Pastoral Studies MA

About the Pastoral Studies MA at Loyola

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) program at Loyola’s Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) offers a broad preparation for ministerial service and the tools necessary to engage critically and constructively in the challenges and opportunities of our contemporary lives.

Embracing four areas of development — human, spiritual, intellectual, and ministerial — the MAPS degree guides you in the development of your own pastoral identity through an integrated exploration of theology and pastoral practice and prepares you for ministerial service in a variety of contexts.

Program Structure

In the master's degree, you can choose to study under the general MAPS program or focus your studies in one of four areas of concentration: church management, digital communication, health care chaplaincy, and religious education. The IPS program also offers a bilingual (Spanish) option offered entirely online.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (General)

A traditional curriculum designed to provide a solid first-degree experience in education for ministry, including courses in scripture, pastoral theology, and ministerial skills.

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Develops the skills contemporary parish leaders and pastoral ministers need in budgeting, project management, human resources, and organizational development and change.

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Focuses on communication skills and best practices for using digital media to reach a wider audience through social media, the web, and video in addition to conventional print media.

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Prepares degree students to be certified as a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) with The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC).

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Develops the skills needed to engage, catechize, and educate in today's culturally, generationally, and theologically diverse church.

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Disponible exclusivamente en línea, el programa prepara estudiantes para el servicio ministerial en comunidades biculturales y bilingües (diócesis, parroquias, escuelas, hospitales, y otras organizaciones comunitarias), tanto a nivel local como internacional.

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Courses are available online or in person at Loyola's downtown Chicago campus conveniently located off the Red Line. Some courses are also available in the summer through the IPS Rome, Italy program.

Why Choose Loyola for Your Pastoral Studies Master’s?

A tradition of scholarship and excellence

Founded in 1964, IPS is one of the first and most prestigious education-for-ministry programs in the nation.

The IPS master’s in pastoral studies is one of the few university-based programs that offers an online curriculum identical to the on-campus courses.

While you can complete the entire 36-hour master's degree program completely online, you have the option to take on-campus courses in Chicago, if you choose. On-campus courses are offered daytime and evenings during the week, on weekends, and through intensive courses during the summer. These courses are also available if you are a non-degree-seeking student.

The structured curriculum is designed to provide a solid first-degree experience in education for ministry and includes courses in scripture, pastoral theology, and ministerial skills.

Concentration options allow you to focus your skill set in areas that interest you most, including church management, communication, healthcare ministry, and religious education.

The MA in Pastoral Studies is the basis for the MDiv degree. At any point during your program or on completion of the degree, you may apply for the MDiv degree. All the Pastoral Studies MA courses will count toward the MDiv degree.

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Institute of Pastoral Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Pastoral Studies MA program.

Faculty and Staff

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Pastoral Studies MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Pastoral Studies MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

ProgramCredit HoursCost Per Credit HourEstimated Tuition and Fees
Pastoral Studies MA36$850.00$30600.00
Pastoral Studies: Church Management MA36$850.00$30600.00
Pastoral Studies: Digital Communication MA36$850.00$30600.00
Pastoral Studies: Health Care Chaplaincy MA36$850.00$30600.00
Pastoral Studies: Religious Education MA36$850.00$30600.00

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships

More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid page.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment

The Institute of Pastoral Studies offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

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Visit and Connect With Us

With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

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Application Process

This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.

Pastoral Studies MA

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Pastoral Studies MA are listed below:

Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission

Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15

Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Pastoral Studies MA include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Details

Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:

  • Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any

  • The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice

  • A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study

  • Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including minsterial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program

  • Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Pastoral Studies: Church Management MA are listed below:

Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission

Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15

Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Pastoral Studies: Church Management MA include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Details

Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:

  • Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any

  • The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice

  • A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study

  • Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including minsterial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program

  • Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Pastoral Studies: Digital Communication MA are listed below:

Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission

Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15

Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Pastoral Studies: Digital Communication MA include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Details

Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:

  • Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any

  • The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice

  • A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study

  • Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including minsterial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program

  • Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Pastoral Studies: Health Care Chaplaincy MA are listed below:

Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission

Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15

Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Pastoral Studies: Health Care Chaplaincy MA include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Details

Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:

  • Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any

  • The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice

  • A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study

  • Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including minsterial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program

  • Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Pastoral Studies: Religious Education MA are listed below:

Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission

Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15

Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Pastoral Studies: Religious Education MA include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Details

Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:

  • Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any

  • The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice

  • A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study

  • Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including minsterial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program

  • Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS

Official Documents

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the Pastoral Studies MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.

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