Admittance

Pre-Theology Program

Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary offers a two-year Pre-Theology program for those who do not have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and/or have not previously been enrolled in a seminary or formation program. The Pre-Theology program requires seminarians to take 33 semester hours of undergraduate philosophy in those areas specified by the Program for Priestly Formation and 12 semester hours of theology. Additionally, seminarians take courses in Latin. 

The course of study for the Pre-Theology program is completed in two years. At the conclusion of the Pre-Theology program, seminarians may earn a Master of Arts degree in Catholic Studies by completing a comprehensive exam and thesis. 

Theology Program

Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary offers a five-year theology program, which includes a pastoral internship year. The seminarian earns the Master of Divinity degree by taking 112 semester hours in the areas of biblical studies; pastoral and professional studies; Church history; sacramental and liturgical studies; systematic theology; moral theology; and spirituality. Eight semester hours of Pastoral Spanish are also required. Additional elective courses and a thesis track are required for seminarians pursuing a second Master’s degree. The seminary should not be seen merely as an academic program but also as a formation program that integrates the various dimensions of formation: human, spiritual, pastoral and intellectual.