Housed within the Ashley-O'Rourke Center for Health Ministry Leadership, the 36-credit hour Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) with a Specialization in Health Care Mission builds on the five-course Graduate Certificate in Health Care Mission with an additional seven courses. It provides a firm foundation for health care leaders seeking a more comprehensive theological grounding.
Students in the MAPT program draw upon their faith and professional experience as they are formed in the practices of theological research, analysis, and synthesis.
Coursework focuses upon students' learning in major areas of theological study. Through a two-part, on-site intensive formation course, students gain the tools necessary for ongoing growth in their vocation as health care ministers.
MAPT students learn alongside Dominican student brothers, priests, religious sisters, laymen, and women to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. Online students participate in classes as they take place on campus and are active in the conversation and the learning environment.
While the entire program is designed to form leaders for the health care mission, the MAPT program includes two courses to equip students for future growth in ministry leadership. These formation courses integrate the theological insights students have acquired throughout the Certificate program and also provide tools to become agents of transformation within Catholic health care and beyond.
At the end of their course of study, students demonstrate their scholarly competence in a written comprehensive exam that establishes their ability to think critically and reflectively across theology disciplines.