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Master of Pastoral Studies (Online)
This pastoral studies online degree program is practical, transformative, international in scope, and open to students of all faiths. It prepares students to work in a variety of contexts, including parishes, schools, diocesan offices, secular workplaces, non-profits, or public sector work and the helping professions, such as healthcare and social work. If you are interested in chaplaincy, read this»
Dual Degree Options
Master of Pastoral Studies Curriculum
The master of pastoral studies program at Loyola University New Orleans provides the biblical, theological, and spiritual grounding on which to build specializations in youth ministry, spirituality, and pastoral care. It also enables people of faith to connect ministry to leadership, the environment, digital culture, and the working world.
Degree Overview
36 Credits
master of pastoral studies
Loyola’s master of pastoral studies degree online consists of 36 credit hours, which include:
- Core courses (18 credit hours)
- Focus area courses (9 credit hours)
- Elective courses (6 credit hours)
- Capstone course (3 credit hours)
Check out the University Bulletin to view further curriculum information about Loyola's online pastoral studies program. Click here to download a degree worksheet.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Core Courses
18 Credits
master of pastoral studies
Core Courses (18 credits):
- LIM 703: Introduction to Practical Theology (3 credits)
- LIM 704: Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics (3 credits)
- LIM 711: Jewish Roots of Christian Faith: Intro to Old Testament (3 credits)
- LIM 712: Christian Origins: Intro to New Testament (3 credits)
- LIM 714: Grace, Christ, and Spirit (3 credits)
- LIM 722: Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy (3 credits)
Focus Areas (9 credits)
Pursuing a Master of Pastoral Studies degree allows students to gain specific competencies in the focus area of their choice while earning a master’s degree from an institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence in education and ministerial formation. Students in the Master of Pastoral Studies online program choose from the following focus areas.
This focus area in Christian spirituality recognizes that theological reflection and ministry are rooted in and foster the minister’s lived relationship with God. The goal of this focus area is to enable students to become familiar with the Christian tradition of spirituality and so enrich their personal and communal lives as ministers. Courses include:
- LIM 827: Spirituality for Ministers (3 credits)
- LIM 828: History of Christian Spirituality (3 credits)
- LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)
This focus area invites students into the communicative aspects of theology and ministry. Communication is especially relevant in our digital age, for the potential of social and digital media to extend the reach of our ministries requires us all to become professional communicators in the context of our work. Courses include:
- LIM 826: Digital Media and Ministry (3 credits)
- LIM 885: Religious Communication (3 credits)
- LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)
The focus area of Marketplace Ministry assists students in reflecting upon the spirituality of work in its various manifestations. Pastoral studies students then explore the meaning and avenues for Christian praxis in the midst of organizational settings in the world of work, beyond church structures. Courses include:
- LIM 819: Spirituality and the Theology of Work (3 credits)
- LIM 820: Ministry in the Marketplace (3 credits)
- LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)
The focus area in pastoral life and administration helps prepare pastoral leaders for ministry in the growing number of parishes without a resident pastor or to serve as pastoral administrators or assistants on parish teams. Courses include:
- LIM 844: Parish Life and Ministry (3 credits)
- LIM 845: Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry (3 credits)
- LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)
This focus area explores the natural world as revelatory of God and grapples with the implications of the universe and its story for all people of faith. Courses include:
- LIM 813: The Universe as Divine Manifestation (3 credits)
- LIM 814: The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story (3 credits)
- LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)
This focus area introduces students to the dynamic foundations of youth and young adult ministry with an emphasis on the developmental needs of adolescents, young adults, the lived experience of contemporary youth and young adult ministers, the prevalence of social media, and ministry models and practices that best promote healthy Christian development in youth and young adults during these challenging times. Courses include:
- LIM 870: Foundations of Youth Ministry (3 credits)
- LIM 876: Adolescent Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development (3 credits)
- LIM 861: Pastoral Leadership and Organization (3 credits)
Opportunities for providing pastoral care come with the territory of prison, hospice, hospital, and nursing home ministry, as well as ministry in social service agencies. This focus area offers a solid background and working knowledge of skills for women and men who work in pastoral care settings, which require them to initiate and sustain relationships with others in which a high degree of support and challenge are offered. Courses include:
- LIM 849: Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credits)
- CNSL 830: Counseling Theories (3 credits)
- CNSL 835: Introduction to Counseling (3 credits)
- CNSL A836: Individual Counseling Skills Lab (1 credit)
Given their unique ministries, some pastoral studies students find that a combination of courses from different focus areas may suit their needs best. Such students, in consultation with their advisors, may develop an individualized track for the MPS degree. Coursework will include:
- Two focus area courses (chosen in consultation with an advisor)
- Pastoral Leadership and Organization
Electives and Capstone
9 Credits
master of pastoral studies
Electives (6 credits)
M.P.S. students take six additional credit hours of electives. Normally, two elective courses are chosen – in consultation with a student’s academic advisor – from one of the focus areas listed in the previous tab.
