ۿ۴ý

Skip to main content

M.A. in Theology & Religious Studies

Pastoral Ministry

Enhance Your Ministry

ۿ۴ý's M.A. with a Concentration in Pastoral Ministry provides current and prospective lay ministers with a solid foundation in the Catholic theological tradition necessary for a rich and fulfilling ministry in the contemporary U.S. Catholic Church.

Become a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister

This program meets the academic requirements needed to become a .

All ۿ۴ý classes can be taken on campus or online.

More information regarding the total cost of attendance can be found here.

  • All graduate programs are available both IN PERSON and FULLY ONLINE.
  • Once-a-week classes meet in the EVENINGS.
  • HY-FLEX model allows students to choose each week to participate on campus or via Zoom.
  • FULL-TIME and PART-TIME pathways.

The Pastoral Ministry Concentration satisfies the intellectual formation requirements needed to become a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland.

  • TRS 5100 Scripture & Revelation
  • TRS 51xx New Testament Topics
  • TRS 5300 Theological Methods
  • TRS 5320 Christ & the Paschal Mystery
  • TRS 5340 Church & Sacrament
  • TRS 5530 Catholic Moral Theology
  • One Course in Non-Christian Religions
  • One Elective in Pastoral Theology or Interreligious Studies
  • Two Electives*

*One of the electives may be a course in Canon Law taught at St. Mary's School of Theology, which is require for diocesan certification. .

Applicants to the M.A. Degree Program should submit:

  • Online application form.
  • Transcripts of undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Written statement indicating personal interests, goals, and expectations from the degree program.
  • Two letters of reference from persons who are familiar with and able to assess the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate studies.
Pope Francis on Ministry
Students in class

Upcoming Courses

See what courses are coming up as part of the M.A. Concentration in Pastoral Ministry.