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July 30, 2020The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has numerous opportunities for its parishioners and staff to explore their faith and expand their insight into Catholicism. Classes are available for anyone looking to obtain college credits in addition to seeking a more in-depth understanding of their Catholic faith.
Since 1983, the archdiocese has offered courses leading to theological degrees for deacon candidates and lay leaders. However, since 2018, the archdiocese has further expanded the ability to provide college-level classes for anyone interested.
Jason Fugikawa, Ph.D., director of Christian Leadership Development, outlined this option for further faith development.
“Until about three years ago, our department was called Adult Faith Formation and we offered a pastoral ministry degree program with Newman University in Wichita, Kan. The current degree program is in Catholic theology. Our agreement with Newman University allows the archdiocese to provide an instructor and class space while the university supplies student services, an online learning platform and accreditation,” Fugikawa said.
“These courses are designed for Catholic school teachers, parish staff or someone wanting to continue their education, not necessarily for a career, but for their own enrichment, to teach their children or serve their parishes.
The accredited courses are transferrable, so students who are taking a gap year or not taking full-time course loads can take the courses and transfer the credit to their degree programs at other colleges or universities.
Each semester two courses are offered. Tuition paid to Newman University through the program could count toward the lifetime learning tax credit for some students, Fugikawa said.
There are two options for completion of the college-level program. One option is a bachelor’s degree with a major in theology awarded by Newman University. This degree consists of 30 credit hours in theological study and is designed for those with a previous degree. A second option is the Archdiocesan Diploma, which is awarded for completion of 30 credit hours in theological studies and is designed for those without a previous degree.
Tuition for most courses is $500 per class for three college credit hours. Auditing for personal enrichment is $95 per course. Continuing Education program graduates, which does not provide college credit, is $80 per course. Textbook cost is additional.
The courses are available at multiple locations via video conferencing: the Catholic Pastoral Center, Oklahoma City; Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Altus; Saint Benedict Catholic Church, Shawnee; Saint Mary Catholic Church, Ardmore; Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Enid; and Holy Family Catholic Church, Lawton. In addition, students with the equipment and ability to video conference from home may do so. With the continuing threat of COVID-19, the courses may be fully online in the fall.
Registration is open for the fall evening courses. This semester’s courses are Exploring the Bible, which is a survey of God’s revelation in Sacred Scripture and how the Church interprets it, and Christology, which explores the reality of the Incarnation and Christ’s salvific work. Both classes begin the week of Aug. 24.
Judy Hilovsky is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
