Academic Catalog
Saint Mary Theological College & Ethio-American Cultural Institute
Explore our programs, course listings, and academic policies.
Catalog Overview
Saint Mary Theological College provides Orthodox theological education, ministry preparation, and spiritual formation in fidelity to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Programs are structured for lay learners, ministry workers, and clergy formation pathways.
What you will find in this catalog
- Programs and academic pathways
- Program outlines and credit structure
- Academic policies and student expectations
- Religious degree and legal status statements
Program Levels
Below is a website summary of the available academic levels. For full course-by-course details, see the course listings section below and the dedicated program pages.
Certificate
Introductory formation in Orthodox faith, Scripture, worship, Church history, and spiritual life.
View Certificate →Associate in Theology (A.Th.)
Foundational degree in Orthodox theology, Scripture, worship, and Church history.
View A.Th. →Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
Undergraduate degree for ministry preparation, teaching, and Orthodox leadership.
View B.Th. →Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Professional graduate degree for full clergy formation and pastoral ministry.
View M.Div. →Master of Theology (M.Th.)
Advanced theological study with research emphasis and thesis expectations.
View M.Th. →Doctor of Theology (Ph.D.)
Highest academic degree for theological scholarship, teaching, and senior leadership.
View Ph.D. →Academic Policies (Summary)
- Attendance: Students are expected to attend classes and participate consistently.
- Conduct: Respectful Orthodox Christian behavior is required in class and all school contexts.
- Assignments: Reading, writing, and examinations are required as determined by instructors.
- Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, or dishonesty is not permitted.
- Spiritual Formation: Prayerful life and participation in worship are encouraged.
Grading (Simple Model)
Assessment
Participation • Assignments • Exams • Projects (as assigned)
Completion
Certificates and degrees are awarded upon completion of required credits and program requirements.
Religious Degree Statement
Saint Mary Theological College operates under Texas Education Code §132.002(a)(2). All programs and degrees issued by the College are religious and ecclesiastical in nature and are intended for ministry, theology, spiritual formation, and service within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Full Course Listings
The following list reflects the official academic catalog course structure.
I. Certificate in Orthodox Foundations (18–24 Credits)
- BTH 100 – Foundations of Orthodox Theology (3)
- BIB 100 – Introduction to Scripture (3)
- CHH 100 – Introduction to Church History (3)
- GEZ 100 – Introduction to Ge’ez (3)
- SPF 100 – Spiritual Life I (2)
- Electives (2–3 credits): ZEM 100 – Intro to Zema; ELE 101 – Intro to Saints; ELE 102 – Intro to Apologetics
II. Diploma in Tewahedo Studies (36–40 Credits)
- BTH 110 – Intro to Orthodox Dogmatics (3)
- BIB 110 – Scripture Survey (3)
- CHH 110 – Ethiopian Church History I (3)
- GEZ 110 – Ge’ez I (3)
- SPF 110 – Spiritual Formation I (2)
- ZEM 110 – Zema I (2)
- Year 2: BTH 210 – Theology of the Trinity (3); CAN 210 – Canon Law I (3); GEZ 210 – Ge’ez II (3); ZEM 210 – Zema II (2); LIT 210 – Liturgy I (3); SPF 210 – Spiritual Formation II (2)
III. Associate in Church Studies (60 Credits)
- Year 1: BTH 120 – Introduction to Theology (3); BIB 120 – Bible Survey I (3); CHH 120 – Church History I (3); GEZ 120 – Ge’ez I (3); SPF 120 – Spiritual Life I (2); LIT 120 – Introduction to Liturgy (3); ELE 120 – Elective (2–3)
- Year 2: BTH 220 – Orthodox Dogmatics I (3); BIB 220 – Bible Survey II (3); CHH 220 – Ethiopian Church History II (3); CAN 220 – Canon Law I (3); GEZ 220 – Ge’ez II (3); PAS 220 – Pastoral Ministry Intro (3); ELE 220 – Elective (2–3)
IV. Bachelor of Theology (120 Credits)
- Year 1: BTH 101; BIB 101; CHH 101; GEZ 101; LIT 101; SPF 101; ELE 101
- Year 2: BTH 201; PAT 201; CAN 201; CHH 201; GEZ 201; ZEM 201; SPF 201
- Year 3: BTH 301; PAT 301; CHH 301; CAN 301; BIB 301; GEZ 301; PAS 301
- Year 4: BIB 401; RES 401; RES 402; LIT 401; GEZ 401; PAS 401; ELE 401
V. Master of Theology (36–48 Credits)
- THL 501 – Patristic Theology I (3)
- THL 502 – Dogmatic Theology III (3)
- THL 503 – Hermeneutics & Exegesis (3)
- THL 504 – Canon Law III (3)
- THL 505 – Research Methods I (3)
- THL 601 – Patristic Theology II (3)
- THL 602 – Historical Theology (3)
- THL 603 – Advanced Liturgical Theology (3)
- THL 604 – Research Methods II (3)
- THL 699 – Thesis (6)
VI. Doctor of Philosophy (48–60 Credits)
- THL 701 – Doctoral Research Seminar I (3)
- THL 702 – Patristic Texts Seminar (3)
- THL 703 – Advanced Exegesis Seminar (3)
- THL 704 – Ethiopian Theological Systems (3)
- THL 710 – Ge’ez Research Language (0–6)
- THL 720 – Comprehensive Exams (0)
- THL 730 – Dissertation Proposal (3)
- THL 799 – Doctoral Dissertation (9–12)
VII. Clergy Formation
- MIN 101 – Liturgical Practicum I (2)
- MIN 102 – Sanctuary Protocol (2)
- MIN 201 – Homiletics I (3)
- MIN 202 – Liturgical Leadership (3)
- CAN 230 – Clergy Canon Law (3)
- PAS 230 – Pastoral Care (3)
- MIN 301 – Field Ed I (2)
- MIN 302 – Field Ed II (2)
VIII. Diaconal Formation
- MIN 110 – Deacon Roles (2)
- MIN 120 – Sanctuary Protocol (2)
- GEZ 130 – Ge’ez for Deacons I (3)
- ZEM 130 – Zema for Deacons I (3)
- LIT 130 – Liturgical Actions (3)
- MIN 210 – Practicum (2)
IX. Ge’ez Program
- GEZ 101 – Ge’ez I (3)
- GEZ 201 – Ge’ez II (3)
- GEZ 301 – Ge’ez III (3)
- GEZ 401 – Ge’ez IV (3)
X. Zema Program
- ZEM 101 – Zema I (3)
- ZEM 201 – Zema II (3)
- ZEM 301 – Zema III (3)
- ZEM 401 – Zema IV (3)
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