The Master of Sacred Arts combines the study of theology (primarily scripture and liturgy), philosophy, mathematics, architecture, art history, and fine arts. The integration of these subjects in a single program brings to light new facets of each and highlights the relations that exist among the subjects. Thus, students receive a holistic formation rooted in a profound knowledge of each subject. Students who complete the Master of Sacred Arts will be well equipped to pursue further study in any one of the component fields. Additionally, while the Master of Sacred Arts stands as a complete program, it can be taken as a complement to other fields of study (e.g. education). Students who have already completed graduate-level work in one or more subjects included in the program may seek to transfer credits towards the Master of Sacred Arts degree.
Pontifex University believes that an authentic Catholic education should center on beauty as a primary means of encountering Christ, His creation, and His Church, and this encounter should facilitate the supernatural transformation of the person such that their whole life reflects the divine beauty and inspires the transformation of the culture.
Master of Sacred Arts Curriculum
You need 30 credits minimum to obtain the MSA degree.
The mandatory subjects are as follows (21 credits):
A History and Practical Theology of Images...3 credits
The New Testament in Words and Images...3 credits
The Old Testament in Words and Images...3 credits
The Bible and the Liturgy...3 credits
The Mathematics of Beauty...2 credits
Fundamentals of Beauty in Architecture...1 credits
A Survey of Philosophy of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful...3 credits
The Philosophy of Nature and of Man...3 credits
Electives - you will require a minimum of 9 credits from any combination of the list below,
which must include 6 ‘Studio’ credits or a written thesis:
Studio: A Study of Artistic Methods for Patrons and Artists...3 credits
Studio: An Introduction to Sculpture...3 credits
Studio: (Approved workshops by arrangement eg Hexaemeron.org)...3-6 credits
or
Thesis: 10,000-words, subject student choice approved by the Provost...6 credits
The Words of the Mass...1 credit
The Psalms in Words, Images and Prayer...3 credits
Sacred Music...1 credit
Christian Humanism in the Modern Cinema...1 credit