Program Overview

Master of Catholic Thought Program

The Master of Catholic Thought (MCT) program at St. Jerome’s University offers graduate students a transformative learning experience. Our unique graduate theology program is a conjoint master’s-level degree offered together with the University of Waterloo.

Program Overview

The MCT program responds to the need for “Theology for the World” for those of all faith denominations who provide leadership in areas such as health care, social services, and education in communities, churches, and beyond to be theologically informed regarding Roman Catholic life and thought. The program is also well aligned for those who distinctively wish to pursue a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Catholic tradition.

Program at a Glance

• Graduate field: Theology
• Categories: Students register as Degree, Non-degree-Credit, or Non-degree-Audit status.
• Delivery Mode: On-campus (St. Jerome's University, Waterloo), but may vary to meet the needs of students.
• Program Length: Full-time - 2 years, Part-time - 4-5 years
• Application Deadline: Flexible. Master of Catholic Thought applications are assessed year-round, but we recommend a fall start date. To ensure consideration for fall admission, prospective students should submit their application by April of the year they wish to begin the program.
• Academic Requirements: Students must take 7 courses (5 core and 2 electives) and complete a 35-50 page research paper.

MCT Admissions

How to Apply

All applicants in all categories of admission (Degree, Non-degree Credit, or Non-degree Audit status) for the Master of Catholic Thought program must complete the online application form.

Admission Requirements

• A four-year Honours Bachelor's degree, in any discipline, with a minimum overall average of 75%.
• Three references are required for consideration for the Master of Catholic Thought program.
  • Two references must be academics who can assess academic potential.
  • One reference must be from an employer, supervisor, or another professional or academic.
• Proof of proficiency in English (if applicable).
• Applicants must upload an official transcript from each institution through which they have completed coursework.
• Applications must include a Supplementary Information Form (SIF).

Degree Requirements

The chart below shows what is required to complete the Master of Catholic Thought program as a Degree student.

• Core curriculum: 5 core courses are mandatory for the completion of the program.
• Electives: 2 elective courses must be chosen from the available elective courses offered at SJU or from another eligible theology program.
• Research paper: 35-50 page paper.
• Program completion: Students must maintain a minimum average of 75%, or B, in the 7 courses and research paper, and complete a Non-Credit Academic Integrity Module.

Core Curriculum Courses

Five core curriculum courses are mandatory for the completion of the Master of Catholic Thought degree program. Each of these core MCT courses offers students the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of a key aspect of the Roman Catholic tradition: scripture, history, theological foundations, ethics, and spirituality.

• CT 601: The Books of the Church
• CT 602: The History of Catholicism
• CT 603: Foundations of Theology
• CT 604: Catholic Moral Life and Thought
• CT 605: The Prayer Life of the Church: Spirituality and Liturgy

Elective Courses

In addition to the five core courses, two elective courses must be completed from a variety offered for degree students to complete the Master of Catholic Thought program.

• CT 610: Catholic Sacramental Life
• CT 611: Catholic Perspectives on Ecology
• CT 612: Special Topics in Catholic Theology
• CT 613: The Catholic Imagination in Art and Literature
• CT 614: Catholicism and Education
• CT 615: Catholic Social Ethics
• CT 616: Gender Ethics in Roman Catholicism
• CT 617: Contemporary Bioethics: Issues of Life and Death
• CT 618: The Catholic Church in Canada

Research Paper

Registered Master of Catholic Thought students must complete a Master’s-level research paper 35-50 pages (8,750-12,500 words) in length and normally will also participate in an on-campus Integrative Seminar for the CT 606 course. The nature of the research project will be determined in consultation with the Director of the program.

Course Completion

• Students must obtain a minimum overall average of 75%, or B.
• Students must obtain a minimum grade of 75%, or B, for the Research Paper.
• Students must complete a non-credit Academic Integrity Workshop for graduate students offered by the University of Waterloo within their first two terms of study.