MA Degree Program Overview By focusing their study on God's Fatherly plan (the 'divine economy'), the unity of the Old and New Testament ('typology') and the relationship of salvation history to the Church's celebration of the Liturgy ('mystagogy') students will learn a biblically based approach to Dogmatic, Moral and Liturgical Theology. Students will be firmly rooted in the magisterial teaching of the Catholic Church as well as the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas for whom the study of theology was synonymous with the study of Scripture (the 'sacred page'). In addition, students will be trained to effectively communicate what they have learned to others, focusing not only on academic research but also on ways to apply what they have learned in their own lives and thus be well formed for the task of evangelization, as well as further work in biblical and theological scholarship. Read complete details...

Unique Curriculum Our program offers a unique integration of the various branches of theology with a heavy concentration in the study of Sacred Scripture. In this our curriculum is unique. Whereas most schools of theology offer little more than basic introductory classes in the Old and New Testaments, students in our program will learn to follow the lead of the present Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who has frequently stressed the need for a biblically based approach to theology. This scriptural focus has been the hallmark of his own work, which provides a model for contemporary Catholic Biblical Theology. In addition, our students will not only learn this material themselves but be trained how to communicate to others. Above all, students will learn how to incorporate their study into their own prayer life, thus turning their work into an expression of their personal commitment to Christ. Read curriculum details...

Prospective Students This program has two primary aims: to train students for the work of evangelization and to prepare students to engage in scholarship. It is ideal for those interested in working in pastoral ministry, religious education as well as those who simply want to have a better understanding of their faith. Likewise, it will help form those interested in pursuing a future career as a Catholic academic. In sum, students will learn how to both interact with contemporary scholarship as well as how to effectively communicate what they have learned at the parish level.

Critical Information for Potential Students You may view and print our

1. MA in Biblical Theology Color Brochure color brochure.
2. New Graduate Student Application Form (PDF).
3. Tuition, costs of attending and refund policy details and, full-time and part-time student tuition tables.

Relationship with JP Catholic Undergraduate School At the undergraduate level, John Paul the Great Catholic University focuses on impacting culture through the fields of business and media. The close proximity to the tools of evangelization will offer unique opportunities for the practical application of this degree.

Founding Patrons The University has received financial commitments for 11 of the 12 Founding Patrons - the initial seed support opportunity for the new Graduate School. These 12 are courageous benefactors with the belief that we must be the change we wish to see in the world and who are ready to invest with an extraordinary generosity to raise an initial fund to:

1. Recruit another world class Theology Professor
2. Provide scholarships for our best student applicants

Please call Dr Derry Connolly, President at 858-653-6740 or email him at dconnolly@JPCatholic.com if you want to become a Patron.

Patrons Note:
A two-year extension of the IRA Rollover provision was included in the recently signed $700 billion economic bailout bill (H.R. 1424, The Financial Rescue Package). The provision is retroactive to January 1, 2008, and applies to gifts made from that date through December 31, 2009. The special legislation allows you to make charitable gifts directly ('rolled over') from a traditional or Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) without incurring federal income taxes. The following limitations apply:

1. The donor must be age 70 1/2 or older.
2. The cap on annual IRA rollovers is $100,000.
3. The contribution must be a direct gift to a charity (no planned gifts.)

Degree Program