Theology – Graduate

About The Department

After more than 30 years of adult theological formation, we have reconfigured our programs in a new, blended format. We have combined the traditional learning community of students and faculty in personal, face-to-face interaction, with the dramatic changes in accessibility through online delivery. The programs are unique in the sequence of learning formats informed by best practices in classroom and online pedagogy. Our goal is to offer programs that are accessible to all students seeking master’s degrees in theology.

Spring Hill College’s graduate programs in theology and ministry are designed for adult students seeking a part-time graduate program that allows them to continue in their professional or family commitments and still pursue a deeper and more contemporary understanding of Christian faith. Our programs aim to be challenging and rigorous, but not narrowly academic. Our theology is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, but also seeks to offer an expansive, ecumenical vision that enters into dialogue with the many “frontiers” and challenges of the 21st century.

Program Offerings

Experience a graduate program like no other at one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the country!

Pilgrim’s Update

Blended Format

Spring Hill College has reconfigured its Graduate Theology program in a blended format based on these principles:

1. Provide academically and pedagogically sound instruction

All online courses are created and taught by doctorally qualified faculty of Spring Hill College.  After years of experience in online education, experts in online pedagogy have determined that online learning works best with what is called a “flipped classroom.”  In a “flipped classroom” the intellectual content of the course is effectively disseminated online before meeting for face-to-face discussions. “Homework,” previously assigned to students to do outside of class, is now the primary activity for the classroom.  Engaged processing of the intellectual content is now done in a learning community.

Rationale: Instead of passively listening to lectures at gatherings, socially constructed knowledge maximizes the learning process.

2. Build a strong community of inquiry, nurtured by personal interactions of students and faculty 

In order to build a sophisticated learning community, the program, while primarily online, includes strategically timed, intensive, on-site, classroom experiences, with one (1) in classroom experience for each Level 1 course (at least three in all) and three (3) Graduate Seminar, weekend, on-site experiences.  All of the courses will use the latest online technology to enhance the human “face-to-face” experience of learning

3. Reach all students seeking master’s degrees in theology in the Southeast region

In order to reach as many students in the southeast as possible, the program offers the classroom experiences as well as fully online options.

Scholarships

VISCARDI SCHOLARSHIP

The Theological Studies Program at Spring Hill College offers Christopher Viscardi, S.J.  Endowed Scholarship for students actively pursuing a course of study in any of the theological sites. Named in honor of Reverend Christopher Viscardi, S.J., Chair of the Theology Department at SHC, this scholarship is made possible by the generous donations of friends of Fr. Viscardi.  Annual awards will be based on available funds and number of applicants.  

Scholarship Requirements:

• Applicant must have completed minimum of nine (9) credit hours and maintain a “B” average, with a maximum of three courses per year.

• Financial need; scholarship covering 30% of the course cost

• Letter of recommendation from Pastor, Principal or Supervisor; and recommendation of a faculty member

Scholarship Criteria and Limitations:

• Students intending to complete the entire degree / certificate program

• Students in good academic standing

• Review by the Selection Committee (Dept. Chair, Current and Former Directors of Graduate Theology)

• Student may apply 2 consecutive years and then wait a year and reapply.

Scholarship Benefits:

• For students in the MTS, MA, MPS, CSD and CTS programs

• Courses in Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters

• Students must make good academic progress, in order to apply more than once

• Applications and recommendations sent to: nnaveroscordova@shc.edu by May 1.

GRADUATE THEOLOGY & MINISTRY

 CATHOLIC EDUCATOR APPLICATION PROCESS

In order to attract graduate students to the Spring Hill College Graduate Programs in Theology & Ministry, Sr. Nélida Naveros Córdova, CDP, PhD, Program Director created a fund to assist a prospective student. Sr. Nélida holds her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Loyola University Chicago in New Testament and Early Christianity, her Master of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in Biblical Studies, and her Bachelor of Arts from Stonehill College in Religious Studies and Multidisciplinary Studies and a minor in Secondary Education. Sr. Nélida has published Philo of Alexandria’s Ethical Discourse: Living in the Power of Piety and To Live in the Spirit: Paul and the Spirit of God. 

The Catholic Educator Scholarship will be used to provide scholarship support to a Spring Hill College graduate student according to the following criteria: 

• Applicants will complete an application for submission which will include an essay describing their ministry background and future plans once obtaining degree/certificate.

• Applicants must be enrolled in the Graduate Theology and Ministry Program with pursuit of the following degrees/certificates:
  • Master of Theological Studies
  • Master of Pastoral Studies
  • Master of Arts in Theology
  • Certificate of Spiritual Direction
  • Undergraduate Certificate of Theological Studies
  • Participant in Summer Institute (enrolled in Graduate Theology and Ministry)

• The recipient may be eligible for renewal for up to two consecutive years providing the recipient remain in good academic standing and there is funding to award. 
• Award recipient(s) will be recommended by the Director of Graduate Programs in Theology and Ministry and selected by the scholarship committee of the Division of Theology following the guidelines stated in this Agreement and the applicable policies of the College.

Please submit all applications to:

Sr. Nélida Naveros Córdova, PhD, CDP

Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies

Director of the Graduate Theology Programs

Theology Department, LAC-307

Mobile, AL 36608-1791

Email: nnaveroscordova@shc.edu