Capstone (3 credits)
- LIM 886: Pastoral and Educational Praxis (3 credits)
Overview
Online
master of pastoral studies
Applications are accepted year-round for enrollment for Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Application deadlines: August 1, January 1, May 1
Admission Requirements
Online
master of pastoral studies
Application»
Complete online with no fee
Statement of Educational Purpose»
Your statement of educational purpose will enable the Admission Committee to understand your reasons for applying to the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) and your ability to benefit from our programs. It should also give you, the applicant, some clarity about why you seek admission to this program and so should assist you in your own discernment process. This statement should be an essay
- 600-1200 words in length
- double-spaced
- word-processed
Please state as clearly as possible your reasons for seeking your specified type of study (master's degree, continuing education or graduate certificate, or non-degree). What has led you to pursue your studies, and how do you think they can help you grow in a current or future ministry? Or, for those who do not now consider themselves to be in ministry, how do you think they can help you explore faith and its implications for the Church and world today?
You may include any additional information about yourself that you believe would assist the Admission Committee in evaluating your work, academic and ministerial background, as well as information that will aid the committee in assessing your ability to engage in this graduate-level ministry education program.
Those who have been away from academic writing for a while sometimes find this an anxiety-producing project. It need not be. Think of it instead as an opportunity to tell your story. What have you done in your life that has led you to decide to apply, and what do you hope to get out of this study opportunity? Surely you will get out of this opportunity more than you anticipate, but it is good to set down on paper your initial thoughts in part because doing so will help you as you discern further study.
Proof of a bachelor's degree
Your degree must have a minimum of 2.50 G.P.A. as well as any subsequent academic work (undergraduate or graduate) from an accredited college or university, verified by official transcripts mailed by the academic institution(s) that granted the bachelor’s degree and any subsequent credits. Early in the application process, please request that official transcripts from the university or college be sent to avoid a delay in receiving an admission decision. Electronic transcripts sent directly from the issuing college or university are acceptable.
Résumé of work experience»
Your résumé should include professional and/or voluntary ministerial responsibilities
Two recommendation forms»
These forms are to be completed by people who have observed you in a work, ministerial, or educational setting. The application form asks you to give the contact information of your recommenders, who will be asked to complete the form online or on paper.
Tuition and Fees
Online
master of pastoral studies
Because of the Jesuit commitment to spreading the gospel and training leaders, all LIM students receive a substantial discount off the regular Loyola University graduate tuition rate.
Current graduate tuition is $425 per credit hour ($1,275 per course). Current tuition for the continuing education certificates, including the advanced continuing education certificate, is $135 per CEU ($405 per course). Online students pay certain university fees as well. Fees for part-time graduate students (1-5 credit hrs per semester) are $112.50; full-time fees (6+ credit hrs per semester) are $225.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Online
master of pastoral studies
Financial Aid
LIM online, on-campus, and extension students enrolling in 6 or more credit hours per semester are eligible for federal student financial aid as well as private student loans. For further information about online student financial aid, please For further information about financial aid, please visit Loyola's Online Student Financial Aid page and the PLUS Loan program page.
