The Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy (MACP) seeks to engage students in a systematic study of philosophy as realized within the Catholic intellectual tradition. Students will become historically informed, independent thinkers who can critically and creatively engage in the discipline of philosophy as practiced in the spirit of St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Thomas Aquinas, and all the other great philosophers and theologians dear to the Catholic tradition. This program features three curricular tracks: systematic, historical, and pre-theologate. The systematic and historical curricular tracks have an option for a thesis.
The MACP fosters the pursuit of philosophy, mindful of the essential value that reason and contemplation have for the sake of the goods for which the ministries of the Roman Catholic Church exist. Those looking for an online Catholic philosophy degree that is also available on campus will wish to explore this graduate program.
A student who successfully completes the MACP can expect to demonstrate:
1. The ability to philosophize clearly, knowledgeably, and cogently in speech and writing
2. Competence in the vocabulary and concepts particular to the Catholic philosophical tradition
3. The ability to evaluate the values, beliefs, and assumptions of contemporary culture from a philosophical perspective
4. Familiarity with major philosophers, texts, and arguments central to the Catholic philosophical tradition, spanning from classical and Medieval philosophy to the contemporary developments in metaphysics and phenomenology
5. A mature awareness of the importance of philosophy to understanding Catholic theology and its application to the Diaconate, priesthood, or other ministries within the Roman Catholic Church
Curriculum:
All students must complete four Foundational Courses and a Capstone in addition to their Track Courses.
In the Thesis Track, General Electives III and IV are replaced with Thesis I and II.
12 courses (36 credits)
- CP601 – Introduction to Catholic Philosophy
- CP605 – Logic
- CP661 – Philosophical Ethic
- CP631 – Metaphysics
- General Elective I
- General Elective II
- General Elective III*
- General Elective IV*
*In the Thesis Track, General Electives III and IV are replaced with Thesis I and II.
- CP900 – Classic Texts in Catholic Philosophy
- CP614 – Epistemology
- CP621 – Philosophy of Nature
- CP651 – Philosophical Anthropology
- CP611 – History of Philosophy: Ancient
- CP612 – History of Philosophy: Medieval
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CP613 – History of Philosophy: Modern and Contemporary
- Historical Courses:
- CP611 – History of Philosophy: Ancient
- CP612 – History of Philosophy: Medieval
- CP613 – History of Philosophy: Modern and Contemporary
- Systematic Courses:
- CP614 – Epistemology
- CP651 – Philosophical Anthropology
- CP641 – Philosophy of God
- CP621 – Philosophy of Nature
To explore further the courses available in the MACP program, click here to view our Course Catalog, which offers a listing of courses and course descriptions!
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What can I do with a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
St. Bernard's Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy degree program prepares the student for a wide range of missions including ministerial service, further graduate work in philosophy and/or theology, and work in the secular world. -
What are the prerequisites for a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
The prerequisites for a Masters in Catholic Philosophy at St. Bernard's include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. No GRE is required. More information on prerequisites and the admissions process can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/admissions -
Can I study Catholic philosophy online?
Yes, St. Bernard's offer's our philosophy degree online both synchronously (live via Zoom) and asynchronously (at your own pace) for those unable to attend in person. More information about pursuing a Catholic philosophy degree online can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/distance-learning-and-online-education -
How long is a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
A Masters in Catholic Philosophy at St. Bernard's typically amounts to 2 years when completed full-time. Completing the program part-time usually takes around 3 years. Our online catholic philosophy degree programs are flexible and can be completed at a pace that works for you! -
How many credits is a Masters in Catholic philosophy?
St. Bernard's Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy degree program amounts to 35 credits. See above for our full program overview. -
Why study Catholic philosophy?
An understanding and approach to studying Catholic philosophy can be read here by St. Bernard's Assistant Professor of Catholic Philosophy, Dr. Marco Stango: https://www.stbernards.edu/blog/education-beyond-information
