The General Track is for students in the Certificate and Master of Theological Studies (MTS) programs who do not wish to pursue a specific area of Concentration. Students may also choose to take all the General Track courses, and pursue one of the Concentrations as well. This entails taking extra courses and is known as a “double concentration”. Please note that choosing to complete the requirements of two tracks (or concentrations) may extend the amount of time it takes to graduate.
Courses Required for General Track
Unit I:
- Fundamentals I: An Introduction to Orthodoxy
- Church History I: The Christian Church from Its Foundation through the Seventh Century
- Liturgical Theology I: Introduction to Liturgical Theology, Baptism and Eucharist
Unit II:
- Church History II: The Orthodox Church from the Seventh Century to 1453
- Holy Scripture I: The Old Testament
- Project I
Unit III:
- Liturgical Theology II: Sanctification of Life and Time
- Holy Scripture II: The New Testament
- Patristics: The Fathers of the Church During the First Five Hundred Years
Unit IV:
- Doctrine I: The Doctrine of Knowledge in th Tradition of the Church
- Pastoral Theology I
- Project II
Unit V:
- Doctrine II: The Orthodox Doctrine of the Holy Trinity
- Pastoral Theology II
- Canon Law: The Canon Law of the Orthodox Church
Unit VI (Master’s students only):
- Master’s Thesis
Directed-Project Courses
The directed-project courses are offered in the spring semester of each year (Units II, IV). They will include a proposal submitted for approval to the relevant Faculty member and the Projects Director; the directed Project itself; and a Project paper with supporting detail.
Residency
An intensive week-long Residency takes place in late August or early September at the start of the first two academic years, and is held at the Antiochian Village Conference & Retreat Center in western Pennsylvania.
Program Completion
Students who successfully complete the required coursework, and who hold a Bachelor’s degree, may choose to pursue a Master’s thesis, leading to the degree of Master of Theological Studies. Students who do not wish to pursue the Master’s degree will receive the St. Stephen’s Certificate in Orthodox Theology.
Master’s Thesis
Master’s students who successfully complete the required coursework, and who satisfy the other prerequisites, may enter the final phase of their program which includes research and thesis composition focusing on a practical application of Orthodox Theology. Master’s students will also be enrolled in a thesis-preparatory course titled “Master’s Thesis: Sources and Methods” which covers:
- Presentation of a Thesis Proposal (abstract)
- Thesis research and preparation
- Thesis approval process and deadlines
- Completion and defense of the Master’s Thesis
For more information, please review the Application Process or Apply Now.
