Academics

Master of Arts in Theology

 This academic degree is a master's thesis program aimed at preparing individuals involved in the practice of theological education to have a basic comprehensive and critical grasp of the Scriptures and the Christian tradition in the context contemporary global issues and developments. The different major concentrations are made available to allow for basic specialization in some central theological fields.

Areas of Concentration (Majors)

 a. Systematic Studies
 b. Moral Studies
 c. Biblical Studies
 d. Liturgical Studies
 e. Vincentian Studies

Academic Prerequisites

a. An applicant must have graduated in any Bachelor’s Degree (four- year university course) as specified by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines or its equivalent in other countries.

b. The student shall have taken up at least 12 units of theology or philosophy in his/her undergraduate courses from previous university or equivalent institutes of learning.

Academic Course Load

        Basic Courses                                6 Units

        Core Courses                                12 Units

        Major Courses                              18 Units

        Elective/Practicum                       12 Units

        Thesis Writing and Defense           6 Units

Comprehensive Examination 

        Students shall take an oral comprehensive examination in front of a panel of three (3) members representing three theological fields: one’s field of concentration (Major) and 2 other fields to be determined by the Graduate Studies Director depending on the majority of courses taken.

Public Defense 


Curriculum:

Master of Arts in Theology Major in Systematic Studies
(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)

Master of Arts in Theology Major in Moral Studies
(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)

Master of Arts in Theology Major in Biblical Studies
(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)

Master of Arts in Theology Major in Liturgical Studies
(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)

Master of Arts in Theology Major in Vincentian Studies
(Thesis Program/ Academic Degree)

Curriculum

A.    Basic Courses (6 units)

          Research Methods 1
          Research Methods 2

B.    Core Courses Fundamentals (12 units) 

          Introduction to Scriptures
          Fundamental Systematic Theology
          Fundamental Moral Theology
          Theology and Cultures
          Vincentian Studies

C.    Major Courses (18 units)

          Christology
          Ecclesiology
          Triune God
          Creation and Eschatology
          Theological Anthropology
          Theologies of Liberation

D.    Elective/Practicum (12 units)

          Seminar 1
          Seminar 2
          Elective 1
          Elective 2

E.    End Course Requirement (6 units)

          Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense

Curriculum

A.    Basic Courses (6 units)

          Research Methods 1
          Research Methods 2

B.    Core Courses Fundamentals (12 units) 

          Introduction to Scriptures 
          Fundamental Systematic Theology 
          Fundamental Moral Theology 
          Theology and Cultures 

C.    Major Courses (18 units)

          Christian Sexual Morality
          Life and Biomedical Ethics
          Catholic Social Tradition
          Special Moral Questions
          Contemporary Issues in Moral Theo 1
          Contemporary Issues in Moral Theo 2

D.    Elective/Practicum (12 units)

          Seminar 1
          Seminar 2
          Elective 1
          Elective 2

E.    End Course Requirement (6 units)

          Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense

Curriculum

A.    Basic Courses (6 units)

          Research Methods 1
          Research Methods 2

B.    Core Courses Fundamentals (12 units) 

          Introduction to Scriptures 
          Fundamental Systematic Theology 
          Fundamental Moral Theology 
          Biblical Hebrew and Greek

C.    Major Courses (18 units)

          Pentateuch
          Historical and Prophetic Writings
          Wisdom Literature
          Synoptics and Acts
          Johannine Writings
          Pauline and Catholic Epistles

D.    Elective/Practicum (12 units)

          Seminar 1
          Seminar 2
          Elective 1
          Elective 2

E.    End Course Requirement (6 units)

          Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense

Curriculum

A.    Basic Courses (6 units)

          Research Methods 1
          Research Methods 2

B.    Core Courses Fundamentals (12 units) 

          Introduction to Scriptures 
          Fundamental Systematic Theology 
          Fundamental Moral Theology 
          Fundamental Sacramentology

C.    Major Courses (18 units)

          Sacraments of Initiation
          Sacraments of Healing 
          Sacraments of Vocation
          Liturgical Year and Divine Office
          Inculturation of Sacraments & Liturgy
          Contemporary Issues in Liturgical Studies

D.    Elective/Practicum (12 units)

          Seminar 1
          Seminar 2
          Elective 1
          Elective 2

E.    End Course Requirement (6 units)

          Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense

Curriculum

A.    Basic Courses (6 units)

          Research Methods 1
          Research Methods 2

B.    Core Courses Fundamentals (12 units) 

          Introduction to Scriptures 
          Fundamental Systematic Theology 
          Fundamental Moral Theology 
          Theology and Cultures 

