Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry at the University of the Incarnate Word prepares students for lay leadership roles in the church and ministry settings. The interdisciplinary program combines liberal arts with biblical and theological studies, offering concentrations in catechetics, Catholic leadership, or philosophy. Students gain a solid foundation in the Catholic tradition, develop essential skills, and foster personal and spiritual growth through coursework, internships, and faculty mentorship.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry at the University of the Incarnate Word is offered in collaboration with the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC). This interdisciplinary program combines a liberal arts education with a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies. It prepares students for a wide range of lay leadership careers in the church and other ministry settings. The objectives of the program are to:

• Provide students with a solid foundation in the Catholic tradition and contemporary ministry
• Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to serve effectively in a variety of pastoral ministries
• Foster the personal and spiritual growth of students and prepare them for lifelong learning and service

Outline:

The Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is a 121-credit hour program. The curriculum includes core courses in biblical studies, theology, ethics, pastoral theology, and ministry skills. Students also choose a concentration in one of three areas: catechetics, Catholic leadership, or philosophy. The catechetics concentration prepares students for careers in religious education or formation of children and adults. Courses cover topics such as religious pedagogy, baptismal catechism, ecclesial documents and models, and youth ministry. The Catholic leadership concentration prepares students for leadership or management positions in Catholic institutions and parishes. Courses cover topics such as cross-cultural competencies, multicultural and Hispanic communities, stewardship, ethics, and canon law. The philosophy concentration emphasizes the study of different branches of philosophy, eras of philosophy, and philosophical approaches to anthropology and ethics. This concentration fulfills the requirements for admission to Catholic seminary programs.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, papers, presentations, and class participation. The program also includes a required internship, which provides students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting.

Teaching:

The Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is taught by a faculty of experienced scholars and practitioners. The program is housed in the UIW Pastoral Institute, which serves the Catholic community through education and formation for contemporary ministry and religious education.

Careers:

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry are prepared for a wide range of careers in the church and other ministry settings, including:

• Campus ministry
• Education
• Missions
• Ministry/ministry coordination
• Humanitarian aid
• Social/human services
• Disaster/aid relief
• Chaplaincy
• Medicine
• Law
• Business