What are the primary dimensions of Echo?
There are three primary dimensions of the Echo Program: the M.A. in Theology, service to the Church in a parish or school, and integrative human, communal, and spiritual formation.
Click Here to see a complete list of Echo's Opportunities and Expectations for Students
How long is the Echo Program?
Echo is a two-year graduate service program beginning in mid-June and concluding with a capstone course and graduation occurring approximately 24 months later at the end of June.
What are the academic prerequisites and GPA to be accepted into the program?
The Notre Dame Graduate School and the Echo program require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education by the start date of the summer (typically the beginning of June), with a minimum of 6 credit hours in theology.
Strong candidates for Echo hold a 3.5 GPA or above. Since Echo involves intensive degree work in a condensed timeline, candidates whose culmulative GPA is below a 3.0 at the time of application will be asked to reflect on their aptitude and readiness for an intensive degree.
Prospective applicants to Echo must also complete six credits in theology at either the undergraduate or graduate level before entering the program. See below for more info.
Can I still apply to Echo if I do not have the prerequisite 6 credit hours in theology?
Yes! Please see our comprehensive policy below. Students with religious studies credits may be able to have those classes counted for the prerequisite policy. Please see the below link for more information!
Echo Theology Prerequisite Policy
Can you share a bit more about the placement process?
Students are admitted into the Echo Program with a reserved spot in one of our two tracks: Echo Parish Catechetical Leadership (EPCL) or Echo Teaching Theology (ETT). After the new class of students is finalized, the placement process begins. We ask each student to be open to being placed in one of our partner dioceses across the United States.
Recognizing the trust our students place in us, the placement process is animated by prayer and intentionality. Beginning the placement process after the class is finalized allows the Echo staff and our diocesan partners to give each member of the incoming class maximum attention and care to determine a good placement fit.
The Echo staff, in conversation with our diocesan partners, holds many different points of consideration together when making placement decisions. There are numerous data points, but chief among them are each student’s gifts, ministerial interests and personal dispositions, the needs of our placements, and communal life and fit. To better assist us, we send each incoming student two placement surveys. These surveys allow us to better understand our students’ preferences and particular needs, building upon what we’ve already learned through our application and interview process. We then bring all that information together to make final placement decisions.
What does a strong Echo candidate look like?
Strong Echo candidates are those with a strong academic record, demonstrated leadership experience in ministry and/or teaching, a sincere commitment to the faith and the Church, and an openness to holistic formation. Strong candidates for teaching theology possess a bachelor’s degree in theology or teaching experience or both.
Is it possible to participate in Echo as a married person?
No. Echo is unable to admit married applicants or applicants who intend to marry during the two years of program participation.
Can I live on my own during the two years of the program?
No. Echo requires all participants to live in community with other program participants as an essential dimension of formation.
A Primer on Intentional Faith Community in Echo
If I already have an undergraduate degree in theology or catechetics, is Echo still relevant for me?
The M.A. Theology degree is an outstanding graduate program for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of the faith and its rich intellectual tradition and accommodates those with undergraduate theology degrees as well as those with limited theological study. The M.A. in Theology through Echo is complemented by mentored service to the Church and a robust formation program. Together, these dimensions provide a unique opportunity for anyone interested in learning, growing, and serving the Church.
What is the financial cost to participate in Echo?
Tuition is covered in full. Each summer, participants receive housing and a meal plan for the dining hall at no cost. While in the diocese, participants receive a furnished residence and utilities at no cost. Primary participant expenses include maintaining a car, books, traveling to/from work, groceries, and other personal expenses. Please see the link for a more comprehensive breakdown!
A Guide to Echo's Costs and Benefits
Do you receive a stipend during Echo?
Yes. All Echo apprentices and theology teachers earn a $15,000-per-year stipend (taxable), distributed over a twelve-month pay cycle.
Can I defer my loans during Echo?
As a full-time student, students should be eligible for loan deferment. Specific questions regarding loan deferment should be directed to your particular loan provider. Applicants who attended Notre Dame for their undergraduate degree may contact Notre Dame’s Office of Financial Aid/115 Main Bldg. at 574.631.6436 or finaid@nd.edu. The Director of the M.A. in Theology (574.631.4256) can provide proof of full-time student status upon request.
Am I required to have a car and a driver’s license for Echo?
All Echo participants are asked to have a car and a valid driver’s license during the two years of their diocesan placement in order to get from the community’s home to their placement site. If you do not currently have a license or a car, you are still welcome to apply to Echo; should you be accepted and commit to Echo, you would need to take steps toward acquiring both. Although you need not have a car during Echo summer (June & July), you must have a car from August-May each year. Please do not let this requirement prohibit you from applying. Contact Echo ASAP if this might be a concern for you.
What do most Echo graduates do after Echo?
Those who have completed the Echo program and have received the M.A. degree in Theology have taken diverse and inspiring positions in the following:
- Parish Catechetical Ministry with Children, Youth, Young Adults, and Adults
- Parish Pastoral Associate
- Multicultural Parish Ministry
- Diocesan Leadership Positions
- Seminary (Priesthood)
- Religious Life
- Catholic High School Teaching
- Catholic High School Campus Ministry
- College/University Campus Ministry
- Ph.D. Study in Theology
- Faith Based Non-Profit Work
- Marketing/Media/Communications Positions with Catholic Organizations
- Law School; MSW Study; M.Ed. Study