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Course Catalog

Religious Studies

Chairperson: Shannon F. Dunn
Professors:
 E. Clark, H. Doohan (Emerita), L. Doohan (Emeritus), J. Downey (Emeritus), S. Dunn,  P. Hartin (Emeritus), R. Large, K. McCrudenP. McCormick, J. Milos, C.S.J (Emerita), M. Rindge, L. Schearing (Emerita), J. Sheveland, C. Siejk (Emerita), B. Tyrrell, S.J. (Emeritus)
Associate Professors:
R. CallahanG. ChienE. Goldstein, R. Hauck (Emeritus), J. MuddR. SiebekingA. Wendlinder,  K. Vander Schel
Assistant Professors: 
I. IdumwonyiM. McCabe, S. Porter 
Senior Lecturer: P. BarazaS. Starbuck,
Lecturers: Q. Tran, S.J., B. Kevin Brown 

Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership

The Department of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University offers the Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership degree to meet the needs of persons seeking greater understanding and practical knowledge of theology and leadership. This program is designed as a terminal degree. Students enter the program as members of a cohort and progress through the program together. Students gather on campus during the summer for two residency experiences. Courses usually required for a degree can be waived by a Graduate Program Director when these areas have been previously studied in depth.

This program provides graduate theological education and leadership formation for teaching, consulting, research, and development of theological resources for ministry, adult education programs, and other services to the church and the wider civic community. Graduates of these programs have combined their theological work with diverse career commitments, including church ministry, journalism, medicine, community service, chaplaincy, business, and law, among others.

Admissions

  1. Students applying to Gonzaga University must submit Gonzaga’s Graduate Application, which can be accessed online at https://www.gonzaga.edu/gradapply
  2. Along with the application for graduate study, each program at Gonzaga has distinct admission requirements. Please refer to the table below to view that detailed information.

 

Program Name

How To Apply Link

Master of Arts in Theology & Leadership   https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/m-a-theology-leadership/how-to-apply

Prerequisites

An application is not complete and will not be evaluated until all materials have been received by the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management.  Materials or fees submitted to another party do not constitute application to the program.  Applicants must fill out the application online at www.gonzaga.edu/gradapply

Applicants should have a B.A. in Religious Studies, Theology, or related area.  Applicants with a B.A. in other areas should show some experience in a religious or mission-related organization, such as, for example, volunteer work.

Applicants may be eligible for advanced standing of up to 6 credits for related graduate work as determined by the graduate Program Director(s). Applicants seeking advanced standing must petition the graduate director(s) in writing at the time of application.

Program Requirements

Students enter the program as members of a cohort and register for six credits per semester.

All work accepted toward a degree is to be completed within a five year period from the date of acceptance into the program, or from the date of the earliest course accepted transfer credits, whichever occurs first.

Only authorized courses for a degree will be counted in computing the grade point average. Courses not authorized will appear on the transcript with a letter grade awarded but will not affect the graduate grade point average.

Residency Experiences

  • Students will participate in two residency experiences during the summer.
  • During the first residency experience students will participate in the intensive residency portion of the 3-credit Christian Leadership foundational course.
  • During the second residency experience students will participate in a 1-credit Leadership Seminar.

Electronic Portfolio

  • Students who have completed their main courses will take a comprehensive exam.
  •  Students will be required to create a comprehensive electronic portfolio integrating their academic work.

Financial Aid

The department has a limited amount of financial aid available in the form of scholarships. They are awarded based on financial need and academic performance.

Program Outline: 30 credits
RELI 505

Introduction to Christian Leadership
(includes summer on-site)

3 credits

RELI 506

Systematic Theology I: God, Humanity, Christ

3 credits

RELI 507

Systematic Theology II: Spirit, Church, World

3 credits

RELI 510

Hebrew Bible: Old Testament

3 credits

RELI 519

New Testament

3 credits

RELI 530

Christian Moral Theology

3 credits

RELI 545

Church History

3 credits

RELI 581

Ignatian Spirituality

2 credits

RELI 606

Mission/Ministry Leadership Seminar

1 credit

ORGL

Two elective courses in Organizational Leadership

6 credits

Note: Students may take an additional Thesis course or independent study. This will entail additional credits. See your Academic advisor for more information.


