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Religious Studies

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

Join our program for ministerial formation, especially to serve as lay ecclesial ministers in the Roman Catholic Church.  You will find:

  • well-rounded theological formation – biblical, historical, systematic, moral
  • courses where theological and pastoral perspectives are mutually enriching
  • further training in selected pastoral skills applicable in most ministry settings
  • a spiritual formation component each fall and spring semester
  • access to the world renowned Marian Library and the Roesch Library U.S. Catholic Special Collection

And if your special interest is mentored training in campus ministry, you want to come here – we're second to none.  

You will have access to the world renowned Marian Library and the Roesch Library U.S. Catholic Special Collection.

Compare our cost with other quality programs and see how affordable we are. Explore our graduate assistantships that provide full tuition, a stipend and professional experience and mentoring. We also have scholarships available. 

For details contact Amy Doorley, Coordinator of Graduate Programs, at adoorley1@udayton.edu.

 

Virtual Learning

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is available as a residential program or completely online.

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Master of Arts Scholarships

Students enrolled in our Master of Arts programs are eligible for three scholarship opportunities.

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Master of Arts Assistantships

Residential students enrolled in our Master of Arts programs are eligible for an assistantship in the Department of Religious Studies or Campus Ministry.

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Certifications

Our certificate programs strengthen your professional formation with coursework in a particular area of concentration.

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Applicants to the pastoral ministry and theological studies programs should submit the following information in addition to the online application:

  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: a) a summary of the applicant's background in theological studies and/or pastoral ministry; b) 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; c) 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.

 


Twenty-four semester hours of undergraduate course work in philosophy and theology/religion with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended. Those with limited or no academic background in theology may be admitted on a conditional basis.


Assistantship opportunities are available for students in the Pastoral Ministry program. 


CONTACT

Graduate Programs in Religious Studies

Humanities
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1530
937-229-4650
Email