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Ministry Master’s Degree Programs

Delve into the Catholic theological tradition and gain practical skills for ministry with a master's degree from the University of Dallas. 

The Braniff Graduate School offers three ministerial graduate programs with a variety of concentrations for students committed to pastoral service within the Catholic Church, their communities and the world at large. Students study the enduring motifs and seminal language of the Catholic tradition as found in the Biblical, doctrinal, sacramental, moral and practical dimensions of Catholic life; in short, the heart of the Catholic faith as professed, celebrated, lived and prayed in heroic pursuit of the Church's mission. 

Courses are offered both in person at our Irving, Texas, and Rome, Italy, campuses or online from anywhere in the world. Our ministerial graduate program students and alumni hail from over 30 different states as well as Africa, Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

Which graduate program is right for you? 

Master of Theological Studies (for Ministry)

The MTS is designed to equip you for the pastoral application of theological knowledge. Combine a core curriculum with elective courses to concentrate your study on a particular topic of interest or a broad variety of subjects. The MTS can also be completed entirely online. 

The MTS can be completed with or without a concentration in Biblical Theology. 

Master of Pastoral Ministry

The MPM program equips graduates with theological knowledge, pastoral skill and spiritual depth to serve the diverse ministerial needs of the church. Concentrations in campus ministry, church management, health care ministry and youth ministry are available.

Master of Catechetical Ministry

Specifically designed for those who would like to serve as parish catechetical leaders, the MCM program combines structured coursework with pastoral skills and culminates in a capstone project. Every student in the catechetical ministry program takes a set of core courses as well as courses focused specifically on the principles of religious education. 

Ministry Graduate Certificates

Deepen your understanding of theology to make a transformative impact on your ministry. Graduate certificates comprise 18 credit hours of coursework and can be earned in theological studies, pastoral ministry or catechetical ministry. Please contact us for more information about graduate certificate programs. 


The University of Dallas also offers the Master of Catholic School Leadership in the Braniff Graduate School.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the online classes like? 

Ranked the #1 Online Theology Master's Degree Program by TheBestSchools.org, the Braniff Graduate School offers the same comprehensive curriculum, rigorous coursework, pastoral application, and community of learning to online students. All ministry master’s programs can be completed entirely online. 

How will I benefit from a ministerial master's degree?

Graduates of the ministerial programs of the Braniff Graduate School are prepared to serve the Church as catechetical leaders, classroom teachers, youth ministers, pastoral care providers, formation mentors and pastoral administrators. 

Where do alumni work and serve?

Our ministry program alumni serve at every level, from small rural parishes to large urban archdioceses, in university programs and national offices. They are parish catechetical leaders, directors of RCIA, campus minsters, hospital chaplains, young adult ministers, liturgists, prison chaplains, sacramental preparation coordinators, pastoral associates, family life directors, deacons, pastors, directors of diocesan and national offices and programs.  

 

Contact us today to learn more.