Certificate Program with the Licentiate or Master of Arts in Philosophy
Qualified candidates can earn the Certificate in Pre-Theology Studies in the course of earning the Ph.L. or M.A. degree in the School of Philosophy. The Ph.L. or M.A. degree requires 8 graduate courses in philosophy and a thesis, which carries 6 credits, as well as an oral comprehensive examination and a foreign language requirement. The Ph.L. or M.A. course and thesis work would stand in the place of the 10 philosophy courses in the certificate program. Admission to the Licentiate or Master's program requires a minimum of 8 undergraduate philosophy courses. Selection of course work for seminarians in the certificate program studying for the Licentiate or Master's in philosophy would be guided by the vision and norms of the Program of Priestly Formation, taking into account previous undergraduate work in philosophy. Those seeking the Pre-Theology Certificate from within the M.A./Ph.L. program must apply for regular admission into that program.
To earn the certificate with the M.A. or Ph.L. degree all philosophy courses must be passed according to the normal standards for the graduate degree program. All other courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.