Master of Arts Program

In Partnership with the Saint Paul Seminary

The U.S. bishops have stated that “lay persons who devote themselves permanently or temporarily to some special service of the Church are obligated to acquire the appropriate formation which is required to fulfill their function properly” (Canon 231).  Keeping this in mind, Saint Paul’s Outreach has dedicated itself to forming leaders for the New Evangelization through programs such as the School of the New Evangelization, Formation in Christian Living Program, and the National Missionary Corps.

Realizing that men and women called to full-time ministry in the Church need solid theological and academic training as well as practical ministry experience, Saint Paul’s Outreach has entered into a dynamic partnership with the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity Master of Arts Program.  The School of Divinity offers SPO missionaries the opportunity to delve deeper in theological formation in preparation for effective faith-filled ministry in the Church through the following degree programs:

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAPM)

A 48-credit program which incorporates rigorous theological formation with spiritual and ministerial formation activities, including a ministry internship.

Master of Arts in Religious Education (MARE)

A 42-credit program which offers an integrated approach to the professional and spiritual development of those serving the Church in administering or teaching religious education program in schools and parishes.

Master of Arts in Theology (MAT)*

A research-based, 36-credit program that develops competence in addressing theology through an understanding of various theological methods and through proficiency in research and theological argumentation.

This Master of Arts program is designed to allow you to complete the bulk of your coursework over three summers, enabling you to serve with SPO or another ministry during the academic year.  The unique setup of this program gives you the opportunity to dedicate a season of your life to missionary service while equipping you with the academic, spiritual, and personal formation you need to respond to the Holy Father’s call for a New Evangelization.

For more information or to apply, please contact us at maprogram@spoweb.org.

*Effective Summer 2010, the MAT will be offered concurrently with the MAPM and MARE on the summer intensive schedule. Some difference in application requirements apply.