Immersed in the Catholic theological tradition. Devoted to transformative, hands-on
service to Christ and his Church.
In the diocese of Dallas, we are fortunate to have at our service the University of
Dallas Neuhoff Institute.
-Most Rev. Kevin Farrell, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas
The Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization offers a wide variety of academic, continuing education, certificate and adult faith formation programs for students committed to pastoral service within the Catholic Church, their
communities and the world at large. Courses are offered both in person at our Irving,
Texas, and Rome, Italy, campuses or online from anywhere in the world. Teaching faculty have distinguished themselves academically and through professional leadership positions
in national and international Catholic organizations.
We are committed to offering students practice-oriented programs of theological studies
and pastoral ministry that develop the critical thinking skills necessary for theological
reflection, the practical skills for effective leadership and the habits of mind needed
to continue to grow in faith and service.
History of the Neuhoff Institute for Ministry & Evangelization
1985
The Institute of Religious and Pastoral Studies (IRPS) was created as an institute
dedicated to training ministers who could respond to pastoral needs in their local
Church communities.
1987
IRPS began offering masters degrees in theological studies (M.T.S.) and religious
education (M.R.E) with its first graduating class of 23 students in May 1990.
1995
At the request of the Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Dallas, a Masters
in Catholic School Leadership degree was created to prepare teachers to meet the certification
requirements of administrators in Texas Catholic Conference accredited schools.
2001
The Masters degree in Pastoral Ministry (M.P.M) was introduced and expanded to six
focus areas between 2002 and 2004: Pastoral Administration, Health Care Ministry,
Campus Ministry, Family Ministry, Hispanic Ministry and Youth Ministry. Undergraduate,
graduate certificates were also made available.
Another key development was the establishment of the Catholic Biblical School, a four-year
part-time program of adult faith formation in Biblical Studies. This period also saw
the introduction of the "Summer in Rome" program which allows students to live and
study at UD's Rome Campus while also having the opportunity to explore the Eternal
City.
2005
IRPS commenced its online education programs, implementing an innovative and sector-leading
program that allowed students to complete the entire M.T.S. Degree or the Biblical
School online. It was at this time that IRPS began to offer the Biblical School in
Spanish in locations around Dallas and Fort Worth.
2007
At it's 20th anniversary celebration, IRPS was renamed to the University of Dallas
Neuhoff School of Ministry as a reflection of the school's important position at the
University, its growing national reputation and its expanded areas of service in meeting
the theological needs of the Catholic Church.
2016
Just shy of its 30th year, the School of Ministry was renamed the Ann and Joe O. Neuhoff
School of Ministry to perpetuate the legacy of faith and service of the Neuhoff family.
Joe O Neuhoff was an early member of the university's Board of Trustees, and he and
his wife, Ann, helped strengthen and sustain the Catholic mission of the university
beginning shortly after the time of its founding in 1956. The naming also honors their
son, Joe Oscar, who has continued in his parents' footsteps, serving on the university's
Board of Trustees and has been a steadfast advocate for the School of Ministry as
it has grown.
2019
The School of Ministry has established a reputation for excellence and is committed
to expanding the SoM's U.S. and international programs with new, high-quality, and
innovative academic programs that meet the developing needs of an increasingly diverse
Catholic clergy, deacons and lay persons.
Committed to students with a passion to grow hearts and minds.
Our graduate and undergraduate degree programs are grounded in the Catholic theological tradition. The undergraduate
degree program in particular combines a comprehensive series of pastoral ministry
courses with a broad liberal education based on the great works of Western civilization. Students
who may not be seeking a degree but who want to engage in intensive Bible study from
a Catholic perspective can enroll in our Catholic Biblical School’s 4-year course of study that covers every book in the Bible. We also offer continuing
education programs for faith formation.
Join us!
If you have questions about any of our programs, wish to attend an information session,
are interested in a campus tour or want to apply to one of our programs, we’d love
to hear from you.
“The Quest: The Way of Beauty” is a collaborative effort of UD faculty in several disciplines, including art, theology, modern languages and literature.