Master of Arts
in
Pastoral Studies
MASTER OF ARTS IN PASTORAL STUDIES
N.Y. State Ed. Hegis Code 2301.00
This degree is designed for those who intend to serve both in ecclesial ministerial and non-ecclesial roles. The curriculum entails 15 courses including the Graduate Colloquium.
Required Courses (11)
A200 Intro. to Hebrew Scriptures
A203 Intro. to Christian Scriptures
C215 Orientation to Theological Studies
C217 Moral and Social Teachings
C226 Worship and Sacraments
C228 Church and Ministry
C302 Theology of the Trinity
D207 Ministerial Leadership
D214 Spiritual Formation
D217 Pastoral Care I
D302 Pastoral Formation - see below.
Graduates’ Colloquium (Non-credit) - see below
Electives (4)
Total number of courses - 15
Other Requirements
Training in Sexual Harassment/Professional Ethics (prior to taking Pastoral Formation).
Annual Retreats
Portfolio
Goals and Evaluation
Electives
The open electives may be distributed over the four areas of study (biblical, historical, theological and pastoral) or may be used to create a sub-concentration in any one of the above mentioned areas.
Pastoral Formation
In the new curriculum Pastoral Formation is a requirement. St. Bernard’s curriculum requires one field education experience, normally in a parish or non-parish setting (for example, hospital, hospice, jail, etc.). Those who are already employed in a parish setting or those who have considerable experience in parish work may have the option of pursuing field experience in a non-parish setting upon written request along with suitable documentation. Possible field education arrangements include:
1. D302 Pastoral Formation
A two-semester supervised practicum in a parish or other pastoral setting; includes regular theological reflection sessions with other field education students and a faculty facilitator.
2. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
A unit of CPE may be used as an equivalent for the non-parish field education requirement. An official certificate of completion along with a copy of the evaluation must be submitted to receive credit.
3. Supervised Pastoral Training in Hospice
This is a thirty-week, supervised program of clinical practice, pastoral reflection and didactic training provided by St. Bernard’s in collaboration with Lifetime Care. It may be used as an equivalent for the non-parish field education requirement. An official certificate of completion along with a copy of the evaluation is to be submitted in order to receive credit.
Students enrolled in this degree will make course selections, with the approval of their faculty advisor, that best serve their educational and ministerial goals.
Students preparing for specific ministries will choose appropriate courses to prepare themselves for such ministries. The guidance of faculty advisors as well as the Human Resource Personnel staffs of the Albany and Rochester dioceses and persons already in that specific ministry should be sought in making course selections.
Graduates’ Colloquium
The Graduates’ Colloquium is a non-credit requirement. The colloquium is intended as a culminating experience. It is an occasion for celebration, reflection and anticipation. At the end of a period of study, research and reflection in the midst of various other commitments, it is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of students. It also provides a moment for reflecting on one’s own growth and development in the intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and human aspects. It is also a turning point as people look ahead and engage in some visioning for the future. The colloquium will normally be scheduled for one or two weekends for a total of ten contact hours in the Spring semester. This is a requirement for graduation.
Portfolio
As part of the advisement process, each student will maintain a Portfolio consisting of samples of what they consider to be their best work. The MA students will choose a total of two samples. They are to represent different stages -initial, middle and final - in the course of a student’s study. The samples are primarily works/
papers submitted as part of the study at St. Bernard’s. For each work included, the student will prepare a brief critique (about 300 words) of its strength and weaknesses. In the advisement process, the portfolio as a whole may be used as a point of reference for assessing the growth of the student. The portfolio may also serve
as a reference point for the Graduates’ Colloquium.
Goals and Evaluation
Upon matriculation each student is assigned a faculty advisor to assist him/her in human, intellectual, pastoral and spiritual growth. The student and the advisor set goals and objectives in each of these areas and meet periodically to evaluate success in achieving those goals. More information can be found in the Student Handbook. These meetings will take place periodically during the course of a student’s study.
Additional Requirements
1. A quality point average (QPA) of 3.00.
2. Completion of the degree within five years of matriculation. If a student fails to matriculate in a timely fashion (after the fourth course), the duration of program completion will be calculated from the time the student completes the fourth course.
