Religious Education
To qualify for the Diocesan Scholarship program please submit:
1. A letter of acceptance from St. Mary's University
2. A letter of recommendation from your pastor
3. A completed scholarship application form
to Dr. Geri Telepak
Director, Department of Religious Education and Formation
1625 Rutherford Lane
Austin, TX 78754
The Scholarship Committee meets three times a year; May for the fall semester, October for the spring semester and March for the summer sessions.
The Application for the Diocesan Scholarship may be obtained by contacting Dr. Telepak or by calling 512-873-7771.
Master's in Theology
A joint venture between the Diocese of Austin and St. Mary's University in San Antonio
As the Diocese of Austin continues to grow in population and services, its need for qualified individuals with a competent background in the church's teachings will also grow.
Recognizing this need, the Diocese is making available the Master's in Theology program from St. Mary's University in San Antonio through live video feed in four locations in the diocese.
What is the Master's in Theology program that the diocese is offering?
It is the same coursework and the same instructors being used by St. Mary's University in San Antonio. St. Mary's instructors will be available to students in the Austin Diocese through live video feed, as they are teaching students in the classrooms in San Antonio. Students at the sites in Austin will be able to ask questions and participate in classroom discussions as well. A bibliography of books for students is available.
Where will the courses be available?
The courses will be available at the following four locations: Pastoral Center, 1625 Rutherford Lane in Austin; St. John the Evangelist Parish in Marble Falls, St. Mary’s Catholic Student Center in College Station and St. Luke’s Church in Temple.
When will the courses be taught?
During the fall and spring semesters, classes are offered one night a week (Monday through Thursday). Class times are 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. St. Mary's posts a class schedule on their web site.
How much will it cost?
Tuition and books are the same as for on campus students at St. Mary's. St. Mary's offers a 50 percent discount to students currently in ministry or seeking to work in ministry. In addition, there is a one time application fee of $30. Students will be expected to pay their own traveling expenses to the sites.
Text books can be purchased on-line at www.rattlerbooks.com.
Are there any grants or scholarships available?
St. Mary's is offering a 50 percent tuition grant to those preparing for or in ministry. To qualify for this grant, please indicate on the application to St. Mary's that you are in ministry or preparing for ministry work.
In addition, the Diocese of Austin is offering a limited number of scholarships. To apply for a diocesan scholarship, submit a two page, typed statement explaining why you are seeking the scholarship by MA Scholarship Committee, Dr. Geri Telepak, 1625 Rutherford Lane, Austin 78754.
What are the prerequisites?
You must have a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university and taken either the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Those who hold a master’s degree are exempt from the requirement to take the GRE or MAT. Some students may be required to take prerequisite coursework. This requirement can be completed while enrolled in the master’s program.
How do I enroll?
Enroll through St. Mary's web site or by contacting St. Mary's at (210) 436-3101. You may also obtain a paper copy of the application, recommendation form and a sample transcript request here. You will be notified by St. Mary's if you have been accepted.
How do I know I've been accepted?
St. Mary's will contact you.
Where can I get more information?
Information on the coursework is available at St. Mary's or contact Dr. Geri Telepak at (512) 873-7771.
