Belmont Abbey College to Launch Graduate Degree in Classical and Liberal Arts Education
A Catholic college is set to introduce a new graduate degree program focusing on classical and liberal arts education. Belmont Abbey College will be rolling out this program in the upcoming fall semester.
The curriculum of this program will be centered around the study of Great Books, catering to the growing interest in classical education. According to statements provided to The College Fix by a spokesperson from the North Carolina-based university, there has been a noticeable uptick in the adoption of classical education not only among K-12 students and families but also among educators who are committed to instilling the core values and wisdom inherent in this educational approach.
The spokesperson referenced data from the Association for Classical Christian Schools, revealing that there are currently around 400 schools within its network, collectively enrolling between 60,000 and 70,000 students. Additionally, there has been a significant expansion of the Honors College at Belmont Abbey, indicating a rising enthusiasm among parents and students for the profound intellectual and moral exploration offered through the study of great books in classical education.
Ideal candidates for this graduate program are individuals passionate about classical education, eager to practically apply the principles derived from the study of classical pedagogy, great books, liberal arts, and the Christian intellectual tradition. The program aims to equip educators with the knowledge necessary to shape students in the domains of morality, intellect, and theology.
Graduates of this program can pursue various career paths such as teaching or administrative roles in K-12 Christian or charter schools, or take on leadership positions in homeschooling networks, as outlined on the university’s website.
The curriculum is structured around the seven liberal arts, encompassing the trivium (grammar, logic, and Christian rhetoric) and the quadrivium (Geometry, Arithmetic, Astronomy, and Music).
Moreover, students will have the opportunity to engage in teaching apprenticeships through organizations like the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) and the Center for Independent Research on Classical Education (CiRCE), as highlighted in a university news release provided to The College Fix.
Interim Provost Joseph Wysocki emphasized that this program is designed to contribute to the formation of future generations by nurturing individuals in a holistic manner—mentally, physically, and spiritually. The program aims to build upon the foundation of critical thinking laid during undergraduate studies, preparing students to lead virtuous lives. At the graduate level, the focus shifts towards individuals with industry experience seeking to enhance their leadership skills.
The surge in interest in classical education has led to the emergence of additional training opportunities for educators, including similar programs at institutions like Eastern University, the University of Dallas, and Hillsdale College, as reported by The Fix.
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