C.    Major Courses (18 units)

          Christology
          Ecclesiology 
          History of the Vincentian Family
          St. Vincent de Paul
          Vincentian Spirituality
          St. Louise and the Vincentian Saints

D.    Elective/Practicum (12 units)

          Vincentian Popular Missions
          Seminar
          Elective 1
          Elective 2

E.    End Course Requirement (6 units)

          Thesis Writing/ Thesis Defense

Masters in Pastoral Ministry

This Professional degree is a non-thesis Masters’ program aimed to equip individuals involved in different pastoral ministries with appropriate and critical grasp of basic theological frameworks and effective pastoral skills necessary to do ministry in their own pastoral contexts.

Academic Prerequisites

a. An applicant must have graduated in any Bachelor’s Degree (four-year university course) as specified by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines or its equivalent in other countries.

b. The student shall have taken up at least 12 units of theology or philosophy in his/her undergraduate courses from previous university or equivalent institutes of learning.

Academic Course Load

Core Courses                                         15 Units
Major Courses                                       18 Units
Elective/Practicum                                12 Units

Comprehensive Examination

a. At the end of one’s academic course work, the student shall take an oral comprehensive examination in front of a panel of three (3) members representing three theological fields: pastoral ministry and 2 others to be determined by the Graduate Studies Director depending on the majority of courses taken.

b. After having passed the comprehensives, the student shall apply for graduation in Adamson University and shall be proclaimed graduate in Masters in Pastoral Ministry.

Curriculum

A. Core Courses Fundamentals (15 units)
Introduction to Scriptures
Fundamental Systematic Theology
Fundamental Moral Theology
Theology and Cultures
Christology

B. Major Courses (18 units)
Ecclesiology
Pastoral Theology 1
Pastoral Theology 2
Theology of Mission
Ministries in the Church
Poverty and Development Studies

C. Elective/Practicum (12 units)
Seminar 1
Seminar 2
Elective 1
Elective 2

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

This is a 4-year college degree program offered at Adamson University under the college of Liberal Arts. This course is offered to provide special training for students who wish to major in Philosophy or as preparation for a professional advanced program in Law, Theology and Graduate Studies in Human Sciences.

Academic Prerequisites

1. An Applicant must be a high school graduate.
2. He or she should have taken and passed the Adamson University Entrance Exam (UEE). For more details, please click here to visit the Adamson UEE Requirements page.

Academic Course Load

      Minor Courses

          First Year

       First Semester                                         23 Units
       Second Semester                                     23 Units

          Second Year

       First Semester                                         20 Units
       Second Semester                                     20 Units

      Major Courses      

          Third Year

       First Semester                                         18 Units
       Second Semester                                     21 Units

          Fourth Year

       First Semester                                         18 Units
       Second Semester                                     18 Units

Students shall take all of their first and second year minor subjects at Adamson University. Major subjects are taken on their third and fourth year at St. Vincent School of Theology.

End Course Requirement

At the end of one's academic course work, students shall pass their approved and graded thesis.

B. A. in Philosophy Curriculum (2018)

FIRST YEAR
     First Semester
Understanding the Self
Readings in the Philippine History 
Purposive Communication
GE Elective 1
Elective 1
Searching for God in the World Today
Physical Education 1
National Service Training Program 1

     Second Semester
The Contemporary World
Mathematics in the Modern World
Science, Technology and Society
GE Elective 2
Elective 2
Responding to God's Call by Becoming Fully Human
Physical Education 2
National Service Training Program 2


SECOND YEAR
   First Semester
Introduction to Philosophy Studies
Logic
Ethics
Advance Philosophy of  Man
Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
Latin 1
Physical Education 3

   Second Semester
Epistemology
Metaphysics
Philosophy of Nature
Filipino Philosophy
Modern and Contemporary Philosophy 
Latin 2
Physical Education 4


THIRD YEAR
   First Semester
Celebrating God's Presence as a Christian Community
Art Appreciation
Life and Works of Rizal
GE Elective 3 
Elective 3
Elective 4

   Second Semester
Transforming the World with St. Vincent de Paul
Hermeneutics
Phenomenology and Existentialism
Social Critical Theory
Philosophy of God and  Religion
Philosophy of Science
Elective 5


FOURTH YEAR
   First Semester
Oriental Philosophy
Modern Asian Thoughts
Special Questions in Ethics
Philosophy of Language
Aesthetics/Theories of Art
Thesis 1

