Master of Arts in Practical Theology with a Specialization in Health Care Mission

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.

Impelled by the Catholic faith and the Dominican mission, Aquinas Institute of Theology educates men and women to teach, minister, and lead. At Aquinas Institute, your education extends far beyond our classrooms. Our mission is to create a community of scholars and a place of conversation. Not just a school of theology, you will find a credible, diverse faith community and academic village thriving here at Aquinas Institute.

Aquinas Institute of Theology offers various programs that strategically combine stimulating academic study, solid pastoral preparation, and practical field education with mentors in ministry and spiritual formation for lay students. As a result, our graduates are well prepared with excellent credentials to serve the Church's ineffective leadership.

The graduate certificate programs at Aquinas Institute offer students an opportunity to supplement their studies or give them a specific focus. Students acquire the expertise they need for targeted ministries in the Church through concentrated coursework and an accelerated format.

At Aquinas Institute, we deliberately create an academic environment and faith community that reflects the current leadership reality in our Church today. Our lay students can study alongside the Dominican friars in specific formation as vowed religious. Our Dominican student brothers can study alongside others from different backgrounds and walks of life. Our vision allows students to learn from each other in unique ways, teaching our lay students and Dominican brothers how to fulfil the mission of our Church as co-responsible leaders.