Mount Angel Seminary provides its educational services in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws.

Mount Angel Seminary offers several academic programs. Comprehensive information is available in the Academic Catalogue (Available on request).

Undergraduate (College)

This general liberal arts program aims toward a philosophy major Bachelor of Arts Degree. An optional double major including literature is also available. The undergraduate student, through a Catholic liberal arts education in the Benedictine tradition, acquires an integrated appreciation of the world and of human culture. Students are called to respond with generous service to the common good. Students acquire the foundations for graduate academic and professional studies, particularly in theology.

Requirements include 124 Credit Hours with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. Those in the undergraduate program are involved in ongoing personal formation, take full part in the liturgical, academic, and communal life of the seminary, and are involved in supervised apostolic field work.

Pre-Theology

The Pre-Theology program is designed for those preparing for full time theological studies aiming toward possible priestly ordination. This program involves personal formation, grounding in the Catholic Faith with its liturgy, tradition, and devotional life. Academically, this program provides the philosophical and religious studies background necessary for the profitable study of graduate theology. This is a one to two year program normally for those with a BA degree. Emphasis is on liberal arts, philosophy, religious studies, and English for international students. A 2.5 GPA (TOEFL minimum of 575) is required for entry into the graduate Theology program.

Graduate Theology

The graduate theology program is centered in a vision of the Mystery of Salvation, unfolding in the Church as Eucharistic Communion and rooted in the Communion of the Trinity. Students are called to model this vision effectively in their lives and ministry.

The graduate seminarian acquires the skills necessary for ministerial leadership, including preaching, teaching, celebrating and providing pastoral guidance. Each seminarian is involved in supervised pastoral placements in parishes or institutions, as well as in Hispanic ministry, clinical pastoral education and the pastoral internship year. Through prayer and theological reflection, the seminarian integrates academic education, spirituality, pastoral experience and personal life, and finds in the service to the people of God the core and focus of his spirituality as a diocesan priest.

The Theology program aims towards one or more of the following degrees.

• Master of Divinity: 72 Credits, GPA of 2.75, M.Div. project

• Master of Arts in Theology: 40 Credits, GPA of 3.0, master's thesis

• Master of Arts with Scripture Concentration

Theological Education for Non-resident Students

Although limited in number of participants, the non-resident program is a significant component of Mount Angel Seminary. Many graduates have made significant contributions to the life of the church in the Northwest and beyond. This is a graduate level program leading to a Master of Arts in Theology, a Master of Theological Studies, or an audit program. Details and applications materials available on request from Dr. Elaine Park - Mount Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, OR 97373. Entrance requirements include six credit hours in religious studies, nine hours of philosophy, and English competency.

IEP - Intensive English Program

Approximately half of the students entering Mount Angel Seminary first spoke a language other than English. Nearly all of these individuals begin their seminary journey taking one semester to two years of full time English courses. Although most students coming to Mount Angel Seminary are at least at the intermediate level of English language competency, they are often not prepared for the kind of demanding course work offered at both the college and graduate level. Philosophy, theology, and literature typically offer the greatest challenge to international students.

International students need to provide test scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the TWE (Test of Written English). These tests can be taken at testing centers all over the world. The TOEFL is also available via computer. Those scoring between a 450 and 550 on the TOEFL and between a 3 and a 5 on the TWE are required to enter the IEP. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to linguistic and academic competency. Diligence and Perseverance in improving English skills can bring a sense of accomplishment and an effectiveness in ministry.