   Second Semester
Special Questions in Philosophy 1 (Philosophy of Social Science)
Seminar on Contemporary Philosophy (Structuralism and Post-modernism)
Seminar on Philosophy 2 (Christian Philosophy in the medieval Period, Plato, Aristotle)
Comparative Philosophy (East-West)
Elective 6
Thesis Writing 2

Bachelor in Theology and Religious Studies

Cooperation Agreement between Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) and St. Vincent School of Theology – Adamson University

The Universities have agreed as follows:

1. Purpose of the Agreement

The mutual purpose of this Agreement is to stimulate cooperation with regard to the theological and pastoral formation of persons for effective service to the Church and society between the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) and the St. Vincent School of Theology (SVST), Adamson University.

2. Fields of Cooperation

2.1. Both universities agree to intensify an educational and scholarly cooperation through common projects in teaching and research in all areas of mutual interest with a focus on fostering a way of doing theology that builds on the religious experience and praxis of the socially excluded (“Doing Theology from the Margins of Asia”).

2.2. The universities will define and plan projects specified in article 2.3 of this cooperation agreement (hereafter called “Projects") which fulfill several conditions: (1) they must be in accordance with their mutual or complementary strengths; (2) they meet the strategic options of both partners with regard to research, education or other forms of institutional cooperation (e.g. Policy Plan FTRS 2014-2020, SVST Vision 2013-2023); and (3) they do not exceed the limits of the financial means each of the partners has allocated.

2.3. Both universities agree to, and shall endeavor the general cooperation through the following activities:

a) The organization of two joint curricula: a joint Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies and a joint Doctoral Programme in Theology and a joint Doctoral Diploma called Doctor’s Degree in Theology/Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (Ph.D. in Theology);

b) The organization of an affiliation of SVST to the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies with regard to the Canonical degree of Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus (STB);

c) The exchange of academic staff, for a short period of time;

d) The organization of joint research activities/projects, which may be supported by the exchange of scientists and scholars;

e) The exchange of students preparing for their doctoral degree and postdoctoral researchers, for a short period of time (to be specified in the appendix), provided they collaborate in joint projects and live up to the international standards of this agreement;

f) The organization of joint courses;

g) The organization of joint conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia, etc.

h) The exchange of publications and material for scientific, scholarly, educational and information purposes, also by means of access for SVST to the FTRS internet possibilities and bibliographical resources.

2.4. Whenever possible, the exchange of doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and academic staff will be arranged through participation in European or international programmes, as well as in innovative projects that may promote also other manners of cooperation than those mentioned in 2.3.

2.5. The actual arrangements regarding the mutually designated fields of cooperation will be specified in four appendices to this agreement which are integral part of this cooperation agreement.

Click the link below to know more about KU Leuven- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

To know more about KU Leuven, please follow the link below:

KU Leuven is an institution for research and education with international appeal. Ranks among the best 50 universities worldwide!

Click the links above to follow.

Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry

This non-civil degree program is a four-year theological and pastoral training aimed at preparing seminarians for their future priestly ministry. This academic theological formation is intended to fulfill the canonical requirements for the formation of priests and is patterned after the Ratio Formationis for Theological Education in the Philippines. A candidate for the priesthood can also take up the Masters Program in Theology while pursuing the Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry.

a. An applicant must have graduated in any Bachelor’s Degree (four-year university course) as specified by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines or its equivalent in other countries.

b. The student shall have taken up at least 15 units of theology and at least 30 units of philosophy in his/her undergraduate courses from previous university or equivalent institutes of learning.
   

Academic Course Load

Students shall finish within a specified time the academic course load of a total of one hundred fifty six (156) Units of theology as specified in the Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry program.
 

        After fulfilling one’s academic course load, the student shall defend his Synthesis Paper in front of a panel constituted by the Dean/or Graduate Studies Director. Passing one’s Synthesis Paper makes the student eligible to take the comprehensive examination.
 

        After defending one’s thesis proposal, the student shall take oral comprehensives in front of a panel of five members representing five theological fields: History, Scriptures, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Liturgical-Sacramental Theology.
   
        After having fulfilled all the requirements, the student shall be proclaimed graduate of Curriculum for the Ordained Ministry.

