Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Degree

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Degree Description

The purpose of the degree is to prepare Roman Catholics for lay ministry at a diocesan or parish level. The degree is designed only for Roman Catholics who do not seek ordination. Others will not be admitted.

Graduates of this program will have a basic knowledge of scripture, contemporary biblical scholarship, the Christian tradition, theology, moral theology, and sacramental traditions. They will have skills in developing and executing programs of education, administration of parish life, and pastoral care and nurture of Christian communities.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Required Courses:

• Bible  —  (6 hours to be approved by the advisor)
• CH 570  —  Survey of Church History (3 hours)
• TH 570  —  Historical Theology (3 hours)
• CHTH 580  —  Modern Catholic Ecclesiology (3 hours)
• ES 580  —  Catholic Moral Theology (3 hours)
• TH 580  —  Doctrinal Teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (3 hours)
• TH 581  —  Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church (3 hours)
• PM 677  —  Pastoral Studies Practicum (3 hours)

One Course in each of the following departments (9 hours total):

• Educational Ministry
• Pastoral Care
• Practice of Ministry

Electives (9 hours)

Research Paper (3 hours)

Total required = 48 semester hours