The ordinary program of First Studies entails two years, of graduate level philosophy study and one year of graduate level theology study for scholastics. Brothers will usually take several theology courses and work on a Masters Degree in a field of interest. If a man enters without a Bachelors Degree, then he will complete his BA degree during this time, usually majoring in philosophy. The program for scholastics at Fordham University is the MA in Philosophical Resources. This is four graduate courses each semester.
Brothers follow a similar schedule of studies in a field other than philosophy.
This is a time for men to be fully involved in the apostolic work and community life of the Province. Men are assigned to two or three years of regency depending on their age, Apostolic needs of the Province, and individual apostolic desires. Usually men will complete the Masters of Divinity degree and either a second Masters in Theology or an S.T.L. during these three years. Brothers will often complete a one or two year degree program in theology or religious education at this time. Most men go to either Weston Jesuit School of Theology or Jesuit School of Theology - Berkeley with a few studying outside of the U.S.A. David McCallum, S.J., celebrates his First Mass.