A Benedictine Love of Learning

Benedictines have always been lovers of learning and have played a crucial role in passing on the Western intellectual tradition. We have continued the Benedictine love of learning since beginning our first lay degree program in 1969, helping to answer the Church's call for "a well-educated, inquiring, and vocal laity" (Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium). 

Beyond Catechesis

Theological study takes you beyond catechesis and faith formation. It helps you develop an "understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith, which is rooted in God's revelation and embodied in the living tradition of the Church" (Co-Workers in the Vineyard, p. 42). 

A rigorous, constructively critical engagement with the Church's faith is challenging, but it ultimately helps you to be a more effective, more theologically informed minister who can articulate the breadth, depth and complexity of the Church's traditions. 

Graduate courses at Saint Meinrad cover all aspects of the sacred sciences, including Scripture and its interpretation, dogmatic theology, Church history, liturgical and sacramental theology, moral theology and Catholic social teaching, pastoral theology, spirituality and canon law. Our courses also incorporate opportunities for ecumenical and interfaith engagement. 

Full-time Study or Part-time Distance Learning 

Some lay degree students choose to study full time, taking weekday courses alongside the seminarians studying for Catholic priesthood. Others pursue their degree on a part-time basis, alongside work, family and other responsibilities, taking weekend courses, residence-intensives, online and Web-hybrid formats. Read more»