Students are also encouraged to seek out private scholarships, such as ones available through professional ministerial organizations of which they are a member, such as the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and which offer member scholarships.
U.S. students may be eligible for a Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. This tax credit was designed to help students acquire or improve job skills. Part-time students may apply. This is a tax credit equal to 20 percent of the first $5,000 of qualifying tuition paid or $1,000 maximum per family. Consult your tax advisor for complete details.
LIM Scholarships
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, particularly Joe and Kelly George, the families of Dr. Betty Montgomery and Ingrid Lilly Frohlich Burns, and the Mary Family Foundation, LIM offers several scholarships.
Active Ministry Scholarship»
The Loyola Institute for Ministry is committed to supporting students pursuing graduate degrees in pastoral studies and religious education. Recognizing that finances can be a barrier to those called to pursue advanced degrees, LIM has a limited number of partial scholarships ranging from $200-500 dollars per semester available to graduate students working full-time in ministry, either on a paid or volunteer basis and taking a minimum of three LIM courses per year, and enrolled in a LIM program requiring 12 or more credit hours for completion.
A brief essay of 500 words should explain your work in ministry. Please have this file ready to upload before you begin the application.
Students can apply for a scholarship at any time, but must have a completed application and be admitted into a LIM graduate program to be considered for a scholarship award. In the current academic year, which runs from the fall semester through the summer semester, apply by August 5 to be eligible for an award for the fall semester, by December 5 to be eligible for an award for the spring semester, by May 5 to be eligible for an award for the summer semester.
Graduate Assistant Scholarship»
Each academic year, LIM awards one full-tuition graduate assistant scholarship for an on-campus in New Orleans or fully online student in either the Master of Pastoral Studies or Master of Religious Education degree program. The scholarship recipient would be responsible for university fees and working up to 5 hours a week as a graduate assistant. For more information, please contact LIM Director Tracey Lamont, Ph.D., at tlamont@ngskmc-eis.net.
Needs-Based Scholarship»
The Loyola Institute for Ministry is committed to supporting students pursuing graduate degrees in pastoral studies and religious education. Recognizing that finances can be a barrier to those called to pursue advanced degrees, LIM has a limited number of partial scholarships ranging from $200-500 dollars per semester available to graduate students working full-time in ministry, either on a paid or volunteer basis and taking a minimum of three LIM courses per year, and enrolled in a LIM program requiring 12 or more credit hours for completion.
Awards are based on financial need, which is demonstrated by completing an application that requires a Statement of Need to be uploaded with the application. The Statement of Need should be a single-spaced, 500-word document or PDF file. It must describe the financial circumstances you are experiencing that necessitate scholarship aid. Please have this file ready to upload before you begin the application.
Students can apply for a scholarship at any time, but must have a completed application and be admitted into a LIM graduate program to be considered for a scholarship award. In the current academic year, which runs from the fall semester through the summer semester, apply by August 5 to be eligible for an award for the fall semester, by December 5 to be eligible for an award for the spring semester, by May 5 to be eligible for an award for the summer semester.
Jesuit Volunteer Corps Graduate Assistant Scholarship»
Each academic year, LIM awards one full-tuition graduate assistant scholarship for an eligible FJV to pursue, on-campus in New Orleans, or fully online, the degree of Master of Pastoral Studies or Master of Religious Education. The scholarship recipient would be responsible for university fees and working up to 5 hours a week as a graduate assistant. For questions or to apply for the FJV scholarship, please contact LIM Director, Tracey Lamont, Ph.D. at tlamont@ngskmc-eis.net.
