The Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies was
established in January 2002 in response to a growing need for programs designed
to explore the intersection of faith, culture, and reason in everyday life.
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Integrating the academic study of theology with the challenges
of ministry in today's Church, the Institute furthers the mission
of the Elms College as a liberal arts institution with historic
and continuing ties to the Diocese of Springfield. In the spirit
of Vatican II, the Institute serves as a leaven for the Elms College
community and for the wider community by supporting the work of
people already engaged in, or preparing for, ministry in the Church.
The Institute sponsors and coordinates worship experiences, educational
and service programs, workshops, conferences, and other initiatives
that honor the authentic diversity within the Catholic tradition.
Under the Institute's auspices, candidates for the Master of Arts
in Applied Theology degree are mentored by Elms faculty and become
part of a caring community of faith and learning. |
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Non-credit certificate programs in Theology and Pastoral Studies are
also offered by the Institute. These programs include a certificate in
theological studies, a certificate in pastoral studies, and an advanced
certificate in theological and pastoral studies.
In addition to welcoming degree and certificate candidates, the Institute
invites persons exercising ministry in the vicinity to participate in
Institute programs for a minimal fee.
Located in the historic Gaylord House, the Institute for Theology and
Pastoral Studies provides a gracious setting for people interested in
gathering for formal or informal conversation, reading, prayer, or study. |
Master Of Arts In Applied Theology
Academic Options/Fees
 Credit/Degree-Seeking Participants
Non-Credit/Certificate Participants
Certificates
Certificate
of Course Completion
Certificate
in Theological Studies
Certificate
in Pastoral Studies
Advanced
Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Studies
Electives/Transfer Credit
For more information, contact:
Marty Pion
Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies
Elms College
291 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
Phone: 413-265-2581
Email: pionm@elms.edu Master Of Arts In Applied Theology
A Master's With A Mission
As the Catholic college in the Diocese of Springfield, the College of Our Lady of the Elms plays an important role in the formation of women and men for positions of leadership in the Church and wider society.
In recognition of this role Elms College introduced a Master of Arts in Applied Theology (MAAT) degree program in 1988. Advocating a "theory-into-practice" approach to sacred theology, the MAAT program encourages students to make concrete connections between the study of theology and the challenges of pastoral engagement. The MAAT program provides a valuable service to the Church of Springfield and beyond. Graduates serve in parishes, Catholic schools, religious education programs, and other diocesan offices. MAAT graduates also serve in positions in other Christian churches. In response to changing needs in the Church and increased time demands being placed on today's adult learner, Elms College has revised the program adding a nontraditional distance format, which is tailored to meet the needs of students holding full-time jobs. Over the course of 21 months, students spend 12 weekends on campus. Students complete readings and assignments at home and then send their work to the course instructor who responds to the work with comments. Because these courses are web-enhanced, students and faculty are able to enter into online discussion throughout the course of MAAT matriculation. Students following the outlined course of study are able to complete all requirements for the MAAT in 21 months. Students may begin matriculation at any point in the 21-month cycle.
Academic Options/Fees
Credit/Degree-Seeking Participants
Students taking any Institute-affiliated course or program for academic credit pay all applicable Elms College tuition and fees. As a rule, each Institute course/program is offered for three (3) academic credits. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements for any diocesan or parish subsidy. All course requirements must be fulfilled to obtain academic credit.
MAAT candidates matriculate with guidance and support of the MAAT director. MAAT candidates are subject to all academic policies established by Elms College.
The Master of Arts in Applied Theology degree is awarded upon successful completion of the thirty-six (36) semester hours as outlined above. With the approval of the MAAT director and humanities division chair, undergraduates may take Institute-affiliated courses for academic credit.
Non-Credit/Certificate Participants
All MAAT courses may be taken on a non-credit basis. As a general rule, MAAT courses qualify for twelve (12) Institute Units each. The cost per Institute Unit is $10.00. Students are responsible to make their own arrangements for any parish or diocesan subsidy. A limited number of readings and assignments must be completed before receiving ITPS Units. All appropriate fees must be paid prior to receiving ITPS Units. No refund of ITPS Unit fees will be made. Certificate students are admitted to courses with the permission of the ITPS director. The ITPS director also serves as a mentor to certificate students as they progress in their programs of study. Since course requirements for MAAT candidates and ITPS certificate candidates significantly differ, academic credit may not be granted retroactively for courses originally taken for ITPS units. Certificates
Four certificate options are available. These range from a basic certificate of course completion to an Advanced Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Studies. Prior to enrolling in any course, certificate candidates must show evidence of some theological aptitude and/or pastoral experience. Certificate candidates are admitted to courses in consultation with the ITPS director. ITPS students are expected to complete assigned readings and a limited number of assignments to qualify for ITPS Units. Certificate of Course Completion (CCC)
A Certificate of Course Completion and the corresponding number of ITPS Units are awarded upon successful completion of each course.
Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS)
A Certificate in Theological Studies is awarded to students who complete Foundations of Theology and four (4) of the following courses*:
- Hebrew Scriptures
- Christian Scriptures
- Integrative Spirituality
- Contextual Theology
- Contemporary Issues in Christology
- Church, Society, and Ethics
- Contemporary Issues in Ecclesiology
- Liturgy and Sacraments
Certificate in Pastoral Studies (CPS)
A Certificate in Pastoral Studies is awarded to students who complete Foundations of Theology and four (4) of the following courses*:
- Theological Reflection
- Integrative Spirituality
- Ministerial Identity
- Contextual Theology
- Liturgy and Sacraments
*In consultation with the ITPS Director, other courses may be substituted. Advanced Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Studies (ACTPS)
An Advanced Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Studies is awarded to students who successfully complete the entire two year cycle outlined above. Advanced Certificate students are exempt from the Pastoral Project and Thesis/Professional Readings requirements. However, Advanced Certificate candidates do prepare and present a portfolio documenting a pastoral or theological project they have designed and/or implemented. This portfolio may be presented before a group of faculty and colleagues, or in a ministerial setting before a larger group.
Electives/Transfer Credit
Degree Candidates
The Elms College Institute for Theology welcomes participants with diverse life and educational experiences. For this reason, provision is made for transfer credit and course substitution. In consultation with the MAAT director, students may transfer up to nine (9) credits from an accredited academic institution(s). Certificate Candidates
Students seeking the Advanced Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Studies may obtain Institute credit for prior learning gained in other degree and non-degree granting programs. In consultation with the ITS director, a maximum of thirty-six (36) Institute Units may be waived upon presentation and approval of a student portfolio documenting prior learning. The only expense incurred is a one time fee of $150.00. This one time fee is the same regardless of the number of Institute Units waived. No waivers are granted for the Certificate in Theology or Certificate in Pastoral Studies. | 