CURRICULUM FOR THE ORDAINED MINISTRY


First Year
      First Semester
   Introduction to Scriptures
   Fundamental Systematic Theology
   Fundamental moral Theology
   Church History 1:Ancient and Medieval
   Essential Latin
   Research Methods 1: Theological Research
   Basic English Communication

      Second Semester
   Pentateuch
   Theology and Cultures
   Christian Sexual Morality
   Church History 2: Modern and Contemporary
   Biblical Greek and Hebrew
   Research Methods 2: Approaches
   Poverty and Developmental Studies

Second Year
      First Semester
   Historical and Prophetic Writings
   Christology
   Church History 3: Philippines and Asia
   Pastoral Theology 1
   Fundamental Sacramentology
   Theology of Mission
   Synoptics and Acts

      Second Semester
   Wisdom Literature
   Ecclesiology
   Life and Biomedical Ethics
   Pastoral Theology 2
   Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism/Confirmation/Eucharist
   Triune God
   Ministries in the Church
   Institutional Paper 1

Third Year
      First Semester
   Pauline and Catholic Epistles
   Creation and Eschatology
   Catholic Social Tradition
   Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation/Anointing
   Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage/Orders
   Homiletics1
   Canon Law 1
   Vincentian Popular Missions (Summer)

      Second Semester
   Johannine Writings
   Theological Anthropology
   Inculturation of Sacraments and Liturgy
   Contextual Theologies
   Homiletics 2
   Canon Law 2
   Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology 1
   Institutional Paper 2

Fourth Year
      First Semester
   Theologies of Liberation
   Ad Audiendas and Liturgical Presidency
   Special Moral Questions
   Canon Law 3
   Marian Theology and Popular Religions
   Thesis Proposal/Synthesis Paper Writing
   Synthesis Course (Review)

      Second Semester
   Spirituality and Spiritualities
   Contemporary Pastoral Approaches
   Comprehensive Exams

Philosophy for Theological Studies

         This program in Philosophy is for seminarians or lay people who wish to acquire basic units in philosophy before proceeding to formal theological studies. It is a 2-year or 4-semester program with classes held once a week in a 3-hour meeting. Students are given the option to either follow the curriculum as it is presented or select particular courses based on their academic and formation needs.

Academic Prerequisites

         An applicant must have graduated in any Bachelor's Degree (four-year university course) as specified by the commission on Higher Education in the Philippines or its equivalent in other countries.

Academic Course Load

First Year (27 Units)
    First Semester                                                   
        Introduction to Philosophy Studies
            Logic
            Ethics
            History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
            Philosophical Anthropology/Advance Philosophy of Man

        Second Semester
            Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
            Epistemology
            Metaphysics
            Philosophy of Nature

    Second Year (24 units)
        First Semester
            Oriental Philosophy
            Modern Asian Thoughts
            Special Questions in Ethics
            Philosophy of Language
    
        Second Semester
            Hermeneutics
            Phenomenology and Existentialism
            Social Critical Theory
            Philosophy of God and Religion

    
Student’s shall finish within 2 years the 17 subjects offered on this course or finish the academic course load of a total of fifty one (51) Units of Philosophy as specified in the Philosophy for Theological Studies program.

Christian Formation for Lay People

The general aim of Hapag-Layko or Handog na Pag-aaral sa mga Layko) is to form and train lay leaders so that they can effectively perform their responsibilities with the support of their ordained pastors. In practical terms, any lay person who participates in Hapag-Layko, therefore, seeks to equip the lay leader, theologically and pastorally, through a formation that is contextualized for the lay condition, involving lectures, workshops, and practical exercises, and focusing not only on the skilled but also on the vocation and spirituality of service of the laity.

Who are Qualified to Enroll for the Program

1. The Hapag-Layko Program is open to all lay people, 18 years of age and above.
2. There is no academic degree required to be able to register for this program, however, involvement in the pastoral life of his/her parish or other ecclessial movements will be of great help.

Scholarship

Hapag-Layko student scholars must be officially sent and supported by the Parish Priest. Application for scholarship must be done by the Parish Priest or his delegate through a formal written request. The letter contains the names of the participants, their current parish involvement and the program in which they will enroll. Endorsement letter from the Parish Priest must be given every semester during enrollment. This letter is sent to:

The Scholarship Committee of Hapag-Layko,
St. Vincent School of Theology,
221 Tandang Sora Avenue., 1116 Quezon City.

It can also be e-mailed through svst_qc@yahoo.com 

Priority is given to parishes with needed assistance and directed towards the building up of BECs, and whose Parish Priests are willing to support their leaders during and after the programs.

Other considerations:

1. Candidates for scholarship should be in a group of at least four (4) participants to be enrolled in the same program or module (no scholarship is given to an individual participant)
2. Candidates for scholarship must currently be handling specific responsibilities in their parish or small communities, or are chosen to take care of specific ministries after Hapag-Layko.

