| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-08 | - |
Program Overview
This interdisciplinary program explores the relationship between faith and culture within the Catholic tradition. Students specialize in two theological subdisciplines and engage with other academic disciplines to analyze, articulate, and communicate faith impactfully. The program emphasizes the study of theology as lived experience and prepares students for advanced coursework and dissertation research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
- To prepare students to critically examine the relationship between faith and culture within the Catholic tradition.
Description:
- Interdisciplinary and integrative program that emphasizes the study of theology as lived experience.
- Requires engagement with two theological subdisciplines and their exploration through the lens of other academic disciplines.
- Focuses on the ability to analyze, articulate, and communicate faith impactfully.
Outline:
Content:
- Biblical Interpretation
- Systematic and Constructive Theology
- Christian Spirituality
- Christian Ethics
Structure:
- Students choose two areas of specialization for advanced coursework and dissertation research.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
Biblical Interpretation:
- Focuses on the deep inner unity of the biblical narrative and the contributions of individual texts to this unity.
- Develops competency in analytical methods, critical approaches, and the analysis of literature, history, culture, and religion pertinent to the interpretation of Old and New Testament texts.
- Explores the theological dimensions of the scriptures and their reception in Christian history and thought.
Systematic and Constructive Theology:
- Engages with culture through the exploration of the diverse layers of the Christian tradition.
- Brings the truths of the tradition to bear on the contemporary situation in language that finds a hearing in that situation.
- Applies the insights of other disciplines to reflect on the breadth of human experience.
Christian Spirituality:
- Examines the plurality of modes in which the divine is known and experienced in human life.
- Explores the history, development, and practices of Christian spirituality, including contemplation, prayer, penance, liturgy, devotion, and asceticism.
- Investigates the role of emotions in religious growth and the integration of bodily existence into spirituality.
Christian Ethics:
- Articulates the moral, social, political, and economic implications of Christian faith for both Christian disciples and the broader public sphere.
- Evaluates the positive influence of culture on Christian beliefs and practices, as well as develops critiques of culture in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Christian theological doctrines.
Villanova College Summary
Overview:
Villanova University is a private Augustinian Catholic university located in Pennsylvania. It is known for its personalized learning environment, where teachers and students collaborate in scholarly inquiry. The university emphasizes intellectual inspiration, moral grounding, and global perspectives, aiming to cultivate world changers who ignite positive change.
Services Offered:
Villanova offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Bachelor's:
Over 60 programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, nursing, and sciences.Master's:
Over 40 programs across various disciplines, including 5-year bachelor's/master's programs.Doctoral:
Distinctive programs in engineering, nursing, philosophy, and theology.Law:
JD and joint degrees offered in coordination with other schools and departments.Online:
Degree and certificate programs offered online, in-person, or hybrid depending on individual learning needs.Certificate:
A variety of undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate certificates, as well as non-credit professional programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Villanova provides a closely connected academic community with renowned faculty, rich resources, and a supportive learning environment. Students have access to exceptional opportunities for academic experiences, including hands-on research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and experiential learning.
The university also boasts a strong athletic tradition, with student-athletes excelling both academically and athletically. Villanova Athletics fosters a sense of community and pride within the "Nova Nation."
Key Reasons to Study There:
Personalized Learning:
Villanova emphasizes a close-knit community where teachers and students work together.Academic Excellence:
The university offers a wide range of programs with renowned faculty and resources.Global Perspective:
Villanova encourages students to develop a global mindset and engage in international experiences.Strong Athletics:
The university has a rich athletic tradition with a focus on academic and athletic success.Supportive Environment:
Villanova provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive.Academic Programs:
Villanova offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Liberal Arts:
A strong foundation in humanities, social sciences, and the arts.Business:
Programs in areas like finance, marketing, and management.Engineering:
Programs in fields like chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Nursing:
Programs leading to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.Sciences:
Programs in biology, chemistry, physics, and other scientific disciplines.Other:
- Villanova University is located on a 260-acre campus, 12 miles west of Philadelphia.
- The campus is conveniently located near major cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
- The university has a strong commitment to social justice and community engagement.
- Villanova has a high undergraduate placement rate of 98.9%.
- The university has a 98% NCAA graduation success rate.
- Villanova has been recognized by Forbes as a top college that dominates academically and athletically.
Entry Requirements:
- Completion of a Bachelor's degree (by June 1 of year of admission) with a minimum GPA of 3.75
- 18 undergraduate credit hours in Theology, Religion or the equivalent
- Three letters of academic recommendation
- A CV or Resume
- A well-balanced, academic essay of 1,200 to 1,500 words that addresses the following questions:
- Which two or three texts have most informed your interest in the intersection of faith and culture, and how?
- Which questions and/or readings have motivated your choice of two areas of specialization, and how will studying in these areas improve your ability to understand and/or address them?
- For non-native speakers of English, a score of 135 or higher on the Duolingo English exam or a score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL English exam
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For non-native speakers of English, a score of 135 or higher on the Duolingo English exam or a score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL English exam
