Soooo glad you started this thread, ST100! I just finished an MS in Exercise Science in July, and am starting the MA Theology at Holy Apostles the 29th of this month. I live in a rural area of California, and I am thrilled that Holy Apostles has this program. I can tell you a little bit so far, which you may already know most of if you’ve spent a little time on their website:
Holy Apostles is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which is the oldest of the six US regional accreditation bodies. Regional accreditation means that all classes in the MA program, including Distance Learning, count for academic transfer and equivalency as well as admission into PhD programs, just like courses from other regionally accredited colleges and universities- Harvard, Yale, U Mass, BC, U Conn, etc, etc. Holy Apostles is also a Newman Society approved college, which means the Newman Society considers the curriculum to be Ex Corde Ecclesiae, “from the heart of the Church.” Most of the colleges and universities on this list are smaller and have an academic focus that is rigorously Catholic. Schools not on the list are the big schools such as Notre Dame, Holy Cross, Marquette, Fordham, etc. etc.
When applying, one chooses an area of concentration from the following: Bioethics, Church History, Dogmatic Theology, Liturgy, Moral Theology, Philosophical Theology, or Sacred Scripture I chose Sacred Scripture, since that seems so fundamental to me.
One will need to choose a local church official or professor proctor one’s final exams. The final questions for the entire program are given to the new MA student up front. Since I already know what the MA final examination questions are, I’m assuming that they are expecting very detailed and thorough responses.
One can complete a thesis, if planning to go on for a doctoral degree. That’s my current plan, but who knows? Where ever God takes me! Maybe to the seminary in my ripe old age, or into a monastic order. Whatever the path, I’m sure that what I learn from this MA program will help me enormously.
There is also a dedicated website for Holy Apostles Theology and Philosophy students:
www.deadphilosopherssociety.com
Oh, and the cost is among the lowest I’ve seen, around $300 per credit. Even the textbooks and materials, which are ordered through a Holy Apostles-dedicated Amazon account, seem to be extremely reasonable. This is important to me, as I’m not in a high income job (substitute teaching) and I’m continuing on a Stafford loan.
I’m excited- can’t wait! And God bless you, ST100, and guide you on your journey!