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Basic Diploma in Catholic Theology

Purpose

The purpose of the Basic Diploma program at Sacred Heart Major Seminary is to provide students with a course of study in the area of the foundations of Catholic theology as well as communica- tions and basic ministry skills. This course of study constitutes a partial ful llment of the require- ments for archdiocesan certi cation of volunteers and professionals in ministry, and it may be used as a component of the Associate of Arts in Ministry (A.A.M.) degree or the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree. 

Goals

SHMS strives to instill in its Basic Diploma recipients an ability to:

  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of Sacred Scripture, Catholic tradition, and ministry, such as:
  • Demonstrate the use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture, and some conciliar documents for the study of Catholic theology.
  • Identify the basic tenets of the Catholic faith.
  • Apply Catholic theology and the principles of theological reflection to a ministerial case study.

    • Course of Study (27 credit hours)

    CLA 153 Rhetoric 3 cr
    CLA 161 Introduction to Oral Communication 3 cr
    SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (or) an introductory course in psychology) 3 cr
    THE 123 Introduction to Catholic Faith 2 cr
    THE 210 Introduction to Liturgy and Sacraments 2 cr
    THE 219 Introduction to the Catholic Church 2 cr
    THE 249 Introduction to Sacred Scripture 3 cr
    THE 243 Introduction to Spirituality 2 cr
    THE 274 Introduction to Moral Theology 2 cr
    THE 310 Apologetics I* 3 cr
    MNS 101 Theology of Ministry 2 cr

    *To be taken in student’s final year of the Basic Diploma in Catholic Theology program.

    Program Requirements

  • A minimum of 27 credits must be earned through completion of the course of study.
  • A minimum of 14 semester hours of credit must be earned at SHMS.
  • The student must maintain a C average (2.0).
  • The student must participate in three Formation Sessions during the course of study.
  • Discernment
  • Theological reflection
  • Spiritual Direction
  • The student must participate in an assessment process at the time of graduation.

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    See a complete list of our  Undergraduate Course Descriptions.

    See our Bulletins for this and past academic years.

    Admissions

    Admissions information for the Basic Diploma in Catholic Theology can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions page.