Student Handbook

Information about undergraduate degrees & programs in theology from the UST School of Arts & Sciences is available here.

Candidates for priesthood or diaconal ordination must complete a program conforming to the most recent guidelines established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (Ordination & Non-Ordination) is a professional degree program designed to develop the academic, spiritual and pastoral skills necessary for ministerial leadership in the Roman Catholic Church. The 126 hour program is intended for individuals preparing for ordination to the Roman Catholic priesthood. The 90 hour program is intended for non- ordination candidates.

Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology
The Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB) is a first-level ecclesiastical degree intended to offer seminary students an integrated, solid, and complete program of Roman Catholic theology. As such, its aims are more academically directed than the civil Master of Divinity (MDiv), by definition a graduate professional degree. Courses in the STB program are designed to present an introduction to the scientific and academic study of theology, to enable each graduate to pursue further studies in the sacred sciences and to exercise appropriate responsibility in the Church. Candidates for this degree must be admitted to the ordination track Master of Divinity program.

Pre-Theology Program
The UST School of Theology at St. Mary's Seminary offers a pre-theology program designed for non-traditional seminary students. This program follows the USCCB’s Program of Priestly Formation (PPF), which states that the “pre-theologate should provide a coordinated program that supplements the needs of candidates in five principal areas: human and spiritual growth, intellectual and pastoral formation, and community living” (210). Since candidates in this program will complete the ordination Master of Divinity program, they must be sponsored by a bishop.

Master of Arts Theological Studies
The Master of Arts is an academic degree program designed to cultivate the skills necessary for academic theological study and scholarly research. This program seeks to develop the academic skills necessary to prepare the student for doctoral research and academic communication of theological concepts.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies is a professional degree program designed to provide academic formation for pastoral ministry in the Church. This degree program provides a solid theological foundation as well as the basic pastoral skills necessary for ministry in a variety of settings.

Diploma in Pastoral Theology
The non-degree Diploma program is designed to help develop the academic and pastoral skills necessary for ordination as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church and for other ecclesial and lay ministries.