College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs

Purpose

Graduate programs at Xavier University began in 1933 in response to requests from persons in the New Orleans area who wished an opportunity to pursue graduate studies. Since that time, Xavier’s Graduate Programs have provided quality programs that foster the core values of scholarship, service and societal improvement consistent with Xavier’s unique mission. Academic achievement, professional practices and ethics are stressed in each discipline.

Scholarship, teaching and service are integral to the student’s educational experience at Xavier and beyond the classroom into the community at large. As part of the educational experience, Xavier’s Graduate Programs encourage faculty-student and student-student relationships in an effort to cultivate respect for the individual and foster human development.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers the following graduate degrees:

• Doctor of Education,
• Master of Arts, 
• Master of Arts in Teaching, 
• Master of Public Health,
• Master of Science, and
• Master of Theology. 

Website:  https://www.xula.edu/graduateschool/

Education and Counseling Programs

Master’s Degrees

Graduate course work for the Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Curriculum and Instruction is offered in the Division of Education and Counseling. Areas of specialization are listed below. In addition, programs are also offered for initial Louisiana teacher certification through the M.A.T. program (Master of Arts in Teaching).

Master of Arts - This program is offered in the following areas, with several specializations within each area for those applicants who possess a valid teaching certificate:

1. Educational Leadership (held fully online) - Professional preparation in Educational Leadership is offered with specialization in the following area:

• Educational Leadership  - building-level K - 12 certification track,
• Educational Leadership - non-certification track.

2. Curriculum and Instruction - Professional preparation for leadership in Curriculum and Instruction is offered in the following specialized areas:

• Reading Specialist ,
• Instructional Technology
• Teacher Leader
• Special Interest

3. Counseling - Professional preparation is offered for counselors to work in schools, post-secondary educational settings, and mental health facilities. Counseling programs meet all requirements for state certification and academic requirements for licensure.   

The specializations are:

• School Counseling, and
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Master of Arts in Teaching - This program is offered in the following areas for applicants who have passed PRAXIS examinations and are seeking initial certification:

• Elementary Education (Grades 1-5) ,
• Secondary Education (Grades 6-12) ,
• K-12 Education ,
• Elementary/Special Education (Grades 1-5) ,
• Middle School /Special Education (Grades 4-8) , and
• Secondary Education/Special Education (Grades 6-12) .

Doctoral Degree Program

The focus of the fully online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is School Turnaround and the Urban Community. The Ed.D. is offered through the Division of Education and Counseling.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership              

The first doctorate in the College of Arts and Sciences emanated from Xavier faculty members who assisted with the development of a statewide school turnaround program. Xavier’s program in educational leadership is designed to prepare visionary leaders who are socially just, promote reflection, and foster transformation in an ever-changing profession. 

Utilizing an interdisciplinary and systems-based approach, our scholars are imbued with a global perspective, and are fierce advocates for change in policy and practice that embrace social justice and equity for all.

This fully online, action-oriented program is designed for practitioners who are advancing in their fields and understand the need for a terminal degree.  Unlike other doctoral programs in educational leadership, Xavier’s program focuses on the urban community and school turnaround.

Through research, engagement, and community collaboration, doctoral students complete the doctoral program with significant contributions to academia with results and recommendations for the transformation of schools and organizations. Emphasis includes the impact of policy on schools and organizations.

Health Informatics Program

Master of Science in Health Informatics

The Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) is a 36-credit hour program, that’s held fully online, and includes Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM) learning objectives and competencies in the following domains:

• Health,
• Information Science and Technology,
• Social and Behavioral Science,
• Health Information Science and Technology,
• Human Factors and Socio-technical Systems,
• Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health,
• Social, Behavioral, and Information Science and Technology Applied to Health,
• Professionalism,
• Inter-professional Collaborative Practice, and
• Leadership.

The MSHI program is designed to ensure graduates are prepared to:

1. Select, implement, use, and evaluate health care information systems such as electronic health records (EHRs) and data management and analytic systems;
2. Lead organizational efforts in health informatics; and
3. Apply data analytical skills to transform patient care and the care delivery process

The overall goal of this program in health informatics is to produce competent and highly-competitive graduates capable of effectively leading health information system selection, implementation, and evaluation projects.

Public Health Program

Graduate course work for the Master of Public Health in Health Equity  is offered by the Department of Public Health Sciences.