RELI 500 Resrch Mthds-Religious Studies
.00 credits
An orientation to techniques and resources for research and writing in religious studies. Taken on a pass/fail basis.
RELI 505 Intro to Christian Leadership
3.00 credits
Taken during summer orientation at the beginning of the student's entry into the program, this course provides an introduction to foundational theological questions related to Christian leadership and organizational theory. Summer.
RELI 506 Sys Theol I:God, Hmnty, Christ
3.00 credits
The first of a two-course sequence, this course explores systematic questions regarding the nature of God, God's relationship with humanity, and the person and mission of Christ. Beginning with a consideration of theological method, the course introduces students to both classical texts and contemporary approaches to theological reflection, with a special emphasis on theologies of liberation and social justice. Fall.
RELI 507 Sys TheoII:Spirit,Church,World
3.00 credits
The second in a two-course sequence, this course explores systematic questions regarding the mission of the Spirit in the church and the world, including theologies of history and eschatology, but with special attention to the liturgical life of the church. The course provides a foundation for further studies in ecclesiology, liturgical theology, and ministry through an examination of classical and contemporary texts, paying particular attention to theological methods. Spring.
RELI 509 Foundn Theology-Special Topics
3.00 credits
RELI 510 Hebrew Bible: Old Testament
3.00 credits
Examines the theological issues, major themes and development of the Hebrew scriptures.
RELI 514 Hebrew Scriptures Special Topc
3.00 credits
RELI 519 New Testament-Special Topics
3.00 credits
RELI 520 Trends in Contempry Theology
3.00 credits
A selective engagement of current themes and authors who are setting the course for theology in the 21st century.
RELI 526 Comparative Theologies
3.00 credits
This course explores comparative theologies as 'faith seeking understanding' in the context and presence of the persons, texts and wisdom of one or more other religious traditions, with the aims of enacting solidarity with others and encountering fresh theological insights. The course rehearses the history of Christian views of other traditions (Theologies of Religions) and promptly moves forward with concrete experiments in comparison. Possible dialogue partners include Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Muslim texts and persons.
RELI 529 Systemic Theology Specl Topics
3.00 credits
RELI 530 Christian Moral Theology
3.00 credits
How does theological ethics inform a Christian understanding of our practical moral life? This course examines the fundamental concepts of Christian theological ethics and study their application to specific ethical issues and problems.
RELI 539 Contemporary Ethical Issues
3.00 credits
RELI 545 Church History
3.00 credits
The historical origins of Christianity and its development to the Reformation.
RELI 549 Church-Special Topics
3.00 credits
RELI 569 Liturgy-Sacrments-Special Topc
3.00 credits
RELI 579 Spirituality-Special Topics
3.00 credits
RELI 581 Ignatian Integration
2.00 credits
This course functions as the MATL capstone. Following the life and Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, students reflect on their significance for effective leadership in the contemporary context. At each point in the journey, students integrate material from previous MATL courses, particularly as it relates to key themes in Ignatian spirituality. In the final assignment, students will create a project for their program portfolio which brings practices of Ignatian spirituality to bear on emerging challenges in their own lives and ministries.
Equivalent:
RELI 518A - Taken before Fall 2001
RELI 606 Mission Leadership Seminar
1.00 credit
This seminar brings together graduate faculty and professionals in the field of mission leadership to discuss the challenges and strategies for mission integration in complex mission-based organizations including Health Care, Education, and Non-profit organizations. Students earning credit for the seminar produce a major paper during the following Fall semester in consultation with the instructor. Summer.
Prerequisite:
RELI 505 Minimum Grade: C and RELI 506 Minimum Grade: C and RELI 507 Minimum Grade: C and (RELI 510 Minimum Grade: C or RELI 519 Minimum Grade: C)
RELI 607 Ministry Leadership Seminar
1.00 credit
This seminar brings together graduate faculty and ministry professionals to explore challenges and opportunities in ministry leadership in the fields of liturgical ministry, parish ministry, and teaching. Students earning credit for the seminar produce a major paper during the following Fall Semester in consultation with the instructor. Summer.
Prerequisite:
RELI 505 Minimum Grade: C and RELI 506 Minimum Grade: C and RELI 507 Minimum Grade: C and (RELI 510 Minimum Grade: C or RELI 519 Minimum Grade: C)
RELI 611 Continuing Research
1.00 credit
Required of all graduate students to maintain continuous enrollment in the program while completing their final project.
RELI 690 Directed Readings
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
RELI 698 Thesis I
2.00 credits
The Thesis will be either a substantial work of theological scholarship or a detailed project (e.g., curriculum, program grant, mission integration initiative) related to the student's particular interest in ministry or leadership in the community. During fall semester, the student will develop a thesis/project outline in consultation with a faculty advisor.
RELI 699 Thesis II
2.00 credits
The Thesis will be either a substantial work of theological scholarship or a detailed project (e.g., curriculum, program grant, mission integration initiative) related to the student's particular interest in ministry or leadership in the community. During spring semester, students will complete their thesis/project and participate in an online peer review forum.