Academics

The M.A. (Master of Arts) in Pastoral Studies program is a professional degree program designed to prepare students to serve competently and effectively in contemporary ecclesial ministries and lay leadership, especially within parish settings. A primary objective of the program is to develop in students an understanding of ministry within the life and mission of the Roman Catholic Church.

A student enrolled in the M.A. in Pastoral Studies Program may elect one of the following areas of concentration:

• Pastoral Ministry
• Parish Administration
• Religious Education.

Students enrolled in the M.A. in Pastoral Studies Program must complete a total of 39 semester hours of graduate course work and maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better.

The program consists of eight (8) core courses and five (5) courses in an area of concentration. One of the required core courses is a field education course. The program offers both-on-campus and distance learning options. All degree requirements must be successfully completed within six years from the date of acceptance into the program.

Admission Requirements for the M.A. in Pastoral Studies Program

1. Applicants should follow the College Division Admissions Procedure as described in the Catalog.
2. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0.
3. Applicants must be able to show proficiency in English, either evidenced by previous college experience or by proficiency exam.
4. Applicants must demonstrate an undergraduate-level of competency in philosophy, scripture, dogmatic theology, moral theology, and Church history. Applicants who do not meet this standard of competency may be conditionally accepted and required to take specific undergraduate level introductory course work and complete it with a grade of 3.0 or better, prior to being considered for acceptance into the Pastoral Studies Program.
5. Applicants must submit three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess the applicant’s academic and ministerial abilities.
6. Applicants must submit an autobiographical essay that includes a history of the applicant’s religious and spiritual development and a resume of previous experience in ministry or other professional work, as well as a personal assessment of strengths and weaknesses for ministry.
7. Applicants will receive an entrance interview with an admissions committee.

Core Curriculum

The 24 credit hour core curriculum required for the M.A. in Pastoral Studies Program is as follows:

Concentration Curriculum

In addition to the 24 credit core course curriculum, students in the M.A. in Pastoral Studies Program must successfully complete fifteen (15) credit hours of coursework in their elected concentration area as follows:

Pastoral Ministry

Parish Administration

Religious Education

For more detailed course descriptions, please visit the Graduate Course Descriptions page.