Master of Public Health in Health Equity

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Equity is a 45-credit hour program that includes MPH core foundational competency courses and a range of other courses to choose from related to determinants of health equity.

The MPH in Health Equity is designed to accomplish the following goals and is based on the current work of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health and the Council on Education for Public Health:

• Educate students so that they understand the core beliefs and functions of the profession and evidence-based science of Public Health; and 
• Educate students so that they understand the environmental, biological, genetic, behavioral and psychological factors, and globalization affects related to human health.

In addition to satisfying these goals, the MPH in Health Equity will be based on the learning objectives and competencies listed for each individual course. Key domains and preliminary core constructs include:

• Evidence-Based Approaches to Public Health,
• Public Health and Health Care Systems,
• Planning and Management to Promote Health,
• Policy in Public Health,
• Leadership,
• Communication,
• Interprofessional Practice, and
• Systems Thinking.

Speech-Language Pathology Program

Graduate course work for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology  is offered by the Department of Speech Pathology.

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) is a two-year, 51-credit hour program that includes 41 semester hours of academic coursework and 10 hours of clinical course work.

This program is designed to adequately prepare Speech-Language Pathologists to have the essential academic knowledge, clinical skills and reflective ethical practices that enable them to enter the profession, to become lifelong learners, to serve others, to be advocates for individuals who have communicative disorders, to understand, appreciate and respect culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and to become successful leaders within the profession of speech pathology and, more generally, in society.

The primary learning outcomes identified for the MS-SLP are that graduates of the program will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and the social/behavioral sciences;
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases;
• Demonstrated the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span;
• Demonstrated knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates;
• Demonstrated current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan;
• Demonstrated knowledge of standards of ethical conduct;
• Demonstrated knowledge of processes used in research and of the integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice;
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary professional issues;
• Demonstrated knowledge of entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice; and
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written or other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice.

Theology Program

The Graduate course work for the Master of Theology degree is offered by the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS).

Master of Theology

The IBCS Master of Theology Program (M.Th) was established at Xavier in 1980 and is the only graduate program in the United States for the study of Black Catholic Theology and Pastoral Ministry. Designed to form Black Catholic leaders and others for more effective ministry in the community and church, the IBCS community life and Th.M. courses assist students in integrating theory and praxis, theology and pastoral ministry, engagement that contributes to holistic personal growth and building up of the faith community.

The Graduate Degree program blends rigorous academic and personal learning to equip students with methodological tools for critical understanding, analysis, and evaluation.

Graduate Program Policies

The following policies apply to all Xavier graduate programs.

Admission Requirements

Master’s Applicants are admitted to a graduate program on a full-time or part-time basis. Candidates for admission must submit a formal application according to the procedures outlined below. The formal application includes an application fee, official transcripts from all undergraduate and, where applicable, all post-baccalaureate institutions where courses were taken; two confidential recommendations (three for Th.M., Speech-Language Pathology, Health Informatics, and MPH applicants); a sample research study (doctoral candidates only); For the Speech Language Pathology and Master of Theology program, a score of 280 (the combined score from the verbal and quantitative sections) on the GRE is preferred.  For the Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Arts in Teaching Programs, the GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) must be taken and scores submitted, but there is no minimum score required.  For the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, for the Doctor in Educational Leadership and for the Master in Public Health, the GRE is preferred but not required. The MPH program will also consider MCAT scores if applicants wish to submit them. Test scores older than five years are not accepted. Test scores for the Doctoral and MA programs in Educational Leadership and the Master in Public Health are recommended but not required.  Speech-Language Pathology and Counseling applicants are also required to submit a personal statement detailing why you have chosen this program of study and participate in an admission interview. Additional requirements are:

Master’s Applicants:

For the Speech Language Pathology program and the Master’s of Theology program, a preferred score of 280 (the combined score from the verbal and quantitative sections) on the GRE is recommended, but not required. For the Counseling, Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Arts in Teaching Programs, the GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) must be taken and scores submitted, but there is no minimum score required.  For the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and for the Master in Public Health, the GRE is preferred but not required. For the Master of Science in Health Informatics the GRE is not required for admission to the program.

