Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministry, SCU
Contact: Lynne Lukenbill, Senior Administrative Assistant
Founded in 1983, the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries offers small classes in both face-to-face and online blended formats tailored to our students’ ministry goals. The program provides a strong theological foundation to an international body of students.
The program offers the Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries in both face-to-face and online blended teaching formats. The degree program has five major goals:
- Theological Knowledge: Students will gain a broad theological foundation that will undergird inquiry into a select area of concentration. Foundatonal areas are Fundamental Theology, Christology, Ecclesiology, Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Theological Ethics, and Sacraments and Liturgy.
- Pastoral Proficiency: Students will develop pastoral skills, ministry knowledge, and liturgical fluencies in at least one key field of study relevant to Christian ministry.
- Leadership Skill: Students will become competent leaders dedicated to serving the Church and to creating community in parish and other pastoral settings.
- Justice Commitment: Students will demonstrate a critically informed approach to faith that promotes social justice for the common good, especially for the benefit of those in greatest need.
- Diversity Fluency: Students will become prepared ministry professionals able to function effectively in a diverse global religious environment.
Students and graduates of the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries serve in parishes, education, diocesan offices, and non-profits in a variety of roles such as:
- Catechists
- Directors of Religious Education
- Retreat leaders
- RCIA teachers
- Liturgy & Music directors
- Non-profit program directors
- Permanent Deacons
- Campus Ministers
- Hospital Chaplains
- Primary and secondary school teachers
- Catechists directing programs for children
- Restorative Justice program facilitators
- Students preparing for doctoral work