Course Facilitator Details

Location: Mentor, Ohio, United States

James R. Koelsch received his Doctor of Sacred Theology (STD) from the International Marian Research Institute at the University of Dayton in 2020. The topic of specialization there was Marian Studies, and the title of Dr. Koelsch’s dissertation was “The Magnificat as a Model for Witness in the New Evangelization in Light of Papal Teaching since Vatican II.” The dissertation builds upon his studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, where in 2012, he earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) with specialization in the New Evangelization. He also received a Master of Theological Studies from Madonna University in Livonia, Mich. in 2005.

Besides possessing these theology degrees, Dr. Koelsch also holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Cleveland State University. Upon graduating in 1983, he built a career in the business press, reporting on manufacturing technology for engineering publications. He has been earning his living as a freelance journalist and writer since 1997.

Because Dr. Koelsch encounters many atheists and other non-believers in his professional work, he went back to school in 2002 in order to study philosophy and theology so that he could engage these people in conversation about God and his plan. Indeed, his licentiate thesis was entitled, “A Pauline Lesson from Colossians for Evangelizing the Sciences.” Since earning his master’s degree, he has given talks in parishes, led Bible studies, assisted in RCIA, written articles about religious topics, and presented 30 times on Radio Maria. He has also taught undergraduate theology at the college level.

Having never married, Dr. Koelsch moved back home to the far eastern suburbs of Cleveland and is living with family.