A degree from an accredited (U.S. Department of Education recognized Institutional Accreditor) college or university which reflects an overall minimum undergraduate grade point average of:

• 2.5 for the Education, Counseling, and Theology programs,
• 2.75 for the Health Informatics and MPH programs, and
• 3.0 overall GPA (preferred) and a 3.2 GPA (preferred) in Communication Sciences Disorders courses for the Speech-Language Pathology program are required.

Applications must be made by the following dates:

• Fall Semester - July 1 (March 1 Priority Deadline) Note:  Speech Language Pathology Deadline - January 15
• Spring Semester -December 1 (October 1 Priority Deadline)
• Summer Sessions - May 1 (March 1 Priority Deadline)

In addition, applicants for certifying programs must submit passing scores from the appropriate PRAXIS examinations or a valid teaching certificate where applicable.

Additional Admission Requirements for Master of Arts in Teacher Program:

• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement/statement of interest detailing why you have chosen this program and Xavier for your studies.
• Must pass Praxis II (content exam) for program student intends to enter.

Doctoral Applicants:

Doctoral applicants may submit GRE or MAT scores as they are preferred but not required.

A degree from an accredited (U.S. Department of Education recognized Institutional Accreditor) college or university which reflects an overall minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0 is required.

Applicants are required to pass an interview as well as a passed score on a written response from a research prompt provided by the Educational Leadership faculty. NOTE: The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Xavier University is a 100% online program. Interviews and submissions are conducted virtually.

Graduate Degree Procedures

1. Inquiries:  All students should make all inquiries regarding admission application to the Office of Graduate Programs. Email:  ogp@xula.edu
2. Complete application for admission by the published deadlines. All students should send information to the Office of Graduate Programs.
   1. Pay application fee.
   2. Send an official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate credits from college or university awarding degree(s), directly to the Office of Graduate Programs.
   3. Ascertain that recommendations by two persons qualified to appraise scholastic aptitude and professional potential are on file in the Office of Graduate Programs. Theology students must also submit a third letter of reference from a person qualified to appraise professional or ministerial promise. Health Informatics and MPH students must also submit a third letter of reference.
   4. Confirm that the test results for the GRE, MAT, or MCAT (MPH only) are on file in the appropriate office if they are required by that department.
   5. Confirm that scores from the appropriate PRAXIS examinations are on file in the Division of Education and Counseling. (MAT applicants only)
   6. Complete health clearance requirements. Note:  This does not apply to online programs, such as the Ed. D. program.
3. Candidacy:  Apply for and achieve advancement to candidacy. To be eligible the student must:
   1. Remove all deficiencies for full admission, if applicable.
   2. Successfully complete 12 course credits of graduate work in Education and 21 course credits in Counseling at Xavier University.
   3. Earn a grade point average of not less than 3.0.
   4. Theology students must pass a qualifying exam.
   5. All students must pass courses with no incomplete grades.
   6. Doctoral students must complete all courses with no incomplete grades and successfully defend their dissertation proposal. Doctoral students should also refer to the Ed. D. academic advisors for becoming a candidate.
4. Attain status of candidacy from the Graduate Academic Council. Note:  This does not apply to students within the Ed. D. program.
5. Ordinarily, complete all requirements for the degree within a seven-year period, which begins with registration for the first graduate course.
   1. The maximum number of course credits per semester for full-time students is nine (six course credits are usually recommended).
   2. A student who is employed full-time ordinarily can register for a maximum of six course credits per semester and maintain full-time status.
6. Maintain a “B” (3.0) average.
7. The final requirement for master degree candidates is to pass the Comprehensive Final Examination or write a thesis. Comprehensives may be taken after or during the semester in which the candidate is registered for the last three semester hours of credit or successfully completes the thesis option. Theology students must complete a Major Research Paper/Practicum and pass the Comprehensive Exam.
8. The final requirements for doctoral degree candidates includes the completion and passage of all courses, the passage of the proposal defense as well as the completion of original research. Completion of the doctoral program culminates in a dissertation which includes a successful oral and written dissertation defense signed by the entire Dissertation Committee with final approval by the Office of Graduate Programs.
9. Complete graduation arrangements for Commencement which is held at the end of the Spring semester for all students but Theology students which is at the end of the summer session.
   1. Education and Counseling students:

i.   Apply to the Division of Education and Counseling/Graduate Programs for a diploma before November 1.
ii.  Order hood, cap and gown before December 1.
iii.  Pay the graduation fee. Students are encouraged to be present for the conferring of the Master’s Degree.
iv.  Request to receive the degree in absentia is to be made in writing to the Chair of the Division of Education and Counseling at least four weeks before commencement. An additional fee is required.

