examination of contemporary issues regarding the role of Catholicism in education.
CT 615: Catholic Social Ethics
A study of the basic principles of Catholic social teaching through an examination of church documents and the rise of social movements. Exploration of contemporary applications of the basic principles to issues such as poverty, immigration, the market economy, women, agriculture, ecology, work.
CT 616: Gender Ethics in Roman Catholicism
Examine historical and contemporary Roman Catholic approaches to ethical questions about human sexuality and relationships. Topics include: marriage, celibacy, single life, homosexuality, HIV/AIDS, sexual violence, gender roles, abortion, and sexuality and spirituality.
CT 617: Contemporary Bioethics: Issues of Life and Death
Examine the relevance of Catholic moral principles to discussions of contemporary issues in bioethics. Topics include: reproductive technologies, cloning and stem cell research, genetics, resource allocation, abortion, death and dying.
CT 618: The Catholic Church in Canada
An examination of the history of the Catholic Church in English and French-speaking Canada. The role, significance and contributions of the Catholic Church to Canadian society will be explored.
Other Elective Courses
Students in the Master of Catholic Thought program have the option to choose electives from appropriate graduate-level theology courses offered at another University or University College (including Conrad Grebel University College).
A maximum of two elective courses may be taken from another institution.
RESEARCH PAPER
Registered Master of Catholic Thought students must complete a Master’s-level research paper 35-50 pages (8,750-12,500 words) in length and normally will also participate in an on-campus Integrative Seminar for the CT 606 course. The nature of the research project will be determined in consultation with the Director of the program.
*Note: Residency is required for the concluding Integrative Seminar.
The research paper will be evaluated by two St. Jerome’s University faculty members, including the supervisor and another faculty member who teaches in the core of the Master of Catholic Thought program. It will normally be the basis of a seminar presentation to peers and faculty and normally may be started only when the course work is completed.
COURSE COMPLETION
Course Work
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Students must obtain a minimum overall average of 75%, or B.
- Students must obtain a minimum grade of 75%, or B, for the Research Paper.
Students will normally take CT 603: Foundations of Theology, prior to taking other courses in the program. After CT 603, the other courses can be taken in any order provided that any course prerequisites have been met. Ideally at least one elective will be offered every term.
Non-Credit Academic Integrity Workshop
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Students must complete a non-credit Academic Integrity Workshop for graduate students offered by the University of Waterloo within their first two terms of study.
Once completed, this workshop will be shown on each student's academic record.
Check the Graduate Studies Academic Course Calendar for descriptions of our courses on the University of Waterloo website.