Master of Pastoral Theology (MPTh)

College of Arts and Sciences

The Master of Pastoral Theology (MPTh) program offers professional and personal growth and academic rigor to those who wish to be more fully prepared to serve in a variety of pastoral responsibilities and ministries within the Church. Currently offered in conjunction with the Deacon Formation Program of the Davenport Diocese, the MPTh program is also open to all qualified applicants. Interested candidates should note that we employ a cohort model which enriches the academic experience. The 30 credit program can be completed in as few as 2 ½ calendar years. Classes are offered in person one weekend (Saturday-Sunday) per month, August through May. Each weekend includes 12 hours of instruction. Students must be prepared to complete significant reading and writing assignments between the monthly meetings.

The program is grounded in the Roman Catholic tradition, broadly ecumenical and respectful of religious, cultural, and gender diversity.

Degree Requirements

Thirty graduate credits including at least 4 in each of the following areas: Scripture, Sacramental/Spiritual Theology, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, and Pastoral theology and at least two credits in Historical Theology. Students must maintain a “B” average.

Integration Project Capstone

Requirements for the MPTh degree include the completion of a 2 credit Integration Project intended to demonstrate the student's integration of coursework with pastoral ministry. The thesis must be submitted to the advisor, the department director and a third member of the department. The final copy of the Integration Paper must be completed and approved at least 2 weeks before the student’s graduation.

Requirements for Admission

  1. Accredited baccalaureate degree.
  2. Undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Six credits of theology including:
    1. Introduction to Theology
    2. Introduction to Scriptural Studies
  4. Conditional admission to the program may be granted while fulfilling these prerequisite courses.
  5. Ministry experience.

Application Information

Before registering for a course, a student must seek admission to the University either as a degree candidate or as a special student.

Procedure for Admission as a Degree Candidate

If a person has an undergraduate degree in any field, and experience in either professional or volunteer ministry, she/he may apply for admission to the Master of Pastoral Theology program.

  1. Complete the graduate application form.
  2. Request that a complete transcript from the institution that granted the bachelor’s degree be sent directly to the program director. An official copy is one sent from the attended institution directly to the University. Also have forwarded a transcript of any graduate course work.
  3. Return the application form to the director of pastoral theology program. Application and transcripts should be on file at least one month before registration for classes.

After the application materials have been received and reviewed by the Admissions Committee, the student will be notified of the admission decision.

Procedures for Admission as a Non-Degree Seeking Student

Students may take courses in the MPTh program as a special student, non-credit, or for Continuing Education Units (CEU). Contact the director of the MPTh program for details. We encourage those interested in or already engaged in parish ministry to enroll in MPTh classes for personal growth and continuing education.

Transfer of Credit Policy

MPTh degree candidates may transfer graduate credit from another university. Transfer of credit approval is based on the following criteria: the credit has been earned within the last five years, it is graduate level work, at least a grade of “B” has been earned, and it is relevant to the student’s degree objectives. Students seeking approval for transfer of credit must submit a Transfer of Credit form and an official transcript of those credits to the pastoral studies program director.

Advanced Standing Policy

MPTh degree candidates who have participated in substantive educational programs which do not grant academic credit may apply to have such study included as part of their degree work by requesting advanced standing.

Advanced standing status is based on the following criteria:

  • participation in the educational program has been within the last five years;
  • the content of the program constitutes graduate level work;
  • applicants complete a written description of specific learning experience as proof of competence; and
  • the learning experience is relevant to the student’s degree objectives.

The program director will evaluate advanced standing requests and establish credit hour equivalency.

Students seeking advanced standing must submit the request along with a description of the work to the Pastoral Theology program director.

No more than 8 hours total credit will be applied toward the degree from Transfer and Advanced Standing.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Submit a graduation application before the deadline indicated in the academic calendar.
  2. Complete any transfer of credit from other institutions as described above.
  3. Successfully complete course requirements and receive approval of the completed Integration Paper as outlined above.
  4. Submit the graduation fee.