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John Carroll University
/ Academics
/ Theology & Religious Studies
/ Graduate
/ M.A. in Pastoral Ministry
Enhance Your Ministry
JCU's M.A. with a Concentration in Pastoral Ministry provides current and prospective lay ministers with a solid foundation in the Catholic theological tradition necessary for a rich and fulfilling ministry in the contemporary U.S. Catholic Church.
Become a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister
This program meets the academic requirements needed to become a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland.
- All graduate programs are available both IN PERSON and FULLY ONLINE.
- Once-a-week classes meet in the EVENINGS.
- HY-FLEX model allows students to choose each week to participate on campus or via Zoom.
- FULL-TIME and PART-TIME pathways.
- The Theology & Religious Studies tuition rate reflects John Carroll's commitment to supporting individuals called to serve within the church of Cleveland and beyond.
- For more information on cost per credit hour or financial aid, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services at (216) 397-4248.
The Pastoral Ministry Concentration satisfies the intellectual formation requirements needed to become a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland.
- TRS 5100 Scripture & Revelation
- TRS 51xx New Testament Topics
- TRS 5300 Theological Methods
- TRS 5320 Christ & the Paschal Mystery
- TRS 5340 Church & Sacrament
- TRS 5530 Catholic Moral Theology
- One Course in Non-Christian Religions
- One Elective in Pastoral Theology or Interreligious Studies
- Two Electives*
*One of the electives may be a course in Canon Law taught at St. Mary's School of Theology, which is require for diocesan certification. Browse upcoming courses.
Applicants to the M.A. Degree Program should submit:
- Online application form.
- Transcripts of undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Written statement indicating personal interests, goals, and expectations from the degree program.
- Two letters of reference from persons who are familiar with and able to assess the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate studies.
Featured Courses
Teaching Theology
Covers the nature and goals of theological education, the vocation of the theology teacher, the sociological research relevant to religious education, the developmental needs of adolescents and young adults, diversity in the classroom, and concrete pedagogical strategies.
Scripture & Revelation
Approaching the Bible as “revelatory text,” introduces different scholarly approaches to biblical interpretation and explores the ways in which these critical methods can confront, challenge, enhance, and/or expand readings of the Bible from the perspective of Christian faith.
Christ & Paschal Mystery
Studies the principal developments in theological reflection on the meaning and significance of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and in later church tradition; consideration of how contemporary Christology is both affected by and responds to crucial concerns of today’s culture.
Upcoming Courses
See what courses are coming up as part of the M.A. Concentration in Pastoral Ministry.