DEGREE PROGRAMS
Liturgical Institute students have a vision: they desire to lead people to the source and summit of the Christian life and therefore to the very source of divinization in Christ. But they know that all theological education is for the service of others and so is pastoral in intent, and that all pastoral work is enriched by careful study and deep knowledge. That’s why our curriculum is deeply traditional yet appropriately innovative, delightfully theoretical yet eminently practical.
At the Liturgical Institute, sung communal celebration of the Sacred Liturgy combines with classroom instruction, allowing the riches of the Church’s worship to enliven students’ minds with love of the Church and one another. The Liturgical Institute’s unique synthesis of prayer and study gives its students — women and men, laity and clergy — the opportunity to form personal and professional relationships that last a lifetime.
If you are interested in applying for a degree program, please contact us.
The Liturgical Institute offers four academic degrees which suit the needs of each student:
Master of Arts (Liturgical Studies) or MALS
This degree program is designed for those who plan to work at parish, diocesan or secondary education levels. The MALS program is comprised exclusively of courses offered through the Liturgical Institute and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of the sacred liturgy in significant detail. It is considered an “academic” degree, and requires a reading knowledge of Latin and one modern foreign language as well as the ability to write an academic thesis. Successful completion of the MALS opens the possibility of further studies at the PhD level. It may be completed in either two academic years or five summer sessions.
Master of Arts in Liturgy or MAL
This degree program is similar to the MALS, but is considered a terminal “professional” degree rather than an academic degree. To that end, foreign languages are not required and students complete an applied master's project rather than an academic thesis. It may be completed in either two academic years or five summer sessions.
Because of their detailed coursework in liturgical studies, the MALS and the MAL are the degrees recommended for those expecting to work in a parish or diocesan chancery.
License in Sacramental Theology or STL
The STL is an ecclesiastical degree accredited by the Congregation for Education of the Holy See and is primarily intended for those who expect to teach at a Catholic seminary, college or university. It is considered a degree beyond the MA, comparable to an “ABD” or “all but dissertation” at the doctoral level. Entrance to the STL program requires a Bachelor’s in Sacred Theology (STB) or equivalent (30 semester hours of Philosophy and 66 hours of Roman Catholic Theology).
The STL is offered in dogmatic theology, with foundational coursework in the History of Christian Thought provided by the faculty of Mundelein Seminary. The Liturgical Institute provides a sacramental theology specialization composed of 15 credits of coursework and direction of a thesis. The degree is in Theology rather than Liturgical Studies, and as such, students take fewer courses on the practical and theological aspects of the sacred liturgy.
Doctorate of Sacred Theology or STD
The STD is an ecclesiastical research degree accredited by the Congregation for Education of the Holy See intended for those who plan to teach at the seminary or university level.
For detailed descriptions of degree programs and requirements, please view the Academic Bulletin of the Liturgical Institute.
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