Applied Theology - Elms College

Applied Theology from Elms College is a Campus Master Religious Studies degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. Elms College introduced a master of arts in applied theology (M.A.A.T.) degree program in 1988. Advocating a theory-into-practice approach to sacred theology, the M.A.A.T. program encourages students to make concrete connections between the study of theology and the challenges of pastoral engagement. The M.A.A.T. 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. M.A.A.T. graduates also serve in leadership 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 is happy to announce revisions in the M.A.A.T. program. A unique feature of this revised program is its 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. Program Goals The Elms College M.A.A.T. program seeks: To enroll interested and talented women and men who wish to familiarize themselves with the agenda of contemporary theology as it is reflected in concrete pastoral settings. To encourage sensitivity to the broad scope of church ministry within the local and global church. To facilitate supervised practica, which promote the integration of theological and pastoral skills. To empower women and men to assume meaningful professional roles within the ecclesial community. Program Components The M.A.A.T. program is a professional 36 semester-hour graduate degree program for religious educators, pastoral ministers, and other outreach service personnel. The program fosters a theory-into-practice approach to sacred theology . All courses are chosen in careful consultation with an assigned faculty advisor. The M.A.A.T. program integrates 30 semester-hours of courses. In addition, three semester-hours of a pastoral project or professional reading proposal are required. Upon successful completion of the project/readings, students register for three semester-hours of thesis or project guidance. During this period of thesis or project guidance, the student works in close contact with a chosen faculty mentor. Upon successful completion, both M.A.A.T. projects and theses are formally presented before a board of three faculty members. Final copies of M.A.A.T. theses and projects must be deposited in the Elms College Alumnae Library before degree conferral is indicated on the M.A.A.T. transcript. View more details on College of Our Lady of the Elms . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Religious Studies courses.