Augustine Institute: Nurturing Faith and Intellect Through Accessible Theology

The Augustine Institute stands as a beacon for those seeking to deepen their understanding and love of Jesus Christ through rigorous academic study rooted in the Catholic tradition. Founded in 2005 in response to St. John Paul II’s call for Catholic universities to offer a living witness to Christ and His message, the Institute serves the Church’s mission of evangelization by providing practical, contemplative, and accessible theological education. With a commitment to academic excellence and fidelity to the Magisterium, the Augustine Institute forms students to proclaim the truth to a world in desperate need of it.

A Foundation of Catholic Identity and Academic Rigor

The Augustine Institute distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to Catholic identity and academic rigor. The institution upholds the President’s Oath, ensuring fidelity to Catholic teachings. The board comprises faithful Catholics, and the faculty is carefully selected to ensure adherence to the Church’s magisterium. Every regular faculty member has a mandatum to teach in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and makes the “Profession of Faith” and “Oath of Fidelity” to the magisterium of the Church. This commitment to Catholic identity permeates every aspect of the Institute, creating an environment where faith and reason can harmoniously flourish.

Programs of Study: Theology, Pastoral Theology, Biblical Studies, and Catholic Education

The Augustine Institute Graduate School offers master’s degrees in Theology, Pastoral Theology, Biblical Studies, and Catholic Education. These programs are designed to be practical, contemplative, and accessible, catering to a diverse range of students seeking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.

Master of Arts in Theology

The Master of Arts in Theology program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Catholic doctrine, moral theology, and Church history. The curriculum delves into Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church. Students learn to express the narrative of salvation history, explain the biblical foundations of Catholic doctrine, interpret the texts in light of tradition, and substantiate the reliability of Sacred Scripture.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve effectively in various pastoral roles within the Church. The program emphasizes practical application of theological principles to real-world ministry settings.

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program forms men and women to serve the Church’s “biblical apostolate” in the academy, Catholic seminaries and schools, or other ecclesial settings. The program offers advanced training in biblical languages, the tools of contemporary scholarship, and the interpretive principles and aims handed down by the Church’s tradition of reading Scripture.

Master of Arts in Catholic Education

The Master of Arts in Catholic Education program forms men and women who will teach in schools across the United States and internationally. Graduates of the program will manifest the knowledge and ability to deploy the pedagogical principles and practices that have been handed down through the ages by the leading educators of the classical and Christian tradition. With each credit hour, they will obtain mastery over the philosophical and theological principles that govern and direct Catholic education.

Accessible Learning Options: On-Campus, Distance Education, and Hybrid Programs

The Augustine Institute recognizes the diverse needs and circumstances of its students, offering flexible learning options to accommodate various schedules and commitments. Students can choose to study on-campus, participate in distance education programs, or opt for a hybrid approach that combines online learning with on-campus experiences.

On-Campus Program

The on-campus program provides a traditional learning environment where students can immerse themselves in theological study while benefiting from daily sacraments, a community of peers pursuing holiness, in-residence living, and student work and internship opportunities. On-campus students typically study full-time for two years, engaging with distinguished faculty and the Church’s theological tradition.

Distance Education Program

The distance education program offers a personalized experience for students who require flexibility in their studies. This program allows students with family responsibilities and full-time jobs the ability to study part-time and asynchronously while still taking part in the community of the Institute through live discussion seminars, intensive weeklong courses held on campus, a robust learning platform, and extensive library resources. Distance education students receive one-on-one interaction with faculty and the flexibility of on-demand study.

Hybrid Program

The hybrid program combines the benefits of both on-campus and distance education, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs. This option may include a combination of online coursework, live virtual sessions, and occasional on-campus intensives.

A Vibrant Campus Culture Rooted in Prayer and Community

The Augustine Institute fosters a vibrant campus culture rooted in prayer, community, and devotion to the Catholic faith. Located 30 minutes north of St. Louis overlooking the Missouri River, the campus provides a peaceful setting for theological study accompanied by a rich life of prayer and contemplation. Daily Mass and Confession are available, and Eucharistic Adoration is practiced, fostering a deep connection with the sacraments.

The Institute carefully vets speakers and ensures that clubs and activities align with Catholic values. The absence of coed dorms further supports a culture of modesty and respect.

Faculty Dedicated to Formation and Evangelization

At the heart of the Augustine Institute is a group of dedicated Catholic educators and scholars committed to the harmony of scholarly reflection and apostolic activity. The faculty members are experts in their respective fields, possessing advanced degrees and extensive experience in teaching, research, and ministry.