  b. Health Informatics

i.   Submit a graduation application to the Program Coordinator of the Health Informatics program.
ii.  Order, hood, cap and gown before December 1.
iii. Pay the graduation fee. 

              c. MPH:     

                         i.   Submit a graduation application to the Public Health Sciences department.
                         ii.  Order, hood, cap and gown before December 1.
                         iii. Pay the graduation fee.

              d. Speech-Language Pathology students:

                         i.   Submit a graduation application to the Speech Pathology department.
                         ii.  Order, hood, cap and gown before December 1.
                         iii.  Pay the graduation fee.

              e. Theology students:

i.    Apply to the Director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies the summer prior to intended graduation.
ii.   Order hood, cap and gown before May 1 prior to graduation.
iii.  Pay a graduation fee.
iv.  Graduates are expected to be present for the conferring of the Master’s Degree at the end of the summer session.

Transcript Policy

Transcripts submitted for admission purposes must be official copies sent directly from the originating school or college. Education and Counseling, Theology, Speech-Language Pathology, Health Informatics, and Public Health student transcripts should be sent to the Office of Graduate Programs. Unofficial transcripts submitted by the applicant are not acceptable for full admission purposes.

Admission to a Degree Program

Full Acceptance - An applicant is granted full acceptance provided all admission requirements have been completed: GRE or MAT score if required; official transcript of baccalaureate degree, and post-baccalaureate degree if applicable;  two professional, confidential recommendations (Theology, Health Informatics, MPH, and SLP students must also submit a third letter of reference from a person qualified to appraise professional or ministerial promise), and approval by the Director of the appropriate graduate program. In addition, Education students must submit Praxis scores, if applicable; Theology, Counseling, and SLP students must complete a personal interview; Doctoral applicants must complete a personal interview and submit a writing sample as a response to a case study.

Conditional Acceptance - An applicant may be granted conditional acceptance when he/she does not meet one or more of the full admission requirements. A student admitted conditionally will have the condition(s) identified by the Director of the appropriate graduate program. Any conditional acceptance must be removed within the first year of enrollment. The applicant, who is conditionally accepted, may accumulate no more than nine hours of graduate credits.

Deferred Admission

Applicants who have been given full acceptance to Graduate Studies may defer their admission for up to two semesters by notifying the Director of the appropriate graduate program in writing. They may apply in writing for reactivation of their application status any time during the deferred time period.

Readmission

Students in any graduate program who have not attended for one semester or more in good academic standing or who wish to change their status in the Graduate program may apply for readmission by completing a formal readmission application.

Students who would like to be readmitted to the university following sitting out a semester due to academic dismissal are encouraged to make an appointment with their advisor and discuss the reasons for requesting readmission. Students must complete a readmission application and submit it to the Office of Graduate Programs. Readmission must be approved by the Graduate Academic Standing Committee.

Admission of International Students

For information about Admission of International Students, please see the general Admission - International Students  section of this Catalog.

Transient Student Status

The Office of Graduate Programs will consider applicants from graduate students for the Transient Student category if they meet the following criteria:

1. Applicant must be currently registered in an accredited graduate school (U.S. Department of Education recognized Institutional Accreditor).
2. Applicant must submit a current official transcript from the graduate school along with a letter of good standing from the Dean of the graduate school.
3. Courses taken at Xavier University of Louisiana must be approved by the Director of the appropriate graduate program.

Summer Session

Applications for admission to the summer sessions are due by May 1. The following policies are in force during the summer session:

1. The university reserves the right to cancel any summer course for which fewer than eight students have enrolled.
2. Students are classified as full-time students in the summer session if they enroll for three or more credit hours.
3. Students who register after the registration period will be required to pay a late registration fee. Students will not be allowed to register after the second day of classes.
4. An official withdrawal from a class must be approved in writing by the Director of the appropriate graduate program prior to the end of the second week in a five-week session, or before the end of the first week in a three-week session.

