Candidates for diaconal ordination and lay ecclesial ministry in the Catholic Church will undertake a program conforming to the most recent guidelines established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
 
All Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies courses are conveniently offered in a variety of convenient times and venues.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program should hold a BA or BS degree from an accredited college/university or an equivalent degree.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Candidates who are not citizens of the United States must present an appropriate visa from the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services. Applicants should consult with the International Student Advisor at the University of St. Thomas for further information.

Degree Requirements
Completion of 36 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3.

Core Curriculum

• History of the Church
• Patrology
• Theology and Themes in the Old Testament
• Gospels
• Paul and His Letters
• Foundations of the Catholic Faith
• Trinity and Incarnation
• Anthropology and Eschatology
• Mission of the Church
• Sacraments in Parish Life
• Moral Theology
• Faith and the Dominant American Culture or Introduction to Christian Spiritualities

Transfer Credit
A maximum of 9 hours can be accepted as transfer credit provided there is genuine equivalency with School of Theology course offerings.

Courses completed with a minimum of 2.7 (B-) at the post-baccalaureate level in accredited institutions may be accepted toward the fulfillment of MAPS requirements.

Exit Procedures
Students will complete an oral examination demonstrating their ability to apply knowledge of Sacred Scripture, systematic, moral, and liturgical theology, and Church history to questions and pastoral problems typically arising in a parish situation.

Time Limit
Program requirements must be completed within ten years of initial registration.