Overview

The M.A. in Pastoral Ministry at the University of Dayton offers a comprehensive academic and spiritual foundation for individuals seeking to serve in various church leadership roles. This programme is designed to integrate the study of Christian theology with multicultural and interdisciplinary dimensions, ensuring graduates are prepared for the complexities of modern ministry.

Why Pastoral Ministry at the University of Dayton?

Students at the University of Dayton benefit from a distinctive Catholic and Marianist identity that informs every aspect of the curriculum. The department features award-winning faculty and provides unique access to the world-renowned Marian Library and the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI). These resources offer unparalleled opportunities for scholarship on the Blessed Virgin Mary and popular devotion.

The programme is highly flexible, offering both online and face-to-face formats to accommodate working professionals. Furthermore, the university provides significant financial support through competitive graduate assistantships and specific scholarships, such as the Patrick J. Tonry, S.M. Scholarship and the Sisters of the Precious Blood Scholarship, which assist those dedicated to church ministry.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35300 per year
National fee: USD 35300 per year
Local fee: USD 35300 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation. Modules may include:

Theological Studies
Pastoral Ministry
Spiritual Formation
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Counseling
Campus Ministry
Christian Theology
Research Methods

Careers with Pastoral Ministry

Graduates are prepared for successful careers in both academia and professional ministry. The programme specifically equips individuals for roles within church administration, hospital chaplaincy, and retreat work. Many students find opportunities in education at all levels or pursue specialised paths in campus ministry, supported by the programme's alignment with the Catholic Campus Ministry Association standards.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Pastoral Ministry Seminar
Spiritual Formation
Theology of Ministry
Practicum
Leadership in Parish Ministry
Pastoral Counseling

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-05-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dayton, United States

Disciplines

Christian Studies View 476 other Masters in Christian Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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Other requirements

General requirements

Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities
Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
A personal statement explaining the applicant's desire to study theology/pastoral ministry at the University of Dayton.
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.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

35300 USD / year

≈ 35300 USD / year
Out-of-State

35300 USD / year

≈ 35300 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

35300 USD / year

≈ 35300 USD / year

Living costs

Dayton

United States

880 - 1352 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Pastoral Ministry.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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