Graduate Academics

Christendom's Graduate School of Theology

The Notre Dame Graduate School (NDGS) of Christendom College is Christendom's graduate school of theology and catechetics. Its Masters-level programs offer a comprehensive grasp of the Catholic faith, preparing students for advanced graduate studies, and for various ministries in the Catholic Church. Its flexible and accommodating program allows students of all ages and from all over the world to attend either part-time or full-time, year-round, summers-only, or winters-only.

Committed to educating in accord with the Vicar of Christ, the Christendom Graduate School enjoys the full support of the Holy See. In light of this special relationship, The Holy See has authorized Christendom to grant the Apostolic Catechetical Diploma, the highest ecclesial award in catechetics.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

For the Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree, students may choose to concentrate their studies in the disciplines of Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Catechetics or Theology of the Consecrated Life. Students must earn a minimum of forty-two (42) graduate-level credits for the master's degree, of which six credits may be for a master's thesis. Students must maintain a "B" (3.0) average during the course work, and are expected to become familiar with the works of the NDGS Bibliography, which support the curriculum, provide suggested material for research, and help prepare the student for comprehensive exams. Finally, the student must apply for Candidacy for the Master's Degree, and then pass a Comprehensive Exam including both written and oral portions.

Apostolic Catechetical Diplomas

The Advanced and the Basic Apostolic Catechetical Diplomas are distinct from the academic order of the Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies, although the two may be earned simultaneously. The diploma is awarded by the Holy See in recognition of the catechist's competence in the field of catechetics and his or her personal commitment to teach Catholic doctrine in communion with the Holy See. To receive the Advanced Apostolic Catechetical Diploma, a student must have a Bachelor's Degree and successfully complete forty-two (42) semester hours in required course work, including all course requirements for the Catechetics concentration. The Basic Apostolic Catechetical Diploma may be awarded to those students who do not possess a Bachelor's degree but who fulfill the forty-two semester hours of catechetics course requirements. Research papers are not required of students in the Basic Diploma program, and Comprehensive Exams are not required for either Catechetical Diploma. Students must maintain a "B" (3.0) average in order to be eligible to receive these Apostolic Diplomas. Finally, a students must apply for Candidacy for the Diploma, and must produce a 1,000-word essay on the Role of the Magisterium in catechesis.

Summer Program

Christendom College offers a Graduate Summer Program for those students who wish to pursue graduate Theological studies during summers. Both the Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree and the Apostolic Catechetical Diploma may be earned at the Summer Program, over the course of at least four summers. It is a residential program, held at the main Christendom College campus just outside of Front Royal, Virginia. The NDGS Summer Program runs for six weeks, ending the last week of July. A full cycle of courses is offered each summer, along with several elective courses. Special guest professors often supplement the Christendom faculty for the Summer Program. The beautiful riverside campus with its full range of recreational possibilities provides a perfect milieu for the study, prayer, and good times that make up Christian academic community life. Many of the fall/spring graduate students also chose to attend the summer program, accelerating their studies by going year-round.

Vita Consecrata Institue

The Vita Consecrata Institue (VCI), co-sponsored by the Institute on Religious Life, is held every summer in conjunction with the NDGS Summer Program. The VCI is an intense summer program of theological studies and spiritual renewal for religious, priests, seminarians, and other consecrated persons. The VCI focuses on the theology of the consecrated life as reflected in the mission and life of the Church. Students penetrate the mystery of the consecrated life by investigating magisterial documents (especially those of Vatican II and Pope John Paul II), by examining the rich historic tradition of the Catholic Church, and by prayerfully reflecting on this wondrous gift. The institute is structured in such a way as to assure religious men and women the full living of their consecrated life in a context of prayer, silence, study, and community. Students may earn graduate credit towards the degree of Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Christendom College, or they may attend for personal renewal, auditing courses and participating in the liturgical life of a community enriched by the religious of various congregations.

Certificate Programs

For those students who are not interested in a master’s degree, but who want to do more than just “take courses,” the Christendom Graduate School offers several certificate programs. Students may earn certificates in dogmatic theology, moral theology, catechetics, consecrated life, and scriptural studies. Certificate students take the same challenging and informative courses as degree-seeking students. Even students without a bachelor’s degree can earn a certificate, although graduate credit for the courses can only be granted to those who have submitted proof of a bachelor’s degree. Usually five, 3-credit courses are required for each certificate, and a GPA of at least 3.0 (B average) must be maintained.