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Master in Pastoral Studies (Online MPS)

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Credit Hours

Years (Full-Time)

Time Commitment

Part-Time or Full-Time

In-person or online?

100% Online

Accreditation

ATS

Application Deadline

Ongoing Admissions

Program Start

Rolling Start Date

Earn Your Master In Pastoral Studies Degree Online

Lexington Theological Seminary is an ATS-accredited theological school in Lexington, KY.

We offer a 100% online Master in Pastoral Studies degree program.

The Master in Pastoral Ministry degree is designed for Roman Catholics who are called to service as lay leaders within the Church. Graduates will develop the spiritual and intellectual formation needed to serve their parishes and communities in the spirit of Christian discipleship.

Students need 40 hours to graduate, including a 3 credit hour practicum and a 3 credit hour integrative paper.

Why Choose Lexington Theological Seminary’s Online Master in Pastoral Studies?

√ PRACTICAL: LTS’s Master in Pastoral Studies guides students through practical faith formation with an emphasis on effective ministry in the 21st century.

√ FLEXIBLE: Take classes in person or 100% online. Study part-time or full-time. Pursue your education without disrupting your established career.

√ AFFORDABLE: $480 per credit hour with 30% (all denominations) and 50% tuition waivers (available to members of the Roman Catholic Church. Interest-free loans are available. Most students graduate with zero debt.

√ RESPECTED: LTS stands on a foundation of educational excellence, supporting our mission to share the light of Christ as we adapt traditional theological education to the modern world.

What will I learn in the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program?

We understand that not all who are called to ministry are meant for ordination.
Students in our Online Master in Pastoral Studies program will establish a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation that will equip them to become effective lay leaders in the Catholic Church.

Graduates will learn and practice skills in the following areas:
√ Interpreting Scripture
√ Understanding and interpreting the Church’s history for the modern congregation
√ Leadership skills for the modern congregation
√ Educational program development
√ Parish administration
√ Pastoral care and nurture of Christian communities

Graduates will enrich their parishes with knowledge of scripture, contemporary biblical scholarship, the Catholic tradition, and Catholic theology which they will draw upon as laity.

They will study the theological, biblical, and doctrinal foundations of the Church in order to become lay leaders who will support the mission of the Church by partnering with clergy, serving as chaplains, counselors, parish life coordinators, pastoral associates, directors of religious education, catechists, hospice workers, or other recognized lay ministries in the Church.

The program also provides an environment that prepares its students to engage in respectful and peaceable ecumenical dialogue with those of different faith traditions.

What are the differences between the Master in Pastoral Studies, the Master of Divinity, and the Master of Theological Studies?

LTS offers three masters degree programs:

Master In Pastoral Studies (MPS)Master Of Divinity (M.Div)Master Of Theological Studies (MTS)
Designed for Roman Catholic lay people who feel called to serve in the Church, but who do not seek ordination.


Graduates will enrich their parish communities with knowledge of scripture, contemporary biblical scholarship, the Catholic tradition, and Catholic theology.
√ Online
√ Roman Catholic
√ Non-Ordination Track
√ 3 Years		Prepares students for ordination in many denominations.
Graduates will be intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually- equipped to engage modern congregations in practical transformational ministry.
√ Online + In-Person
√ Multi-Denominational
√ Ordination Track
√ 4.5 Years		Designed to prepare students for a variety of ministries including advanced graduate study in one of the theological disciplines.

Students study the main theological disciplines and explore their own ideas through a written thesis relevant to their goals.

√ Online + In-Person
√ Multi-Denominational
√ Ordination Track
√ 2 Years

What Can I Do With a Master (of the Arts) in Pastoral Studies?

This program is ideal for lay people who feel called to service within the Catholic Church but who do not seek ordination.

Graduates of the Master in Pastoral Studies at LTS may go on to several potential roles including employment in the Church, church or community volunteer work, or as ambassadors for Christ in their communities.

100% Online

3 years with full time study.

Students should expect to spend 9 hours per week per course. Courses are asynchronous, so students have the flexibility to determine how they use their time.

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Online application
  • $65 non-refundable fee
  • Two letters of reference: one from a priest or bishop, another from an educator or employer
  • Answers to a series of essay questions
  • Transcripts from the student’s undergraduate institution verifying a 2.5 GPA or higher

 

Roman Catholic students will receive a 50% tuition scholarship and are eligible for Federal Stafford Loans

Divinity schools are often associated with larger universities, while seminaries are stand-alone institutions. As our name indicates, Lexington Theology Seminary reflects our commitment to sound theological education that prepares students for ministry.

We have cultivated a relationship with the Diocese of Lexington.

Students should request one letter from an ordained priest or bishop and one letter from either an educator or employer.

Program Curriculum

Interpreting the Scripture for the Church (IS)5.0
Interpreting the Past for the Church (IP)1.5
Interpreting the Faith for the Church (IF)3.0
Interpreting the Behavior of the Church (IB)1.5
Leading the Church Through Care (LC)1.5
Leading the Church Through Worship (LW)2.5
Leading the Church in Formation (LW)1.5
Leading the Church into Mission: Administration (LM)2.5
Leading the Church into Mission (LM)2.5
Free Electives2.5
Total Hours:24

Students must also complete a Practicum and an Integrative Paper.

View Course Catalog

The Master in Pastoral Studies can be completed 100% online.

Graduates will be equipped with a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition. They will enrich their parishes with knowledge of scripture, contemporary biblical scholarship, the Catholic tradition, and Catholic theology which they will draw upon as laity.

They will study the theological, biblical, and doctrinal foundations of the Church in order to become lay leaders who will support the mission of the Church by partnering with clergy, serving as chaplains, counselors, parish life coordinators, pastoral associates, directors of religious education, catechists, hospice workers, or other recognized lay ministries in the Church.

Can students enrolled in the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program transfer into the Master in Pastoral Studies program?

Yes. If students are taking the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry course for credit, they will have the opportunity to transfer into the program upon meeting certain requirements.

Time to Graduation

This program can be completed in 3 years.

Admissions Requirements for the Certificate in Pastoral Studies:

  • Credit Hours: 40
  • Years (Full-Time): 3
  • Time Committment: Part-time or full-time
  • In-person or online?: 100% Online
  • Accreditation: ATS

Prerequisites for the LTS Certificate in Pastoral Studies:

Prerequisites for the Master in Pastoral Studies: Undergraduate degree with a 2.5 GPA or better

Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • $65 non-refundable fee
  • Two letters of reference: one from a minister, another from an educator or employer
  • Answers to a series of essay questions
  • Transcripts from the student’s undergraduate institution verifying a 2.5 GPA or higher

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