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Concentrations

Concentrations in Catholic Theology

The Concentrations in Catholic Theology program allows participants to explore a specific field of theology in greater depth and apply that knowledge to their ministry or area of interest in a structured, flexible, and accessible format.

To earn a Concentration, students complete a sequence of STEP courses alongside regular sessions with an advisor from the McGrath Institute, and culminate the process with a final project that integrates the theological knowledge gained throughout the program and applies it to a concrete pastoral context.

Concentrations are designed to support your ministry and faith journey in a focused way, offering the accompaniment of an advisor and a community of learners from different backgrounds who share your field of interest.

STEP courses are non-credit bearing, meaning that they do not grant formal academic credit toward a degree. This makes them accessible to a wide audience at a fraction of the cost of college education, while maintaining the academic quality associated with the University of Notre Dame. The online format allows you to engage seriously with theology while working within your schedule and ministerial commitments.

Benefits:

• Study within the STEP ecosystem: courses developed by faculty from the University of Notre Dame and partner theologians, led by facilitators with advanced degrees in theology, within an online learning community.

• Receive ongoing support, curated resources, and guided preparation for your final project from an experienced advisor.

• Earn formal recognition of achievement from the McGrath Institute for Church Life.

A Concentration in Catholic Theology is available for the following areas of study: Catechesis, Liturgy, and Scripture.

Concentrations:

Catechesis

Prerequisite: Foundations of Catholic Belief

Courses:

• Christian Doctrine for Catechists I

• Christian Doctrine for Catechists II

• Christian Doctrine for Catechists III

• A Preface to the Study of Scripture

• Elective:

  • A. Introduction to Sacramental Theology

  • B. The Theology of the Mass

• The Art of Catechesis

Scripture

Prerequisite: Foundations of Catholic Belief

Courses:

• A Preface to the Study of Scripture

• Introduction to the Old Testament 1

• Introduction to the Old Testament 2

• Elective:

• A. Introduction to the New Testament

• B. The Synoptic Gospels

• The Letters of St. Paul

• Elective:

• A. The Gospel of John

• B. Reading the Book of Revelation

Liturgy

Prerequisite: Foundations of Catholic Belief

Courses:

• Liturgical Theology

• Introduction to Sacramental Theology

• The Theology of the Mass

• The Liturgical Year

• Liturgical Music

• Liturgical Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours

Bilingual Option. You may also complete your Concentration bilingually by taking equivalent Camino courses in Spanish. Please email camino@nd.edu or call (574) 631-3526 for more information

Opción Bilingue: Puede completar una Concentración de manera bilingüe tomando Cursos de camino equivalentes en español. Por favor envíe un email a camino@nd.edu o llame al (574) 631-3526 para más información. 

Cost

• STEP Courses: $99 per course (7 courses total) +

• Concentration Program Fee: $399
  
  The Concentration Program Fee supports advisory sessions, structured accompaniment, final project mentoring, and program administration.

Process

1. Complete the Foundations of Catholic Belief  STEP course. (Prerequisite for all Concentrations)

2. Apply to your chosen Concentration (Catechesis, Liturgy, or Scripture)

• Complete the online Information Form, available here.

• Receive your Program Registration link via email.

• Register and pay the Concentration Program Fee.

3. Begin your courses and advisory sessions

• After program registration is complete, complete the six required courses for your Concentration.

• Courses may be taken in the suggested order or in your preferred sequence, provided all requirements are completed within the program timeframe of 3 years.

4. Complete the Final Project

• The Final Project is a structured, mentored assignment that integrates the knowledge acquired throughout your studies and applies it to your ministry or area of interest.

• Your advisor will help you define the scope of your project, provide feedback, and guide you through your work. The project is intended to demonstrate both theological understanding and pastoral application.

5. Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will receive a formal recognition of achievement from the McGrath Institute for Church Life.

Timeframe

The Concentration Program can typically be completed in approximately 1.5 years (from Foundations through the Final Project). To ensure you have a consistent and supported experience, we ask that you complete all requirements, including the Final Project, within three years of joining the program.

Disclosure

STEP courses are intended for ministerial formation and personal and pastoral development. They do not carry college credit.

Participants are encouraged to consult their Diocese or ecclesial employer to determine whether these courses fulfill ongoing formation requirements.

If a participant decides not to continue with the program after taking the Foundations course they may request a refund of $200 of the program registration fee.

Questions? Please contact stepnd@nd.edu for more information.