The faculty includes accomplished individuals such as:

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Benjamin D. Akers, S.T.D.: Chief Mission Officer | Concurrent Associate Professor of Theology
Michael Patrick Barber, Ph.D.: Professor of Scripture & Theology
Scott Hefelfinger, Ph.D.: Director of Content Development | Concurrent Associate Professor of Theology
Elizabeth Klein, Ph.D.: Associate Professor of Theology
James Prothro, Ph.D.: Associate Professor of Scripture and Theology
Lucas Pollice, M.T.S.: Visiting Associate Professor of Theology and Catechetics
John Sehorn, Ph.D.: Academic Dean | Associate Professor of Theology

These faculty members are not only scholars but also dedicated mentors who are committed to forming students in the Catholic intellectual tradition and preparing them for effective ministry and evangelization.

Open Classroom: Continuing Education for All

The Augustine Institute extends its commitment to theological education beyond degree programs through its Open Classroom initiative. Open Classroom provides not-for-credit courses from the Graduate School of Theology to learners at all levels whose aims may include professional development for apostolic work, continuing education for teachers, theological training for the diaconate, as well as personal edification and spiritual enrichment. You may choose from courses to audit, book studies, and workshops.

Certificates for Catholic Educators

Recognizing the crucial role of Catholic educators, the Augustine Institute offers two certificate programs designed for teachers through Open Classroom: The Religious Dimension of Learning and The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Both programs are intended for all teachers or administrators who desire to receive the Catholic tradition of education more deeply in order to share its riches more effectively.

The Religious Dimension of Learning Certificate

This certificate program introduces educators to the holy wisdom found in a fully integrated Catholic education. This program is guided by the Congregation for Catholic Education’s document "The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School", which provides a practical roadmap for renewing a school by grounding all its activities in the faith. The program consists of seven courses:

The Mystery of the Human Person
Our Philosophic Heritage
The Book of Nature: Science and Faith
A Providential God: The Drama of Human History
The Artistic and Literary Patrimony of Christianity
Educating the Christian Person
The Worshiping Person

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom Certificate

This certificate program provides training in the seven liberal arts, which are the streams that lead through the essential disciplines of the mind to the ocean of divine wisdom: God himself, the source of all truth and the end of all our striving for wisdom. The program consists of seven courses:

Grammar and the Power of Words
Perfecting Thought Through Logic
Rhetoric: Empowering Truth
Imagination and the Art of Geometry
Arithmetic and the Power of Number
The Heavenly Art of Astronomy
Music: Understanding the Mysteries

Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

The Augustine Institute is committed to making theological education accessible to qualified students, offering a range of financial aid options to help offset the cost of tuition.

Tuition

The annual cost of tuition for full-time students is $11,880. Tuition is charged per 3-credit class at $2,040. A student entering the program this academic year should expect to pay approximately $24,480 for the degree. Modest increases in tuition may be applied annually. Students may choose to pay for their class(es) at the beginning of a term or via a payment plan with no interest.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Approximately 33% of students receive scholarship support, ranging from partial to full. The Institute offers various scholarships to eligible candidates, including the prestigious St. John Paul II Scholarship.

St. John Paul II Scholarship

The St. John Paul II Scholarship is awarded to full-time on-campus students who are faithful, gifted, and vibrant potential leaders in the New Evangelization. JPII scholars also demonstrate an excellent aptitude for theological study. Prospective students applying to the MA Theology, MA Pastoral Theology, or MA Catholic Education programs are eligible.

The scholarship provides full tuition and on-campus room & board for single students. (Though housing for married students is not available on the campus, we invite married students to apply for this scholarship. Married students should contact the admissions department for further details regarding housing opportunities nearby and the details of this scholarship award for those living off campus.)

St. John Paul II Scholars work in apostolic service in parishes, schools, or other Catholic apostolates in St. Louis under the direction of a mentor/supervisor. In compensation for this service in corporal or spiritual works of mercy, St. John Paul II Scholars’ room and board fees will be waived during their academic tenure at the Augustine Institute.

Additional Financial Information

The Augustine Institute does not currently offer the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or accept the GI Bill.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Augustine Institute is a fully accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS.edu), ensuring that its programs meet the highest standards of academic quality and rigor.

A Transformative Experience: Integrating Faith, Studies, and Friendships

Students at the Augustine Institute often describe their experience as transformative, characterized by a beautiful integration of faith, studies, and friendships. The curriculum incorporates faith and reason, and the common life as students on campus is full of shared work and play. Everything is ordered toward bringing students closer to God, so that they can in turn bring others closer to Him.

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