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MASTER OF ARTS
(LITURGICAL STUDIES)

 

The Master of Arts (Liturgical Studies) is an academic degree which provides the graduate with the scholarship to serve as a competent resource to ministries at diocesan and parochial levels. This degree also qualifies the graduate for further study at the doctoral level. The 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. Language competency in Latin and one modern research language must be completed before the end of the first semester of study.

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

  5. 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.

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

  7. Students for whom English is a second language must demonstrate ability for research and writing 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; years;

  • 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.

 

Students complete written and oral comprehensive examinations and write an academic thesis

 

Language Requirements

 

The Master of Arts (Liturgical Studies) requires reading knowledge of Latin and one modern research language (French, German, Italian, or Spanish). Language requirements may be satisfied in one of three ways:​

  1. Presenting transcripts showing completion of 6 semester hours of the relevant language, with at least an A- average, taken within the last ten years.

  2. Pass a USML language translation exam.

  3. Complete 6 credits of the relevant language at Mundelein Seminary (if offered) with at least an A- average.

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Comprehensive Examination

 

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

 

The Master’s Thesis

 

To complete a Master’s Thesis, students develop a topic in liturgical or sacramental theology, conduct research, and write a scholarly essay under the direction of a faculty thesis director. The Master's Thesis must be approximately seventy-five pages in length and demonstrate a clear understanding of Catholic sacramental principles and of the Sacred Liturgy. 

 

Time Limits

 

The Master’s Thesis is completed in the final term of study. By exception, students may extend the work for up to three academic years. They must register for “Ongoing Thesis Writing” each semester until the project is complete. After three years, guidance will no longer be provided and a diploma will not be granted. Students wishing to earn the degree must petition for re-admission to the program. 

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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

  • Thesis Guidance

  • Thesis 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

  • Thesis Guidance

  • Thesis Writing

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