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Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is a degree program that focuses on ministerial formation, especially for lay ecclesial ministers in the Roman Catholic Church. The program requires 36 semester hours for graduation, with the majority of coursework taken in the Department of Religious Studies. A 3.0 grade point average in departmental courses and overall program is required for graduation.

Degree Information and Courses

Beyond the Foundations courses, students must successfully complete one additional two- or three-credit course in each of four disciplinary areas:

• Biblical
• Historical
• Systematic
• Moral theology This degree has an online option, which includes a hybrid option that welcomes students into synchronous classes with residential students.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the pastoral ministry program should submit the following information:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing.
2. Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
3. A personal statement explaining the applicant's desire to study theology/pastoral ministry, including:

• A summary of the applicant's background in theological studies and/or pastoral ministry.
• An explication of the reasons for the candidate's desire to do further theological study and/or pastoral ministry, including a statement of his/her personal and professional goals.
• A statement of why the candidate desires to study at the University of Dayton specifically.

4. Results from the GRE are not required for applicants to the M.A. programs, but candidates are welcome to submit a score in support of their application. Additional requirements apply for international students.

Related Degrees and Programs

The university offers several related programs, including:

• Theological Studies (M.A.)
• Theology (Ph.D.)
• Campus Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Disability and Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Care (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Counseling (Graduate Certificate)
• Campus Ministry (Post-Master's Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Doctoral Certificate)
• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in religious studies Master of Arts programs are encouraged to apply for scholarship opportunities dedicated to these programs. Graduate assistantships are also available through the Department of Religious Studies and Campus Ministry, providing compensation in the form of full or partial tuition remission, plus a monthly stipend for 20 hours of work per week. Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students, and students are encouraged to file the FAFSA to be considered.

Graduate Certificates

The university offers several graduate certificates that can be pursued as an integral part of the Master of Arts degree program, as a free-standing program, or as a supplement to a completed Master of Arts degree. These certificates include:

• Campus Ministry
• Disability and Ministry
• Marian Studies
• Pastoral Care
• Pastoral Counseling
• Sustainability