Frequently Asked Questions

What degrees are offered by the Augustine Institute, and how many credits are required for each degree?
On-campus Degree Options: The Augustine Institute offers a Master of Arts in Theology with concentrations in:

Systematic Theology (36 credit hours)
Sacred Scripture (37 credit hours)
Biblical Theology: (36 credit hours)
Evangelization and Catechesis (36 credit hours)
Catholic Youth Ministry (36 credit hours)

There are thesis and practicum requirements or directed study for all MA On-campus programs.

Click here for Distance Education Degree Options.

What is the cycle of semesters at the Augustine Institute?

Summer: Three one-week intensive courses are offered every July.
Fall: mid-August through early December.
Winter: A one-week intensive course is offered in early January.
Spring: mid-January through early May.

Can students begin to earn credit towards a master's degree before they have completed their undergraduate studies?
Yes. Students who have completed at least their junior year are eligible to begin taking courses for credit. A good option is to take one or more of the classes offered during the summer.

How long do I have to complete a degree?
Students must complete all degree requirements within eight years of beginning the first course.

How quickly can I earn a master's degree?
Normally students can complete their degrees in two years.

Is there an audit option?
Yes, those who wish to audit courses for no credit may take up to four courses per semester.

Can courses be transferred from other graduate institutions?
Yes. Normally, a minimum of 75% of all required coursework must be completed at the Institute. The Augustine Institute accepts only those credits carrying grades of “B-” (2.75) or above, at the discretion of the Academic Dean.

Can I transfer credit from the distance-education program to the on-campus program or vice versa?
Distance-education students are encouraged to take intensive on-campus classes which will count towards the completion of their Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology degree. Students who begin in one program and would like to switch to the other may transfer up to nine credits between the programs.

What are the admission requirements for degree-seeking applicants?
Admissions requirements for degree-seeking applicants are as follows:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (3.5 required if student is applying for the concentration in Systematic Theology)

What if an applicant does not have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0?
In some cases, those who do not fulfill the normal requirements for degree-seeking status may be granted "conditional acceptance." Conditional acceptance consists of a probationary period of one semester for full-time students and one year (minimum of 6 credits) for part-time students, during which a 3.0 cumulative grade point average must be achieved to remain within the program.

What are the application requirements?
Application requirements are as follows:

On-Campus Degree Seeking Applicants

A completed Application for Admission.
A personal statement of at least 700 words indicating your reasons for pursuing graduate work in Sacred Scripture, Biblical Theology, or Evangelization & Catechesis
A nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 or a late application fee of $75.00
Official transcripts of all completed undergraduate and graduate work, sent directly to the Admissions Office from all institutions attended
A typed academic writing sample of 6-8 pages that demonstrates research, analytical and writing skills
Three confidential letters of recommendation.

On-Campus Non-degree Seeking Applicants

A completed Application for Admission.
A personal statement of at least 700 words indicating your reasons for pursuing graduate work in Sacred Scripture, Biblical Theology, or Evangelization & Catechesis
A nonrefundable application fee of $50.00 or a late application fee of $75.00
Official transcripts of all completed undergraduate and graduate work, sent directly to the Admissions Office from all institutions attended.

On-Campus Audit Applicants

Please call the Augustine Institute at 303-937-4420 for more information on auditing the on campus courses.

Do I have to take the GRE?
Taking the GRE is not an admission requirement for any of the Augustine Institute programs.

Does the Augustine Institute offer any study abroad programs?
The Institute provides an intensive two week experience in Rome at the end of the spring semester which will count as one 2-3 credit course. It may also be audited.

What are the tuition and activity costs at the Augustine Institute?
On-Campus: The 2010-2011 tuition for degree and non-degree students is $625 per credit hour (cash discount of $610). Tuition for audit students is $320 per credit hour (cash discount $305). There is a semesterly $100 activity fee for full-time students and $50 for part-time and audit students.

Are books included in tuition costs?
No. All students, whether distance or on-campus, are required to purchase the assigned texts for their courses from a vendor of their choice.

Is on-campus housing available?
The Augustine Institute does not offer on-campus housing. We will be happy, however, to help you connect with other incoming students and local young adult Catholics who may have suitable housing available.

Does the Augustine Institute offer health insurance for students?
No, students are responsible for their own health insurance.

Is financial aid available?
The Augustine Institute offers merit and/or need-based scholarships to on campus Degree Seeking students for tuition only. The scholarship levels are as follows:

Augustine: Merit and/or need-based award for up to 40% of full-time tuition.
St. Ambrose: Merit and/or need-based award for up to 20% of full-time tuition.
St. Monica: Merit and/or need-based award for 5-20% of full-time or part-time tuition.

In addition, a limited number of student worker scholarships available. The Augustine Institute is also starting a student loan program for on-campus students in Fall 2011.