Orientation and Advisement

In addition to a general orientation offered by the Office of Graduate Programs, the faculty and staff of each academic department offer orientation and advisement for graduate students in their concentrations. New students to the education and counseling programs are notified in writing, at the time of their acceptance, of the time and place to begin their registration. Advisors inform students of University and Graduate policies and procedures and assist in course selection. Students usually retain the same advisor until they complete their program. Advising for Public Health students is done through the Department of Public Health Sciences, and advising for Speech-Language Pathology students is done through the Department of Speech Pathology.

Advising of Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) graduate students occurs during the on-campus final registration period. Designated advisors review and approve students’ selected classes according to their program of study. The orientation program for IBCS students is held on Sunday before the Opening Mass, when students and faculty gather officially for the first time in the summer session at a central location to meet with the program directors. Students and faculty also meet the program staff members and are informed of the University’s and the Graduate policies and procedures, the location of key buildings on campus, and activities schedules.

Financial Arrangements

Xavier University of Louisiana is a private institution and charges tuition accordingly. In-service personnel in educational institutions receive a tuition discount that is subject to change without notice. Questions about other forms of financial assistance should be directed to the Director of the appropriate graduate program. All inquiries about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

Request for Transcript

Transcripts of a student’s academic record will be issued upon written application to the Registrar and payment of the fee at least one week in advance of the date the record is needed, provided that all financial obligations to the university, including Federal Loan repayments, are cleared. No transcripts will be issued during the period of registration or the period of final examinations.

Fees and Expenses

For information about Fees and Expenses, please see the Tuition and Fees  section of this Catalog for all programs except the Master of Theology Program. For those fees and expenses, please see the IBCS website http://www.xula.edu/ibcs.

Specific Requirements for Education and Counseling Students

1. English Writing Competency Requirements
   All education and counseling graduate students are required to demonstrate competency in written English. Candidates must submit a writing sample with the application for admission.
    
2. Comprehensive Examinations
   A written comprehensive examination is required of every master’s degree candidate who does not choose the option to write a thesis. An oral examination may also be required if the faculty deem it necessary. Comprehensive examinations may be taken after or during the term in which the candidate for the degree is registered for the last three hours of credit. In the latter case, the student must have completed all core courses and the required courses in the area of concentration. Upon successful completion of the written examination, counseling students are required to complete and pass the oral examination.
   
   The written comprehensive examination is designed to test the candidate’s mastery of his or her major field and not simply the course material. A student who fails his/her comprehensive examination the first time must meet with his/her advisor before registering to take the comprehensive examination the second time. A student who fails the comprehensive examination a second time must complete three credit hours as assigned by his/her advisor before the third attempt. Any student failing the comprehensive examination the third time will be disqualified as a candidate for a degree from Xavier University in that discipline.
   
   All MAT candidates must take and pass the appropriate Praxis PLT to satisfy the University requirement for comprehensive examinations. Educational Leadership majors seeking certification must take and pass the School Leaders Licensure Exam (SLLA) to satisfy the University requirement for comprehensive examinations.
   
   All students pursuing the Master of Arts in Counseling must take the program’s exit examination prior to beginning Internship II. Students pursuing the specialization in Clinical Mental Health must pass the exit examination.  All students pursuing the specialization in School Counseling must take the Professional School Counselor (0421/5421) PRAXIS examination, as well as the exit examination, and must receive a passing score on at least one of the national examinations. Students are required to pass an oral clinical defense prior to graduation.
    
3. Thesis Requirements – Masters
   A student may choose the option of writing a thesis in lieu of a written comprehensive examination, but not a required Praxis exam. However, the student must enroll in EDCI 5700  for three hours of graduate credit the semester prior to his/her last semester. The grade will be posted at the end of the next semester.

Specific Requirements for Master of Science in Health Informatics Students

Health Informatics students are required to complete either a capstone or research project.

• Capstone Project (6 credit hours): The capstone course is the culminating class for students in the non-thesis option of the Health Informatics program. Students will create strategies and approaches that focus on various disciplines of health informatics such as topics relating to the Electronic Health Record, Health Information Exchange, Meaningful Use, and Ethical/Legal issues. In addition, students will analyze systems and evaluate potential decisions from the persona of senior level healthcare executives. The Capstone Project must be approved by the Health Informatics Program Coordinator.
• Research Project (6 credit hours): The research project courses are the culminating classes for students in the thesis option of the Health Informatics program. Students will work with a research mentor to develop a research proposal and complete a research project that focuses on current research questions in Health Informatics. The Research Project must be approved by the Health Informatics Program Coordinator.

