Required of all first-year students.  This course is designed to introduce new students to the world of graduate studies in theology and pastoral ministry, and to assist them in undertaking graduate level work successfully.  

Proseminar is offered only in the Fall semester, with both on-site and online options.

Structured reflection on the Christian communal experience of faith and how that faith is understood, expressed and lived out in the Catholic tradition. It invites dialogue among students and with the formative elements of Catholic tradition to consider theological method (i.e., How do we do this work properly?), doctrinal clarity (i.e., What does our formative tradition teach?) and pastoral practice (i.e., How do theology and pastoral realities influence one another?). Topics of special focus include revelation and faith, the Triune God, Christology, Christian anthropology and the theology of the church, including Mary and the saints.

A critical survey of fundamental moral theology, including the distinctiveness of Christian morality, conscience formation, natural law, moral norms and decision-making. It provides an entrée into special moral theology, which includes bioethics, environmental ethics, healthcare ethics, sexual ethics and social ethics.

Introduction to the history, theology and practice of catechesis. Including the methods, content and curriculum of contemporary catechesis, with particular focus on age-appropriateness and faith and its maturation in people.

The purpose of this course is to increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the many complex factors that shape education in Catholic schools. While reading and reflecting upon relevant primary and secondary sources and engaging in thoughtful, collegial discussion, the student will explore the history, mission, identity, and value of Catholic schools.

Students will review relevant Church documents, scholarly texts, and research to evaluate the health of Catholic schools, the effects of Catholic education, and the values (both promises and perils) of Catholic education in 21st century America. Special attention will be given to examining trends related to teaching and learning in Catholic environments, infusing Catholic identity into educational practice, and constructing a thoughtful, personal philosophy of education. Students will create a Catholic Education Portfolio.

This course will address the unique mission of the Catholic school and the special demands placed upon the Catholic school administrator. The specific roles and responsibilities of an administrator in a Catholic school will be examined.

The student will be introduced to the expectations of the position and the skills and knowledge required to meet the challenges they present. This study will include an analysis of the principal's responsibilities in the areas of leadership. Special attention will be paid to the role of spiritual leader.

This course examines the major issues, problems and trends in curriculum and instruction. This study will include an analysis of the leadership skills required of an administrator in the areas of instructional supervision, curriculum development, instructional evaluation, and staff development in a private or parochial school.

This course will examine administrative behavior and organizational structures as they relate to non-public schools. This examination will include conceptual models of strategic planning and decision-making.

This course will examine all aspects of the financial management of a private or parochial school. This examination will include the fiscal planning process, as well as, the development and implementation of a fiscal plan. The role of development and public relations will be addressed. Discussion will also include all aspects of budgets, marketing, fund raising, development strategy and management.

This course is a study of the legal issues concerned with the administration of a Catholic school. Included in this study will be an overview of Constitutional Law: Civil Law; Personnel Law; Canon Law; State and Federal Regulations; Accreditation Issues; and Government programs. Participants will be presented with precedent setting court decisions and case studies will be reviewed and discussed.

A supervised placement specific to Catholic school leadership, ordinarily undertaken in the last year of study, that provides a structured opportunity to enhance skills and integrate theoretical knowledge. Interns demonstrate leadership in a Catholic school environment under the supervision of an appropriate field based mentor. Students will also meet regularly with a faculty supervisor during the internship experience to ensure learning outcomes are met. Registration for this course requires prior approval.

Students are required to consult with their Catholic School Leadership advisor to choose 1 elective course.

Suggested electives include:

TMIN 5360 Liturgy and Sacraments
TMIN 5340 Church History
TMIN 5370 Theological Reflection