ACADEMIC NEWS
Sacred Heart to Offer First Graduate Program Fully Online
The new M . A . in Theology and a Certificate in the New Evangelization will make Sacred Heart education available worldwide
Karla Dorweiler
S acred Heart Major Seminary is entering a new phase this fall as it branches out to offer people around the country — and the world — a Sacred Heart education . The seminary is adding two fully online programs to its line-up : a Master of Arts in Theology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in the New Evangelization . The new programs open the door to Sacred Heart to those who are far from the Archdiocese of Detroit , as well as those who are near but cannot physically attend class regularly .
The M . A . in Theology has been offered for decades in a traditional format . The certificate is a specialized post-graduate area of study for students who already have a Master of Arts , a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies ( M . A . P . S .), or a similar degree . The certificate in the New Evangelization provides an in-depth study on topics relating to the New Evangelization . A fully online undergraduate Certificate in Catholic Theology is already available .
Courses can be taken synchronously or asynchronously . Asynchronous classes engage students with lecture videos , reading , and other learning activities weekly . While due dates may be assigned , students enjoy flexibility as to when and how to access course content . Synchronous courses have prescheduled meeting dates and use dual-delivery technology . Students connect virtually to a live seminary class where they not only view the lecture in real time but also interact with their peers in the classroom to participate more fully in the social learning experience .
Leading the Way
Dr . Ryan Cahill , Director of Distance Education and Online Learning for Sacred Heart Major Seminary , chaired the ad hoc committee that explored the feasibility of a fully online graduate degree .
“ I had the privilege of chairing this committee in our exploration of the academic , financial , administrative , technological , and logistical implications of the potential decision ,” said Dr . Cahill . “ One of our committee ’ s greatest accomplishments was the resequencing of the lay graduate offerings , which not only enhanced the efficiency in course offerings but also created a predictable scheduling pattern that ensures students the opportunity to complete a Master of Arts in Theology using either traditional seated classes , synchronous online classes , asynchronous online classes , or a blend of all three options .”
Though the seminary had been taking steps behind the scenes to offer an online master ’ s program , Dr . Cahill spent the last year working to make it happen . John Lajiness , who recently stepped into the role of Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management for Sacred Heart , expressed his gratitude for Dr . Cahill ’ s efforts .
“ I arrived here at the tail end of what has been years of hard work on his part to make this a reality . My role is to reap the benefits of what Dr . Cahill has done ,” Lajiness said .
Adapting to Change
Dr . Donald Wallenfang , Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Sacred Heart , joined the faculty in the fall of 2019 . He had taught several online courses at his previous post at Walsh University in Ohio and was then fully immersed in online instruction at Sacred Heart when the COVID-19 pandemic forced remote learning during the spring semester of 2020 .
“ I think many of us have this romantic idea of being a professor , wearing our tweed sport coat and bow tie , walking into a room where everyone is studying the classics , with students hanging onto every word we say in the classroom before they line up for office hours ,” said Dr . Wallenfang . “ But as a global Church , we can ’ t just bury our heads in the sand . We have to engage with the culture . And so in our approach to higher education , especially in a seminary , we are called to be the salt , leaven , and light within the culture , within the world .”
22 Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Spring / Summer 2022