Specific Requirements for Master of Public Health Students

1. MPH Integrative Learning Experience Requirement
   MPH students are required to complete an integrative learning experience (ILE) that demonstrates synthesis of public health foundational and concentration competencies. Students in consultation with faculty will select foundational and concentration-specific competencies appropriate to the student’s educational and professional goals. The ILE represents a culminating experience and may take many forms, such as a thesis, capstone project, or practice-based project. Regardless of form, the student produces a high-quality written product that is appropriate for the student’s educational and professional objectives.
    
2. Practicum Requirement
   MPH students must demonstrate public health competency attainment through applied practice experiences through a completed practicum. The public health practicum is a supervised practical field experience designed to provide students the opportunity to develop and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the academic program in a public health agency or other environment in which a public health function is performed. Each student will work with the Internship Practicum Coordinator to identify, arrange, and complete a satisfactory field experience to fulfill the program’s Practicum requirements.

Specific Requirements for Master of Theology Students

This program is intended for college graduates who desire a holistic, inter-disciplinary theological program to form them to participate more fully in the Christian mission in the Black community and the Church at-large as theologically and culturally competent ordained, religious or lay ecclesial minister. It is also intended for graduate students or ministers on sabbatical who wish to enrich their general theological studies by exploring the Catholic theological tradition and its particular meanings for the social and spiritual experience of Black peoples in the United States and the broader Pan African World. The program is also preparation for graduate students who plan to pursue terminal degrees in theology or other disciplines.

The Th.M. program blends rigorous academic work with community-based learning to equip students with methodological tools for critical study, understanding, analysis, and evaluation. At the same time, the program assists students in integrating theory and praxis, theology and pastoral ministry. Such integration should lead to an intellectually grounded faith, holistic personal growth, and effective ministry that contribute to the continual building of the life of the faith Community.

As an integral part of its programs, the Institute expects students to fully participate in all aspects of community life, liturgical experiences, the formation program, cultural events, shared meals, and collaborative study groups which are all part of the Institute “experience.” To facilitate the realization of these goals, all participants are strongly encouraged to live on campus during the summer session.

1. Written Qualifying

A written qualifying examination is required of every candidate for a master’s degree. Ordinarily students must take this exam after successfully completing IBTH 5010  and two to three additional core course in the Master’s Program. The qualifying exam serves as an opportunity for a detailed review of material encountered in those courses designed as the Core and Area Requirements for the Th.M. Degree Program. An oral examination may also be required if the faculty deem it necessary.

2. Candidacy

After successfully completing the Qualifying Exam, students must apply for and achieve advancement to candidacy.
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3. Major Research Paper

The major research paper should be an in-depth study by the student on a topic agreed upon with the Research Advisor. It is an independent project, but the Degree Faculty recommends strongly that, whenever possible, it be related to the Practicum. Students are strongly encouraged to design and prepare the major research paper so that it provides the theological and theoretical foundation for the Practicum project. The signed comments of two (2) readers awarding the grade are to be filed in the Office of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies. The student should refer to the IBCS ThM Handbook for specific details on planning and completing the major research paper.
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4. Practicum

Students may do two types of praxis projects:

    1. Practicum Plan A entails supervised work in the Black community, and it represents an initiative directed toward systemic change in pastoral ministry among Black Catholics.

    2. Practicum Plan B requires the student to complete an historical essay integrating oral history and archival research.

The student should refer to the IBCS ThM Handbook for specific details on planning, completing and evaluating the Practicum.
 

5. Oral Comprehensive Exam

The purpose of the Oral Comprehensive Examination is to provide a structured opportunity for the student to demonstrate her or his integration of learning and insights from course work, the Practicum Project, and the Major Research Paper. More broadly, the goal of the Examination is to allow the student to illustrate how the Practicum experience is related to the educational work of the IBCS. At the same time, the student must be prepared to demonstrate the practical effect and benefits of the project for the larger Black community, and for other ministers serving the Black community. The student should refer to the latest edition of the IBCS ThM Handbook for guidance on the Oral Comprehensive Examination. The comprehensive is an oral exam that reviews the student’s comprehension of his/her theological studies and their implication for pastoral practice. It is usually administered during the term in which the candidate for the degree is registered for graduation and/or the last three hours of credit. In the latter case, the student must have completed all core courses in the area of concentration.