Alumni Referral Scholarship»
Alumnae and alumni of the Loyola Institute for Ministry are invited to refer new graduate or undergraduate LIM applicants to receive a one-time $500 scholarship.
How It Works
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An alum identifies potential candidates for a LIM undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate and makes sure it’s ok with them for you to submit their name and email address as part of your referral.
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The alum completes this form for each person.
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LIM will contact the alum's referrals and invite them to apply.
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LIM will continue to alert the referral about LIM Open Houses and other LIM events, and they can always request to be removed from our contact list.
Fine Print
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Anyone who has completed a LIM graduate or undergraduate degree or certificate, including CEU graduates, may refer someone for this scholarship.
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There is no limit to the number of people you may refer.
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Applicants for LIM undergraduate or graduate degrees or certificates who have not previously taken LIM courses are eligible to receive the scholarship. Applicants for CEU credentials are not eligible.
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This scholarship may not be combined with any other one-time LIM scholarships.
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The scholarship is a one-time $500 scholarship for a student who enrolls in a course in the 2022 calendar year.
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The scholarship will be credited to the accounts of eligible recipients who continue to be enrolled after the fifth complete week of the term.
Gerald M. Fagin, SJ, Scholarship»
In recognition of outstanding academic achievement and commitment to Jesuit values, LIM awards annually the Gerald M. Fagin, SJ, Scholarship to two students to honor the legacy of former Loyola Institute for Ministry faculty member Fr. Jerry Fagin, SJ. Scholarship recipients must be working full-time in ministry either on a paid or volunteer basis and enroll in at least 3 LIM courses per year. For the purpose of this scholarship, ministry is defined as a position at a church, teacher in a Catholic school, and/or in a church-based organization.
Graduate students who have completed 18 credit hours toward their master’s degree and who currently have a GPA of 3.5 or higher may apply for this scholarship which awards up to $500 per course for the remainder of the student's courses. The deadline for applications is May 19, and the recipients will be announced the following August.
The application consists of an online form and an essay. The essay should be double-spaced and not longer than 2 pages (approx. 500 words) and should be a Word or PDF document. Please have this file ready to upload before you begin the application. You must be logged into your Loyola-sponsored Gmail account in order to upload your file. Apply here»
In your essay, please describe your understanding of and commitment to Ignatian spirituality such as its practices of prayer, discernment, finding God in all things, and your commitment to service rooted in justice and love. How has your practice of Ignatian spirituality impacted your life and ministry in practical concrete ways?
To learn more about the life and legacy of Fr. Gerald Fagin, or donate to this scholarship fund, please go here»
Auto [Expedited] Admit Program for LOYNO Students
Online
master of pastoral studies
Are you a Loyola New Orleans graduating senior or current alum? You could be eligible for the auto admit program. The Pastoral Studies program will auto admit eligible Loyola New Orleans students who meet the following criteria:
- students with a 3.0 GPA or higher and submission of a resume will be automatically admitted.
To apply as an auto admit, submit one the following application:
Request Information
Start the conversation — learn more about your program of interest.
Master of Pastoral Studies or Master of Religious Education
Which is right for you?
Both the master of pastoral studies (M.P.S.) and master of religious education (M.R.E.) are practical and emphasize the importance of the educational process in forming students and faculty into a community of learners. Loyola’s master of religious education is designed for those interested in faith formation, not only in schools and churches but in any setting that can be conceived of as educational. The MRE degree does not provide a license or certification but may qualify graduates for teaching positions, depending on the employer’s requirements.
Loyola’s M.P.S. requires the same core courses but also allows students to specialize in a wider range of focus areas, which qualify graduates for a wider range of jobs — in churches, schools, and beyond — such as with youth and the environment, in non-profits, and within the helping professions. M.P.S. students have ample opportunity to explore both degrees, and applicants can begin in one program and move to the other if they wish, as the core requirements are the same. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor to choose the degree that suits their career goals.
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