As one of three Roman Catholic Faculties of Theology at the Toronto School of Theology, St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology makes a distinctive and complementary contribution to the academic study of Catholic Christianity. Historical Theology has been a hallmark of the Faculty since its inception, and continues to shape the practice of theology in its various disciplinary divisions at the Faculty. The study of Christian history, both institutional and intellectual, has given rise to a strong commitment to ecumenism and to a special focus on Eastern Christianity. A commitment to social justice has found expression in the development of various theologies of liberation, feminist theologies, ethics, and ecology and theology. The Faculty of Theology pioneered modern Biblical Studies among Roman Catholics in Canada and has developed Jewish-Christian Studies as a unique program in the Toronto School of Theology. In keeping with the charism of its founders, the Basilian Fathers, who focus on education in the church’s mission of evangelization, the Faculty offers a program in Religion and Education. Finally, the Faculty’s commitment to the formation of religious, lay and clerical ministers as well as to the academic study of the history and theology of religious life reflects the contributions of religious institutes of consecrated life and of lay men and women to the institutional character of the Faculty of Theology.
The Faculty of Theology is empowered to recommend candidates to the Senate of the University of St. Michael’s College for admission to the degrees of Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Religious Education (MRE), MA in Catholic Leadership (MACL), Master of Theology (ThM), Master of Theology in Jewish Studies (ThM-JSt), Doctor of Theology (ThD), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Master of Arts in Theology (MA), Master of Arts in Theology and Jewish Studies (MA-JSt), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in Theology). It also recommends candidates for the Diploma in Religious Education, the Diploma in Theological Studies, and the Certificate of Specialization in Theology and Ecology. In collaboration with Regis College, the Faculty offers the Diploma in Eastern Christian Studies and the Certificate in Eastern Christian Studies.
On 1 July 1978, the Toronto School of Theology and its member schools entered into a contractual relationship with the University of Toronto whereby degrees given within the Toronto School of Theology are conjointly conferred by the individual colleges and the University of Toronto. The Master of Divinity (MDiv), the Master of Theological Studies (MTS), the Master of Religious Education (MRE), the Master of Theology (ThM), the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) and the Doctor of Theology (ThD) are conjoint degrees.
As of 1 May 1979, the Faculty of Theology assumed responsibility for the MA and PhD programs formerly conducted by the Institute of Christian Thought. These programs are subject to policies formulated by the Advanced Degree Council of the Toronto School of Theology. The MA and PhD degrees in Theology are awarded by the sole authority of the Senate of the University of St. Michael’s College.
The Faculty collaborates with the Division of Continuing Education of the University of St. Michael’s College in offering courses towards several certificate programs. These include the Certificate Program in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a program in religious education for children between the ages of three and twelve; the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies, the Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility and the Certificate in Catholic Leadership, a program designed for senior administrators of Catholic institutions and services.