Academics
A traditional stage of formation within the Society of Jesus, the Jesuit First Studies program at Loyola University Chicago provides a contextual formation through a robust academic study of philosophy, theology, and the humanities at Loyola, one of the nation’s leading Catholic universities.
After pronouncing vows, a Jesuit moves into the three-year, full-time First Studies program housed within Loyola’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Studies tailored to each Jesuit's individual needs
The core academic program features two tracks for Jesuits in the Master of Social Philosophy degree program.
- The Jesuit Scholastic Foundational Track is designed for those who enter Loyola with little or no background in philosophy. It includes a sequence in the history of philosophy as well as sequenced courses in ethics and social and political philosophy intended to build foundational knowledge and skills.
- The Jesuit Scholastic Enhanced Track serves those who enter Loyola with some background in philosophy. It serves those interested in enhancing their theoretical knowledge of social, political, critical, and ethical philosophy as well as those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in philosophy.
TYPICAL FIRST STUDIES COURSEWORK
30
Graduate hours of philosophy
18
Graduate hours of theology
12
Graduate hours of electives
While the MA in Social Philosophy is the First Studies program’s most commonly obtained degree, it is not the only option. Jesuits in First Studies with a previous background in philosophy might pursue other graduate degrees at Loyola in aligned fields, such as Theological Studies, History, Education, Hispanic Studies, Communication, Health Sciences, and Environmental Science and Sustainability. (If a man enters First Studies without a bachelor’s degree, then he will complete his undergraduate degree during this time, typically majoring in philosophy.)
The Integral Ecology Program for Jesuits in First Studies at Loyola
One-week courses in Integral Ecology at Loyola's Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) integrate expertise from faculty of the School of Environmental Sustainability with the Jesuits' 4th Universal Apostolic Preference of collaborating in "care for our common home."
Notable academic features of the Jesuit First Studies program at Loyola include:
- Three one-week, hands-on courses in Environmental Sustainability taught by faculty of Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability, underscoring the Jesuit commitment to ecological justice.
- An Internship in Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition (IPS 420-421) to advance a Jesuit’s knowledge and direction of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
- An emphasis on contextual social analysis in coursework to help integrate study, experience, reflection, and action.
Loyola’s Jesuit First Studies program also emphasizes applying classroom knowledge and the lived experience of Jesuits in community to ministerial service, particularly among marginalized populations in the Chicago area. This integration culminates in an oral presentation and defense of a thesis paper that completes the MA in Social Philosophy degree.
Living and learning together
Some First Studies courses are taught in a new classroom in the program’s residence, Arrupe House. After class, the room doubles as a shared study space.
Studies tailored to each Jesuit's individual needs
The core academic program features two tracks for Jesuits in the Master of Social Philosophy degree program.
- The Jesuit Scholastic Foundational Track is designed for those who enter Loyola with little or no background in philosophy. It includes a sequence in the history of philosophy as well as sequenced courses in ethics and social and political philosophy intended to build foundational knowledge and skills.
- The Jesuit Scholastic Enhanced Track serves those who enter Loyola with some background in philosophy. It serves those interested in enhancing their theoretical knowledge of social, political, critical, and ethical philosophy as well as those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in philosophy.
While the MA in Social Philosophy is the First Studies program’s most commonly obtained degree, it is not the only option. Jesuits in First Studies with a previous background in philosophy might pursue other graduate degrees at Loyola in aligned fields, such as Theological Studies, History, Education, Hispanic Studies, Communication, Health Sciences, and Environmental Science and Sustainability. (If a man enters First Studies without a bachelor’s degree, then he will complete his undergraduate degree during this time, typically majoring in philosophy.)
Notable academic features of the Jesuit First Studies program at Loyola include:
- Three one-week, hands-on courses in Environmental Sustainability taught by faculty of Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability, underscoring the Jesuit commitment to ecological justice.
- An Internship in Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Tradition (IPS 420-421) to advance a Jesuit’s knowledge and direction of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
- An emphasis on contextual social analysis in coursework to help integrate study, experience, reflection, and action.
Loyola’s Jesuit First Studies program also emphasizes applying classroom knowledge and the lived experience of Jesuits in community to ministerial service, particularly among marginalized populations in the Chicago area. This integration culminates in an oral presentation and defense of a thesis paper that completes the MA in Social Philosophy degree.