Studying theology at Sacred Heart certainly doesn't seem like a "new" thing, but students who come to the seminary to study theology now have an exciting new option: a major in pastoral theology in the four-year bachelor degree program.

Sacred Heart has always offered a bachelor degree (AB), but until now the only major available was in philosophy. The philosophy major serves many of our students: those planning on studying theology at the graduate level, seminarians who are meeting requirements for the U.S. bishops' Program for Priestly Formation, or students meeting prerequisites for the Licentiate in Sacred Theology program.

But philosophy is not always the major of choice for a student who wants a four-year undergraduate degree. The pastoral theology major provides a new option.

Students in the new major will study theology and ministry, with a focus on applying their learning in a ministry setting. One of the new courses offered in the major is a capstone in pastoral theology. The course will provide an opportunity for students to reflect upon how their learning can be applied practically, whether in a parish setting, a Catholic school setting or even a home setting. The program also offers a foundation in general education and philosophy to round out the liberal arts degree.

Ms. Michelle Szczepanski, assistant dean of studies, spearheaded the development of the new BA in Pastoral Theology.

"We had a number of students in our basic diploma program in pastoral ministry, or in our associate's degree program, who wanted to go on to earn a bachelor's degree and continue studying theology," says Szczepanski, who advises students in the undergraduate programs. "We've always had to direct those students elsewhere. Now, they have the option of continuing their studies here at Sacred Heart."

As part of the planning process, Ms. Szczepanski consulted with the offices of the Archdiocese of Detroit to determine how the new major can assist people who are seeking Level III certification in lay ministry from the archdiocese. Students in the new BA program would be able to earn the degree from Sacred Heart while tailoring coursework to help meet certification requirements. (Certification by AOD is a separate process from earning an academic degree from the seminary.)

The new major will also allow men who are studying at the undergraduate level for the permanent diaconate to apply all of the course work required for ordination toward the new major, if the student decides to pursue a bachelor degree.

Sacred Heart is also exploring alternative class meeting schedules to help students fit course work into their often hectic schedules. This spring, the seminary piloted a new meeting schedule for a section of Introduction to Theology. The course, taught by John Lajiness, assistant dean in the Institute for Ministry, met on four Saturdays in an all-day format during the accelerated spring term (rather than the traditional spring term meeting time of two nights per week).

The new bachelor degree will be available to students with the start of the upcoming 2008-2009 academic year. New or current students who are interested in the new major or in any of the programs offered by Sacred Heart should contact the Admissions Office, (313) 883-8520.