Inspire the next generation with the knowledge of Christ through the University of
Dallas Master of Catechetical Ministry.
I am constantly uplifted by how well the faculty integrates theology with pastoral
realities. What I am learning is opening my eyes to the bigger reality of our faith
while still resonating deeply with my own experience.
-Lauren White, '16
Catechesis encompasses both evangelization and ongoing faith formation, both of which
are integral to the Christian life and pertinent to any element of ministry. The master's
degree and graduate certificate in catechetical ministry are specifically designed
for those who would like to serve as directors of adult formation, parish catechetical
leaders or directors of children's formation, directors of RCIA, Catholic school teachers
or administrators.
The program combines theological and pastoral knowledge with practical application
of catechetical principles and methods. Every student in the Catechetical Ministry
program takes a set of core courses and courses focused specifically on the principles
of religious education.
Master of Catechetical Ministry Degree Requirements
Master of catechetical ministry students combine the ministry core curriculum (21
credit hours) with degree-specific course requirements (15 credit hours) to complete
36 total credit hours of course work.
- TMIN 5311. Graduate Proseminar. Required of all first-year students. It is designed to introduce new students to
the world of graduate studies in theology and pastoral ministry, and to assist them
in undertaking graduate level work successfully. Students will be led through the
whole process of writing for theological studies, from reading comprehension to theological
analysis, from first draft to final paper. Proseminar is offered only in the Fall
semester, with both on site and online options..
- TMIN 5310. Foundations of Catholic Biblical Interpretation. This course’s content and structure are suggested by a description of the Bible by
the Second Vatican Council: the words of God expressed in human language (DV 13).
Therefore, it will deal, first, with the concepts of Revelation, Transmission-Tradition,
Inspiration, Biblical Truth and the Canon, which traditionally express the Church’s
belief in the divine origin of the Bible. Second, it will deal with the nature of
the Bible as a human document, linked to a culture rooted in specific coordinates
of space and time. Finally, it will review the development and nature of modern scientific
methods and approaches of biblical interpretation, together with the Church’s reactions
to and positions on these methods and approaches in the last 100 years.
- TMIN 5330. Systematic Theology. This course engages students in structured reflection on the Christian communal experience
of faith and how that faith is understood, expressed, and lived out in the Catholic
tradition. It invites dialogue among students and with the formative elements of Catholic
tradition to consider theological method (i.e., How do we do this work properly?),
doctrinal clarity (i.e., What does our formative tradition teach?) and pastoral practice
(i.e., How do theology and pastoral realities influence one another?). Topics of special
focus include revelation and faith, God, the Trinity, Christology, Christian anthropology,
and the theology of the church, including Mary and the saints.
MCM Program Required Courses
- TMIN 6370. Ministry in the Church. This course explores the contemporary phenomenon of ministry in the Catholic Church
from the angles of theology and pastoral practice. Theological exploration focuses
on biblical visions of ministry, the history of ministry in the church, and its doctrinal
underpinnings and implications, especially in ecclesiology. Pastoral consideration
reflects on attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective pastoral ministry
in today's church. Integrating these perspectives, the course includes discussion
of issues related to the contemporary ministerial scene and critical ecclesial documents
on ministry formation
- TMIN 6371. Pastoral Administration and Management. This course explores the purpose and function of a parish in the life of the church,
and the role of pastoral administration within it. Students consider the theology
and experience of parish life and reflect on many of the key ministries necessary
for its success, including ministries of Word, worship, service and community building.
Pastoral skills for planning, leadership, administration of temporal goods, communication,
and managing relationships are among topics considered.
- TMIN 6375. Catechetics and the Development of Faith. This course introduces the history, theology, and practice of catechesis. This includes
the methods, content, and curriculum of contemporary catechesis, with particular focus
on age-appropriateness and faith and its maturation in people.
- TMIN 7375. Models of Catechesis. This survey of emerging models and approaches to catechesis includes conversation
and mutual learning about approaches across the lifespan to assist those preparing
for or already bearing this responsibility. Particular attention will be given to
the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) as a model for the catechetical
journey, adult catechesis, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, family catechesis, intercultural
catechesis, small Christian communities, and youth and young adult catechesis.
- Elective (3 credit hours)
Mentoring
The MCM program also incorporates a mentoring process in which students are paired
with professional ministers who provide additional support, encouragement and practical
knowledge that augments and extends the classroom experience.

Fully Accredited. Ready to Serve.
The Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts ministerial graduate programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools and in accordance with the USCCB's standards for
certification and accreditation.