Program Director: Dr. J. Marianne Siegmund
The Master of Arts (M.A.) 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. This includes religious education at all levels, catechetical leadership, and youth ministry. A primary objective of the program is to develop in students an understanding of the ministry within the life and mission of the Roman Catholic Church.
The student must take 36 credit hours of graduate coursework and complete the degree requirements with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better. All students must complete two co-requisite courses, four core courses, four courses within the chosen concentration area, and two electives. All students are required to take the Comprehensive Examination as their Summative Evaluation. There is a six-year time limit from entry into the program for completion of the degree requirements.