Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MAPS-CGS)
Fall 2008 Cohort Forming Now
Degree Program
Aquinas Institute of Theology initiated the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MAPS-CGS) in 2005. It is the first degree program of its kind in the world. The program is designed to help catechists of the Good Shepherd deepen their knowledge and understanding of scripture and liturgy as well as heighten their professional development as ministers in the Church.
Background
Graduate students who enroll in the MAPS-CGS program are offered theological and spiritual formation to under gird their catechetical training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious formation program for children from 3 to 12 years of age.
A majority of the coursework is completed in regular on-campus courses or in a distinctive internet-enhanced format designed especially for students who cannot commit to on-campus study. A portion of the required coursework includes formation offered by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; these formation courses may be taken anywhere in the world, provided required standards are met.
When Do I Apply?
Students who intend to pursue the MAPS-CGS degree as full-time or part-time on-campus students in St. Louis are welcome to apply at any time. They may begin their studies during any semester.
Non-resident students may apply to be part of Aquinas' internet-enhanced cohort model. Each cohort, comprised of up to twenty students, enrolls together and proceeds through the entire program as a community. Cohorts generally begin every other year in August.
The next cohort begins in August 2008. Enrollment for the 2008 cohort is in progress and will continue on a rolling admission basis until the cohort is full. Candidates who seek financial aid are encouraged to apply immediately in order to assure first priority in aid distribution.
How To Apply?
To begin the application process contact the admissions office by phone at 1-800-977-3869, or by e-mail at admissions@ai.edu .
For More Information
It is normal for prospective students to have questions about coursework, schedule, field education, technology, costs/scholarships, travel, and logistics. For answers to your questions, contact our admissions office by phoning 1-800-977-3869, or by e-mailing admissions@ai.edu .
Read about the experiences of three current members of the 2006 MAPS-CGS cohort and discover more about what it would be like to be a student in the program.