Coursework

    General Theology Lecture Series

All participants in Hapag-Layko take this program before any specific formation. It is open to all kinds of lay leaders. The lecture series has 9 sessions, from June to October. They deal with various topics on the Christian faith, which are explained through the Bible and in a contemporary, relevant way. The topics are God’s Revelation; the human person; Jesus and the Kingdom of God; the Church: call to communion and sent to mission; Mary and discipleship; Christian moral living; and the sacraments.

After finishing the General Theology Lecture Series, participants will proceed to any of the three specific formation programs, according to their assigned responsibilities in their respective Christian communities.

   Areas of Specialization:

   
Studies in Christian Theology
      This is for lay people who are currently or who will be involved in Christian education in their parishes and small communities, such as speakers in evangelization seminars, lecturers in retreat/recollections, parish theology classes, facilitators of various formation programs, catechists, and Christian Living educators.

The program has 4 teaching modules: each module runs for 9 class meetings.
Doing Theology of Everyday Life
Doing Theology on the Human Person
Doing Theology on Jesus for Filipinos
Doing Theology with Catholic Social Teaching

Course Pre-requisite:
Completion of General Theology Lecture Series

Training for Lay Liturgical Ministries
     This program promotes Christian celebrations to be more meaningful with the full, conscious and active participation of the laity. Participants involved in liturgical animation (lay Eucharistic ministers, lectors, commentators, members of worship committees, and others) are encouraged to take all 4 modules: each module runs for 9 class meetings.

Four specific modules:
The Sacraments: History and Theology
Proclaiming the Word of God
Creative Liturgies and Rituals
Popular Devotions

Course Pre-requisite:
Completion of General Theology Lecture Series

• Training for Basic Ecclesial Communities
    These 4 modules are for those directly involved or will be involved in the organization, formation, and training of basic ecclesial communities (BECs). They can be BEC organizers, coordinators, core groups, or pastoral formation teams. Each of the 4 modules has 9 class meetings.
  
  Four specific modules:
  Basic Organizing Process
  The Bible and the Christian Community
  Managing and Sustaining BECs
  Theology and Spirituality of BECs
  
  Course Pre-requisite:
  Completion of General Theology Lecture Series
  

Introductory Theological Formation (ITF)

The Introductory Theological Formation (ITF) is a one-year non-degree formation program designed for postulants and novices to religious life, youth leaders of parishes and schools, and others who wish to acquire basic knowledge on various aspects of the Christian faith that is responsive to the signs of the times.

This Certificate Program may be taken either for academic formation, personal enrichment, or as pre-requisite to the master's degree program (MA in Theology and  Masters in Pastoral Ministry), and theological studies for the priesthood  and religious life.

Classes are held on Mondays and Tuesdays , morning (9:00-12) and afternoon (1:30-4:30). Classs meetings are (3) hours per week for each course, with hourly short breaks.

Academic Prerequisites

There is no academic degree required to be able to register for this program. It is advisable, however, if the students has at least two years in college or university.

Since the ITF consists of inter-cultural and international students, it would help if the student has basic reading, writing, and communicating skills in the English language.

Course Work

   First Semester

Theology: Reflection in Faith                                                      3 Units
Christian Anthropology                                                               3 Units
Introduction to the Bible                                                             3 Units
Christology                                                                                   3 Units

   Second Semester

Christian Morality                                                                         3 Units
Church, Mary and Discipleship                                                   3 Units
Liturgy and The Sacraments                                                       3 Units
Introduction to Consecrated Life                                                3 Units

​A student receives a “certificate of completion” at the end of two semesters.

1. Document Checking

•   Submit all the required documents for admission to the Registrar.
•   Get Registration Form from the information counter.

2. Filling in of Forms

•   Proceed to the “Posting Area” to take note of the schedule and the courses being offered for your enrollment.
•   Fill in all the data required in the Registration Form

3. Payment

•   Pay the full or partial payment of the tuition fees at the Cashier's Office.

4. Advising and Encoding

•   Proceed to the Registrar’s Office for approval and encoding of courses to be enrolled.

5. Assessment

•   Get the Official Enrollment form and the Statement of Account of your tuition and other applicable school fees.
•   Verify and counter-check all the data printed on your Official Enrollment Form.

6. ID Card Processing

•   Fill out ID card forms
•   Have your picture taken for the ID card.

Tel.: (+632) 8939-4361; (+632) 8930-9392
Tel./Fax: (+632) 3456-4028

Email: svst_qc@yahoo.com