Pastoral Ministry

This program requires 36 semester hours for graduation. The majority of the student's coursework must be taken in the Department of Religious Studies. A 3.0 grade point average in departmental courses and in the student's overall program is required for graduation.

Beyond the Foundations courses, students must successfully complete one additional two- or three-credit course in each of four disciplinary areas: biblical, historical, systematic and moral theology.

This degree has an online option, which includes a hybrid option that welcomes students into synchronous classes with residential students.

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about pastoral ministry, including degree requirements and course descriptions. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us at adoorley1@udayton.edu.

Applicants to the pastoral ministry program should submit the following information in addition to applying through the online Admission Account:

1. Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
2. Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
3. A personal statement explaining the applicant's desire to study theology/pastoral ministry at the University of Dayton. This will include:
   1. a summary of the applicant's background in theological studies and/or pastoral ministry.
   2. an explication of the reasons for the candidate's desire to do further theological study and/or pastoral ministry including a statement of his/her personal and professional goals.
   3. a statement of why the candidate desires to study at the University of Dayton specifically.
4. Results from the GRE are not required for applicants to the M.A. programs. However, candidates are welcome to submit a score in support of their application.

Additional requirements apply for international students.

Additional Religious Studies Programs

• Theological Studies (M.A.)
• Theology (Ph.D.)
• Campus Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Disability and Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Care (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Counseling (Graduate Certificate)
• Campus Ministry (Post-Master's Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Doctoral Certificate)

Related Programs

• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success.

Students enrolled in religious studies Master of Arts programs are encouraged to apply for three additional scholarship opportunities dedicated to these programs.

Graduate assistantships are also available through the Department of Religious Studies and Campus Ministry. These competitive awards typically provide compensation in the form of full or partial tuition remission, plus a monthly stipend for 20 hours of work per week.

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students, file the FAFSA to be considered. Once you have applied and been accepted to a graduate program, we will prepare your applicable aid for the upcoming year.