BACCALAUREATE OF SACRED THEOLOGY

 The first cycle of theological studies is a three-year introduction to the study of theology in the Roman Catholic tradition leading to the Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.), which is offered at University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary under the auspices of and accredited by the Congregation for Catholic Education. The S.T.B. represents ecclesial certification that a person has studied and is knowledgeable in all the major areas of Catholic theology. Students demonstrate their general mastery of theology in a comprehensive examination at the end of the course of studies. Appendix One of this Bulletin lists the topics and areas which are to be mastered by candidates in preparation for the S.T.B. examination.

The courses of the first cycle are offered in close collaboration with the M. Div. program of Mundelein Seminary. The program of studies is listed below. Further information on these courses may be found in the 2005-2006 Catalog of Mundelein Seminary.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE S.T.B. PROGRAM

1.  The Baccalaureate (or “Bachelors”) degree in theology is open to all qualified students. All applicants must possess an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Their undergraduate program must have included twelve semester hours of theological or religious studies and thirty semester hours of philosophical studies oriented toward Catholic theology, including: an introduction to philosophical questions and method, medieval philosophy, modern or contemporary philosophy, and introductions to the Old and New Testaments. Applicants must submit transcripts of their undergraduate and post-college academic work, an essay on intellectual interests and reasons for pursuing the degree, and two letters of recommendation from teachers in theology or philosophy.

2. Candidates should complete their coursework maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0 ordinarily with no grade lower than B. The comprehensive examination will normally be completed at the end of third year.

3.  Applications for the S.T.B are available from the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Ann Ulz, in the Dean's office and must be approved by Rev. John Lodge, the Ecclesiastical Dean.

PROGRAM OF STUDIES FOR THE S.T.B.

The program of studies for students in the S.T.B. program is as follows:

A. Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation

1. Pentateuch

2. Johannine Literature

3. Introduction to St. Paul

4. Synoptic Gospels

5. Issues in Pauline Theology  (2 hours)

6. Prophets

7. Wisdom/Psalms (2 hours)

B. Systematic Theology

8. Fundamental Theology: Revelation

9. Christology

10. God: One and Three

11. Christian Anthropology

12. Ecclesiology

13. Holy Eucharist

14. Ecumenical & Interreligious Dialogue

15. Issues in Christology

16. Sacraments of Initiation

17. Sacraments of Healing and Vocation

18. Holy Orders

C. Christian Life

19. Christian Principles

20. Introduction to Spiritual Theology

21. Special Moral I

22. Special Moral II

23. Special Moral III

24. Special Moral IV

25. Canon Law I

26. Canon Law II

27. Issues in Spiritual Theology

D.          Church History

28. Early Christian Life and Thought

29. Medieval Church History  (2 hours)

30. Reformation and Catholic Response (2 hours)

31. Modern Church History

32. American Church History

E.          Worship

33. History of the Eucharist (Worship I)

34. Music in the Liturgy (Worship II)

35. Comprehensive Exam

Total number of courses (including Comprehensive Exam): 35

Total number of quarter hours: 101

31 3-hour courses

  4 2-hour courses

101 quarter hours (= 66.5 semester hours)

POLICY FOR GRADING AND GPA

The teacher of each course, whether required or elective, grades the student's achievement in the course through whatever means the teacher deems suitable, including written or oral examinations, class presentations, term papers or other appropriate measures. The Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology uses the letter scale as its grading system: A, B+, B, C+, C, F [and in some instances, P].  A fuller description of these grades can be found in the latest Catalog of Mundelein Seminary.

Topics for the S.T.B. Comprehensive