Braniff Theology

Theology is "faith in search of understanding," that is to say, a faithful listening to and systematic, methodical articulation of the message of the Word of God revealed by deeds and words. This revelation began in Israel, culminated in Jesus Christ, himself both the mediator and sum total of Revelation, and, through him, was transmitted in the living tradition of the Church.

The Department of Theology offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.) for students preparing for a career in college teaching and research, and a Master in Theology (M.Th.) for students interested in pursuing higher education in theology for other purposes.

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts in Theology

• Thirty graduate credits in Theology, including six credits for the Thesis Seminar and Master's thesis. A maximum of twelve credits may be earned in 5000 level courses. Nine credits may be transferred, with the recommendation of the Chairman, from a graduate institution toward the graduate credits.
• A reading knowledge of a classical or a modern language.
• Written and oral comprehensives examinations.

Master of Theology

• Thirty graduate credits. A maximum of twelve credits may be earned in 5000 level courses. Nine credits may be transferred, with the recommendation of the Chairman, from a graduate institution toward the graduate credits.
• Written and oral comprehensive examinations.
• Biblical Hebrew: In addition to Latin, Greek, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, the University offers Biblical Hebrew, a language especially appropriate for students who have a particular interest in the study of Scripture.

Applications and Financial Assistance

Application for admission to the graduate programs in Theology includes a completed application form, two letters of reference, a statement of purpose, an intellectual autobiography, and official transcripts of previous college work. An applicant must submit either GRE General Test scores (taken not more than three years previous to the date of application) or a sample of academic writing. Possession of a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite.
Further requirements include:

1) Some background in philosophy in the case of the M.Th. applicants and a minimum of nine undergraduate credits in philosophy for the M.A. applicants. These requirements may be waived if the applicant demonstrates competency in philosophy.

2) A sufficiently strong background in theology, preferably an undergraduate theology major. Each applicant's background will be individually evaluated, and in case of deficiency, students will be required to enroll either in appropriate courses or in directed individual study to obtain a foundation in theology.

Theology Faculty

David Balas, O. Cist., Professor
S.T.D., Athenaeum Anselmianum, Rome

Mark Goodwin, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Yale University

Mark Lowery, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Marquette

John Norris, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Marquette

Christopher Malloy, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Catholic University of America

Denis Farkasfalvy, O.Cist., Research Scholar
S.T.D., Pontifical University of St. Anselm

Roch Kereszty, O.Cist., Adjunct Professor
S.T.D., Athenaeum Anselmianum, Rome

William Brownsberger, Assistant Professor
S.T.D., Pontifical Greogorian University

Recent and Current Programs

The Department of Theology continually involves itself in academic programs and endeavors aimed at enriching the life of both the University community as well as the Church. Some of the current programs and past projects include:

- Seminar on the Development of Early Catholic Christianity Co-founded by UD theology professor Fr. David Balas, this ecumenical seminar meets four times a year and offers papers primarily on first and second century Christianity.

- International Bible Commentary Dr. William Farmer, a research scholar at UD, guided the publication of this one volume, Catholic, ecumenical commentary. Scholars from six continents contributed to this publication, which has recently been translated into Spanish and Dutch and will soon be translated into Italian, French, German, and Russian.

- Conference on Anti-Judaism in the Gospels Organized by UD's theology department, this national conference brought Jewish and Christian scholars to the university for an interfaith discussion on the question of the portrayal of Judaism in the Gospels.

- Conference on the Eucharist Gathering speakers from all over the country, the University of Dallas theology department hosted this ecumenical scholars' conference to discuss the notion of sacrifice in the Eucharist.

Courses

Biblical
Pentateuch
Old Testament Prophets
Wisdom and Psalms
Synoptic Gospels
Johannine Literature
Paul and Acts
Historical
Church History I and II
Patristic and Byzantine Theology
Medieval and Modern Theology
Recent and Contemporary Theology
Systematic
Triune God
Christology and Soteriology
Ecclesiology
Philosophical Resources for Theology
Sources and Methods
Apologetics
Anthropology and Eschatology
Sacramental Theology I and II
Moral Theology
Fundamental Moral Theology
Catholic Social Thought
The Marital Covenant
Christian Virtues

For information about tuition, financial assistance, application forms and registration, please write, call, or visit our website: Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts, University of Dallas, 1845 East Northgate Drive, Irving, Texas 75062-4736. Phone: (214) 721-5106. Toll Free: (877) 708-3247. E-mail: graduate@udallas.edu. Website: www.udallas.edu/braniff