M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.A. in Early Christian Studies
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdisciplinary graduate program administered by the Center for the Study of Early Christianity. It provides an immersive and rigorous study of early Christianity, generally spanning the 1st to 7th centuries CE, within its rich social, political, and cultural contexts. The program emphasizes a deep engagement with ancient languages, critical methodologies, and the interdisciplinary nature of the field, drawing on faculty expertise across various departments including Theology, Philosophy, Greek and Latin, History, and Semitic and Egyptian Languages and Literatures. This in-depth approach allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the origins and development of Christian thought and practice.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Early Christian Studies is a 30-credit-hour program. It typically requires students to have a strong background in ancient languages, particularly Greek, through the intermediate level, and at least one year of another ancient Christian language (such as Latin, Syriac, or Coptic) before admission. Additionally, reading knowledge of modern languages like German or French is crucial. The curriculum includes compulsory courses such as "Introduction to Early Christian Studies," "The Mediterranean World of Late Antiquity," "History of the Christian Near East," and "History of Early Christian Thought." Beyond these core courses, students engage in electives that involve substantial reading of Patristic texts in original languages and research-based papers across different academic disciplines. The program culminates in a written comprehensive examination, including sight translations from ancient languages.
Research Focus: The Center for the Study of Early Christianity at Catholic University has a strong research focus on understanding the development of early Christianity within its broader historical and cultural contexts. Key research areas include the interplay between early Christianity and Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions, the significance of ancient languages in the expression of religious ideas, and the evolution of Christian communities and doctrines. Faculty and students engage in various research projects, seminars, and publications, such as "CUA Studies in Early Christianity" series and the "First Millennium Network," which explores the interaction of the Abrahamic monotheisms. This emphasis fosters an environment where students contribute to and engage with cutting-edge scholarship in the field.
Industry Engagement: As a highly specialized academic program, the M.A. in Early Christian Studies does not typically involve "industry engagement" in the commercial sense. Instead, its engagement is primarily within the academic and scholarly community. This includes participation in academic conferences, scholarly publications (like the Journal of Early Christian Studies, to which CUA faculty contribute), and collaborations with other universities and research institutions. The program aims to prepare students for careers in academia, religious education, and research, where the "industry" is broadly defined as scholarly discourse and the transmission of knowledge within religious or historical contexts. The university's location in Washington D.C. also provides access to numerous libraries and research resources, fostering a rich environment for scholarly work.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Early Christian Studies inherently offers a robust global perspective due to its subject matter. The study of early Christianity necessarily involves examining its origins and spread across the Roman Empire, the Near East, and North Africa, encompassing diverse linguistic and cultural contexts (Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic traditions). The program emphasizes the shared history and relations of Christianity with Judaism and Islam, and its interactions with various ancient cultures. Furthermore, the Center for the Study of Early Christianity fosters international scholarly exchange through visits by scholars from overseas, conferences, and collaborations (such as the "Flourishing in Early Christianity" project with the Australian Catholic University). This global focus enriches students' understanding of the universal impact and diverse manifestations of early Christian thought.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 16575
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.A. in Early Christian Studies develop a highly specialized skillset that includes advanced linguistic proficiency (especially in Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic), critical thinking, textual analysis, historical research, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. While often a stepping stone to further academic pursuits (like a Ph.D.), the rigorous nature of the program equips graduates for a variety of careers, both within and outside of academia.
University Professor/Lecturer (requires further doctoral study): Teaching and conducting research in departments such as Theology, Religious Studies, History, Classics, or Near Eastern Studies at colleges and universities. The M.A. provides a strong foundation for Ph.D. programs and ultimately academic careers.
Archivist/Librarian (Special Collections): Preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical documents, manuscripts, and rare books related to early Christianity, often within university, seminary, or specialized religious libraries.
Museum Curator/Researcher: Contributing to exhibitions, research, and educational programming at museums with collections related to ancient history, classical art, or religious artifacts.
Religious Educator (Diocesan or Parochial): Developing and teaching religious education curricula in schools, parishes, or diocesan offices, often focusing on Christian history, doctrine, and spirituality.
Non-profit Program Coordinator/Manager (Religious or Cultural Organizations): Managing educational programs, outreach initiatives, or administrative functions for organizations focused on religious heritage, interfaith dialogue, or historical preservation.
Editor/Publisher (Academic or Religious Press): Working with scholarly texts, translating ancient works, or developing content for academic presses, religious publishers, or specialized journals in the humanities.
Writer/Journalist (Religious or Historical Topics): Authoring books, articles, or online content for religious publications, historical magazines, or general media outlets interested in the history of religion and culture.
Chaplaincy/Ministry (requires additional vocational training): Providing spiritual care and guidance in various settings such as hospitals, military, prisons, or educational institutions, leveraging their deep understanding of religious tradition and human experience.
Civil Service/Government Analyst (Cultural Affairs/International Relations): Applying analytical and research skills to roles in government agencies that deal with cultural heritage, international religious freedom, or area studies where knowledge of historical and religious contexts is valuable.
Genealogical or Historical Researcher: Conducting in-depth research for individuals, organizations, or institutions seeking to trace historical lineages, cultural origins, or the history of specific religious communities.
