Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.)

The Master of Religious Education degree program [M.R.E.] is designed to equip persons for professional leadership in educational ministry within the Catholic ecclesial tradition. The primary goals for this degree program are: to give the student the capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection regarding the content and processes of educational ministry in the Catholic Church; to build an understanding of educational, social and behavioural sciences that ground educational practice within the various cultural contexts in which educational ministry occurs; to provide the occasion for personal and spiritual growth; and to equip the student with skills in teaching religion and in designing, administering and assessing educational programs.

Overall Goal: The Master of Religious Education program at St. Augustine’s Seminary prepares candidates for educational ministries and leadership positions within the Catholic ecclesial tradition. Students encounter and deepen their understanding of key aspects of the Catholic theological tradition.

Program Outcomes

  1. Religious Heritage: Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the biblical, systematic, moral, pastoral, and historical dimensions of the Catholic theological tradition, especially in its official teaching.

  2. Personal and Spiritual Formation: Demonstrate integration of human, spiritual, and vocational growth with knowledge of the Catholic theological tradition, as evidence of an integrated and personal response of love of and witness to Jesus Christ.

  3. Cultural Context - Religious and Public Leadership: Demonstrate an ability to draw on and communicate the Catholic theological tradition to engage critically and charitably with contemporary theological trends, technological developments, and diverse global and cultural contexts, integrating sound principles of educational ministry and leadership within the Church, Catholic schools, and similar settings.

  4. Religious Education Specialization: Demonstrate capacity to reflect theologically on Catholic educational theory and practice - assisted by the social and behavioral sciences - to strengthen their pedagogical and leadership practices.

    Admission Requirements

  • A university undergraduate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, with adequate standing (normally at least B- standing in their final year).

  • At least one year of full-time experience in teaching or other forms of education ministry. Applicants without full-time experience should provide a resume detailing comparable experiences. The teaching experience need not be in school- based education but may be of a more informal nature. Consultation with the Academic Dean may be required.

  • Complete academic application and official transcripts from all post- secondary education [as noted in the Academic Admissions section]. For details of the M.R.E. Course Reduction Policy, please contact the Registrar.

  • Please note: For those students with International credentials, the Toronto School of Theology requires approval of a B.A. Equivalency by the TST Admissions and Procedures Committee

There are twenty required courses for the Master of Religious Education degree:

Core Theology Courses (11)

1.          Fundamental Theology

2.          Theological Anthropology

3.          Trinity

4.          Sacraments

5.          Ecclesiology

6.          Christology

7.          Moral Theology

8.          Human Sexuality and Marriage

9.          Old Testament

10.       New Testament

11.       Church History

Core Theology Elective (Choose 1)

12.  

  • Introduction to Patristics

  • Introduction to Thomas Aquinas

  • Catholic Social Teaching

Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue Core Religious Education Courses (3)

13.     The Catholic Vision of Education

14.     Patristic Thought on Education and Pedagogy

15.     Religious Education Practicum

Remaining Religious Education or Core Electives (Choose 5) 16-20.

•       Lay Ministry and Leadership

•       Issues in Catholic Education

•       Families of the World

•       Psychology of Faith Development

•       Pastoral Counselling

•       Field Education

•       Pastoral Psychology & Spirituality

•       Catechesis in the Catholic Church

The Master of Religious Education degree program [M.R.E.] is designed to equip persons for professional leadership in educational ministry within the Catholic ecclesial tradition. The primary goals for this degree program are: to give the student the capacity for critical and constructive theological reflection regarding the content and processes of educational ministry in the Catholic Church; to build an understanding of educational, social and behavioural sciences that ground educational practice within the various cultural contexts in which educational ministry occurs; to provide the occasion for personal and spiritual growth; and to equip the student with skills in teaching religion and in designing, administering and assessing educational programs.

Policies and Procedures:

Please see the St. Augustine's Policies & Procedures Page and Student Handbook.

Course Reduction Policy:

Students who possess the required qualifications may be eligible for advanced Standing in the Master of Religious Education Programme, please contact the Registrar for details.