BEST Theology Schools with Apologetics Emphasis

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swimstud

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Hi,

I am potentially thinking about obtaining a Catholic theology degree in the future to better be able to understand my faith and defend it with a very deep and rich understanding (something I feel could only be obtained in a graduate school environment). The search is turning out harder than I thought so i figured i would consult the numerous intelligent minds here on CAF! These are my guidelines but I’m really open to looking at anything you know (all opinions suggestions welcome).
  1. MA, PHD, or graduate certificate in Theology that covers a rich study of doctrine (am open to other areas but the aforementioned is must I believe.)
  2. Distance learning is ok. I prefer the los angeles CA area but I don’t think there are any.
  3. Fully authentic teaching and in full communion and obedience to the magisterium or the church. Would prefer a school with a reputation for having zeal and being on fire for the lord as opposed to mediocre reviews
Additional notes: I’m open to any school even if it is small and not well known. It is primarily for my own learning and not career based. I am cautious that there are some programs out there that are masked as “catholic” but are either focused on something else or are secretly not loyal to the church. Any red flags would also be appreciated. Oh and cheap would be nice 🙂
 
Have you heard of the Catholic Distance University? They offer a Masters in Theology program, I don’t know about a PhD program. Their 100% orthodox, and they’re pretty relatively affordable.

There’s also the Augustine Institute, again fully in line with the Church and they have a pretty good distance learning program (from what I’ve heard, I haven’t taken a course from them myself.)

It seems a lot of the apologists at Catholic Answers studied at Franciscan University of Stuebenville, maybe that would be a good one to look into, pretty sure they have a distance program as well.

There is also John Paul the Great University in San Diego, it’s a small school but I’ve heard their pretty good.

These are just a few off the top of my head, hopefully other posters will have more suggestions. 👍
 
**Zealous apologetic-oriented Catholic College request answer . . . **

swimstud,

Do you have your Bachelor’s Degree yet? If not, I would consider Thomas Aquinas College (TAC) right in your proverbial backyard (I assume you are in California from the way you framed your question: “I prefer the Los Angeles CA area”).

Apologetics at TAC? Yes if you want Philosophical Apologetics which is what you will need to dialogue with atheists of which there are many.

Biblical Apologetics?

Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) comes to mind. It would be very gratifying studying under people like Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Mark Miravalle, Dr. Regis Martin, looks like Dr. John Bergsma is going to be very good, etc.

The Augustine Institute in Denver would be excellent too. Drs. Sri and Gray are involved in apologetics. An extended family member had Dr. Sri when Sri was at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Fine instructor. Curtis Martin is there too (also very involved with apologetics). Dr. Elizabeth Lev I have heard is a great instructor (a priest friend of mine raved about what a great art instructor she was—his class was in Rome); Remember, you evangelize the society you are in with art too (Michael D. Obrien talks about this concept through his literature, especially ***The Island of the World ***and A Cry of Stone), not just Bible verses.

If I were a college-age “kid”, I’d seriously consider going to Notre Dame Seminary Graduate School of Theology, in New Orleans LA and study under Dr. Brant Pitre. I would try to get all the knowledge I could from him. He isn’t well-known enough (yet) to be off speaking every weekend (if he were, it might mean your Friday class is either cancelled or a grad-student may be teaching your Friday lectures). Teachers quite naturally devote more effort and time to people who are desirous of learning and I would bet Dr. Pitre would also be in this camp. If you want to learn “tons of knowledge” I’m sure he’d be happy to help.

Ave Maria University in Florida would be a great choice (Fr. Lamb, Dr. Michael Waldstein [esp. if interested in Theology of the Body], Dr. Gregory Vall, Dr. William Riordan, etc.).

Wyoming Catholic College (Philosophical—esp. Dr. Kwasniewski, Dr. Jeremy Holmes in Theological studies, and they have a very learned, talented and fun Latin instructor there in Dr. Llewellyn,). God’s “first book,” the great outdoors also emphasized here.

John Paul II the Great in San Diego would be a possibility too (Dr. Barber is highly motivated and involved in Catholic apologetics) but then you are back to undergraduate programs.

I’m only scratching the surface here. There is a lot more great Catholic “Heavy-Hitters” out there in University settings if you look carefully.

I’d probably drive out to TAC and visit and ask the staff while I am there: “If I am not accepted at TAC, what in your opinion would be a good apologetics university environment in southern California?”

If you are out of high school and working, I’d also consider going over to Pasadena City College and consider signing up for an introductory class to Philosophy (assuming you can fit it in with your job) with Dr. Ed Feser or at the very least sit down and talk to him and ask his advice. He is the Author of The Last Superstition: A Refutation of the New Atheism.

Talk to other locals like Jesse Romero and Terry Barber too. These are people that have a genuine love for the faith.

Too bad there is no “Catholic Answers University”. Karl Keating, Jimmy Akin, Tim Staples, etc. etc. That level of learning would be a lot of fun.

Remember to stay close to the Sacraments too (frequent Mass–consider daily Mass), frequent Confession perhaps even weekly. Pray the Rosary daily.

I’m sure you will do well.

God bless and I will pray for you.

Cathoholic
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far. I’m eating it up. It’s one thing to look at the website and another to hear directly from people. TAC would have been nice. I already have a graduate degree and this would be supplementary or rather on the side to further my personal knowledge. I appreciate the info. on the Pasadena city college class as this is something very practical. Yes, a “Catholic Answers University” portrays exactly what i am looking for although I’m not sure that model exists. One of the main things I would want to avoid is having to learn ancient languages since I’m not looking to be a biblical scholar but more of a well trained apologist (although not in a career sense). Great recommendations so far! Also, dont want to be creating a mccarthy blacklist but knowing any clear red flags would be useful too so I don’t accidentally look into a school that is in conflict with Rome.
 
swimstud said:
Hi,

I am potentially thinking about obtaining a Catholic theology degree in the future to better be able to understand my faith and defend it with a very deep and rich understanding (something I feel could only be obtained in a graduate school environment). The search is turning out harder than I thought so i figured i would consult the numerous intelligent minds here on CAF! These are my guidelines but I’m really open to looking at anything you know (all opinions suggestions welcome).
  1. MA, PHD, or graduate certificate in Theology that covers a rich study of doctrine (am open to other areas but the aforementioned is must I believe.)
  2. Distance learning is ok. I prefer the los angeles CA area but I don’t think there are any.
  3. Fully authentic teaching and in full communion and obedience to the magisterium or the church. Would prefer a school with a reputation for having zeal and being on fire for the lord as opposed to mediocre reviews
Additional notes: I’m open to any school even if it is small and not well known. It is primarily for my own learning and not career based. I am cautious that there are some programs out there that are masked as “catholic” but are either focused on something else or are secretly not loyal to the church. Any red flags would also be appreciated. Oh and cheap would be nice 🙂
Click to expand...
I’ve completed the first class towards a masters in theology from the Augustine Institute with the second starting next week. PM me if you’d like to know more on my decision process. I am using their distance learning program although you can be on campus.
 
It depends on what you’re looking for. The faculty tends to determine how they operate, based individual expertise. CUA or Notre Dame probably have the best patristics programs, and are probably the largest faculty, so they probably have the broadest scope. At one of these schools you have more opportunity to choose your area of interest, whether it is dogmatics, historical, or patristics. They might not be as clearly Catholic as Franciscan or Ave Maria though. These two focus on the practice of the faith and being Catholic before the scientific approach to theology.
 
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