Program Overview

Maestria de Artes en Estudios Pastorales Bilingue (Espanol)/MA Pastoral Studies, Online Bilingual (Spanish)

The Virtual (Online) Bilingual (Spanish) Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) program prepares students for ministerial service in bicultural and bilingual communities, both locally and globally. This program integrates theological and pastoral formation in four fundamental areas: Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Ministerial.

Overview

The MAPS program contains 12 classes, a practical formative experience called Contextual Education, and a cumulative Integration Paper written in the final semester. Classes are offered in Spanish and English, and the program can be completed in 2 consecutive years. The program begins in the summer (May) of each year, and all courses are offered online with both synchronized and non-synchronized formats.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

• 8 core courses
• 3 specialty courses
• Contextual Education course
• Integration Project

Core Courses

The 8 core courses are:

1. IPS 570 Introduction to Theology and Ministry: Explores the interaction between theological and ministerial traditions, the history of ministry, and the challenges of relating foundational traditions to contemporary diversity.
2. IPS 417 Introduction to the Old Testament: Analyzes the structure and message of the Old Testament books in their literary, historical, social, and religious context.
3. IPS 416 Introduction to the New Testament: Analyzes the structure and message of the New Testament books in their literary, historical, social, and religious context.
4. IPS 531 Christian Doctrine: Studies the development of Christian doctrine from the early Church Fathers to the Second Vatican Council, with a focus on the thought of Karl Rahner, Gustavo Gutierrez, and Jon Sobrino.
5. IPS 402 Church and Mission: Explores various models and traditions of the Church and its mission in the world, from the New Testament to the Second Vatican Council.
6. IPS 541 Liturgy and Christian Sacraments: Studies the biblical, theological, religious, and cultural origins of the liturgy of the sacraments in ecclesial communities throughout history.
7. IPS 553 Moral Theology and Christian Ethics: Introduces students to the tradition of Catholic moral theology and various contemporary methodologies in ethics.
8. IPS 555 Human Person and Psychological Development: Explores human development from birth to death, including psychological, spiritual, and social aspects.

Specialty Courses

The 3 specialty courses are:

1. Administration and Entrepreneurship in a Pastoral Context: Provides an overview of fundamental management skills in the pastoral context, including project financing, fundraising, budgeting, and team building.
2. Ministry with Young People and Spirituality Today: Explores the foundations for ministry with young people, including essential components for accompanying youth and young adults in developing their identity as missionary disciples.
3. Catholic Social Ethics & Migration: Examines the phenomenon of migration and the Church's response, including the principles of Catholic social ethics and the importance of accompaniment.

Contextual Education

Contextual Education is a 3-course sequence where students integrate the four aspects of the MAPS program: theological, ministerial, personal, and spiritual learning. This experience is directly related to the student's pastoral studies and perfects their aptitudes and pastoral theology.

Integration Project

The Integration Project is a 35-50 page essay where students demonstrate the integration of courses with a relevant issue in their pastoral work context. This project showcases the student's ability to investigate matters of faith and life and integrate contemporary issues with the tradition of the Church.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the MAPS program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of theological, ministerial, and interpersonal sources and resources for effective service in and for the Church and the world.
• Understand and analyze social and cultural contexts, always with a view and commitment to the marginalized and excluded.
• Articulate rhetorically and in writing concrete theological and pastoral issues of relevance to culturally and theologically diverse audiences and communities.
• Nurture academic advances in spirituality, pastoral theology, and psychology to optimize their pastoral and academic contributions.