One of the unique features of the proposed program is that courses will be offered in San Bernardino, rather than at LMU’s West Los Angeles campus. San Bernardino Aquinas High School has agreed to host the program on its campus after regular school hours. Classes will be taught by LMU faculty, partly by video-conferencing and partly in person. The proposed schedule of evening and weekend classes should enable those with career and family obligations to more easily finish and attain their degree.
In order to qualify for admission to the B.A. program in Theological Studies, applicants must be preparing to serve in ministry or already actively serving: a letter of recommendation from their ministry supervisor will be required. In addition, they must have completed 60 units or credit hours of college coursework.
The program is expected to cost about $9,000 per year for tuition. Federal and state financial aid is available to qualifying students. By comparison, a comparable degree at Holy Names University would cost $14,060 per year. Loyola University in Chicago offers an online degree completion program for $13,100 per year.
In a letter sent to all diocesan, parish, and Catholic school employees about this program, Bishop Gerald Barnes wrote, “Our diocese is overflowing with dedicated men and women at the service of God and the Church. While our lay ministers have been blessed with various gifts and talents, many have been vocal about desiring a deeper (and more formal) knowledge of theology.”
It is hoped that this degree will continue to strengthen lay ministry in this diocese and provide an opportunity for more advanced theological formation for those who desire it.