ADMISSIONS

Programs Offered

Assumption University programs are open to students, full or part-time, who fulfill the admission requirements of the University.  All persons who wish to take courses in a program of study offered by the Department of Theology must apply for admission to Assumption University.  Assumption University is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, nation or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or handicap in its programs.  All students must be registered with Assumption University, the institution which grants the theology degree.  At the time of registration, the student will be asked if he/she also wishes to be registered with Canterbury College or Iona College.  This additional registration is not a requirement for admission into the degree program.  A student who desires such supplementary registration will have his/her information sent to the appropriate College Registrar.  At convocation, connections to this secondary institution affiliation will be noted.  All three institutions may require that a student take certain denominational electives in order to graduate.

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology is an ecumenical and joint program of study of Assumption University in conjunction with Canterbury College and Iona College.

Admission Requirements

The basic requirement for admission into this master’s degree program is a Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, with a minimum overall average of 70% (B).  Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for admission on an exceptional basis.

Admission can be requested in one of the following categories:

Degree Students are students possessing a baccalaureate degree from a recognized accredited University or University College who are proceeding to completion of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology.

Non-degree Students are students possessing a baccalaureate degree from a recognized accredited University or University College who are taking one or more graduate courses for credit but are not proceeding to completion of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology.

Audit / Professional development

All courses in the M.A. in Pastoral Theology, except for the synthesis option courses, are open to students who wish to participate in an Audit / Professional development capacity.  Student presence is lecture only participation, with no formal papers/evaluation required.  Students will be required to do the reading for the course and to participate in class activities and discussions.  A student who audits a course is one who attends but does not receive any grade or credit for the course and is required to pay a stated audit fee for the course.  The instructor’s permission is required and normally audit students will be limited to 1/3 of the total enrolment for each particular course.  A statement of professional development (continuing education) attendance will be given upon request.

English Proficiency Requirement

Candidates whose primary language is not English may be required to submit proof that they have achieved a satisfactory score on a Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L) or other satisfactory evidence of English proficiency. 

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must successfully complete 33 credits in the M.A. in Pastoral Theology program with an overall B average.  They must also complete one of the synthesis options with a grade of B.

Admission to Program

All candidates applying for the M.A. in Pastoral Theology as degree or non-degree students are required to submit the following documentation:

An interview with the Program director will be set up after all documents have been received by the University.

Those students wishing to audit courses should apply to the University as a non-degree student and should include a note indicating their desire to audit the course only using the Assumption University Application for Admission Form.  Letters of recommendation and application and transcripts are not required. 

The enrolment process normally requires a minimum of one month to complete before a decision of acceptance can be made.  Failure to provide any of the necessary information can result in a decision to delay or deny admission.

After all the above steps have been completed, the Program Director will make a decision on the candidate’s admission or non-admission.  An official letter will notify successful candidates of their acceptance into the program.  Once formally admitted to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology a student must register for, attend, and complete at least one course within a one year period of time from the date of admission.  Students who delay registration beyond one year from the date of admission will be required to update previous admission materials before beginning courses.  Students who delay registration two years beyond the date of admission must re-apply and pay the full application fee.

Mature Applicants

Applicants who do not meet the normative academic requirements for the MA program may be eligible for consideration as mature students when they:

Mature students may also be required to enrol in an academic proficiency course and/or mandatory academic counselling.  Provisional acceptance to the degree program will be in place until the satisfactory completion of three courses (3 credit courses).  At this time, an official letter of acceptance will be sent to the successful candidate.

GENERAL INFORAMTION FOR ALL APPLICANTS

Fees ***

Application fee                                    $75.00

Tuition per credit                                 $150.00 (subject to change)

Graduation fee                                    $100.00

Transcript fee                                      $15.00

Student fee:                                        $25.00 added in fall term for each academic year

Tuition must be paid in full before the start of the first class.  Students will not be able to attend classed until tuition is paid in full.  Late payments may be accepted with the prior permission of the Program director.  A $25.00 per month fee will be assessed for late tuition payment.

Bursaries

Assumption University has several bursaries available to students enrolled in a graduate degree at the university.  These bursaries are need-based.  The applying student should complete the bursary request form and send it, with their registration form, to Assumption University outlining why they are in need of a bursary.  Those requesting bursaries will receive confirmation by email.  The bursary is granted in the form of a tuition credit.

The Archdiocese of Detroit offers a grant through the Department of Development for American students who are currently employed by the Archdiocese.  “The Pastoral Ministry Grant Program” is open to “Roman Catholic men and women without regard to race, ethnic origin, disability or age.”  The grant is for part of the tuition.  Those receiving this grant are not eligible for other bursaries.

Canterbury College has several bursaries available for students who register with Canterbury College in addition to Assumption University.  These bursaries are need-based.  The applying student should complete the appropriate bursary request form and send it to Canterbury  College, to the Director  of Christian Studies, outlining why they are in need of a bursary.

Iona College (Bursaries to be determined)