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MASTER OF ARTS IN LITURGY

The Master of Arts in Liturgy (MAL) is a professional terminal degree which provides the graduate with theologically informed skills for practical liturgical leadership in a diocesan office, Catholic parish or secondary-education program. This program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

Prerequisites

 

  1. A bachelor’s degree.

  2. At least 18 hours of course work in theology, philosophy or religious studies. Provisional acceptance may be granted upon request for applicants without these prerequisites.

  3. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended.

  4. Three letters of recommendation: from a pastor or religious superior; from a professor or academic instructor, preferably in theology or a related field; from an employer or supervisor in ministry.

  5. A personal statement explaining the applicant’s interest in the program and professional or ministerial goals.

  6. Students for whom English is a second language must demonstrate research and writing ability in English. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required for admission.

 

 

 

 

Course Requirements

 

The Master of Arts in Liturgy can be completed in one of three ways:

  • online full-time during four consecutive semesters in two academic years;

  • on campus over five consecutive summers;

  • on a part-time basis.

 

The six-week summer session consists of two consecutive units of three weeks each. Four courses will be completed in that time. In order to graduate, students must successfully complete written and oral comprehensive examinations.

 

Comprehensive Examination

 

The comprehensive examination, comprised of written and oral sections, is normally taken during the student’s final semester. Examination dates will be arranged in consultation with the Liturgical Institute Director and the student. The examination is designed to enable the student to demonstrate mastery of program material.

 

Coursework

Academic Year/Online

  • Sacraments of Initiation

  • Sacraments of Healing

  • Sacraments of Vocation

  • Eucharist: Origins, Structure and Controversies

  • Liturgical Year and Liturgy of the Hours

  • Sacramentals, Blessings, Devotions

  • Liturgical Traditions East and West

  • Liturgical Documentation and Law

  • Art, Architecture and Aesthetics

  • Sources, Principles and Methods

  • Word of God and Liturgy

  • The Liturgical Movement

  • Ritual, Symbol & Music

  • Liturgical Preparation and Training

  • Project Guidance

  • Project Writing

 

Summers Only

  • Christian Initiation

  • Reconciliation, Anointing, Death

  • Matrimony and Orders

  • Eucharist: Origins and Structure

  • Liturgical Year and Liturgy of the Hours

  • Sacramentals, Blessings, Devotions

  • Liturgical Traditions East and West

  • Liturgical Documentation and Law

  • Liturgical Art and Architecture

  • Sources and Methods in Liturgiology

  • Sacramental Aesthetics

  • Principles of Sacramental Theology

  • Ritual, Symbol and Worship

  • Music and Worship

  • Eucharist: Theological Issues

  • Word of God and Liturgy

  • The Liturgical Movement

  • Liturgy and Cultural Adaptation

  • Liturgical Participation

  • Liturgical Preparation and Training

  • Project Guidance

  • Project Writing

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