Graduate: Program Descriptions

Academics > Graduate: Program Descriptions

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry Program

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry prepares men and women to respond faithfully and competently to
the Church’s call for a new evangelization in the culturally diverse society of the 21st century. The core
curriculum lays a solid foundation in the theological disciplines, in harmony with the Church’s teachings,
for ministry in Hispanic and other culturally diverse settings. Heeding the signs of the times and the
needs identified by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the program offers three
areas of concentration: Catechesis; Marriage, Family, and Youth Ministry, or Catholic Leadership. The
required courses are offered in English, Spanish, and bilingually as needed. Courses will initially be
offered on MACC’s campus, though future plans look to online and/or satellite classroom venues.
Students are required to demonstrate pastoral, cultural, and an intermediate level of second language
competence prior to conferral of the degree.

The program incorporates the standards for ministry formation outlined by “Co-Workers in the Vineyard”
and adapts these to the social realities and pastoral priorities of Hispanic Ministry. Graduates will be well prepared to serve dioceses or parishes as directors of religious education (catechesis), marriage and family ministry, youth and young adult ministry, and other leadership positions available throughout the United States. The knowledge and skills acquired through the program, may also qualify the graduate for various professional positions in social service and pastoral care settings, educational institutions, and community organizations.

The Master of Arts program consists of a minimum of 36 hours of graduate level courses, including 24
hours of core course requirements and at least 12 hours of concentration courses. Additional requirements include a comprehensive exam and an internship in a pastoral setting.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry for MACC BA Graduates

This program is open only to those who have completed their B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from the Mexican
American Catholic College. The program requires a minimum of 30 hours beyond the Bachelors. The
following core curriculum requirements (see below) are waived: THEO 6310, THEO 6311 and THEO
6320. All other core and concentration requirements must be met.

Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry

The Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (G.C.P.M.), is for those who wish to take advantage of
course offerings in the M.A. program without pursuing a degree. It allows students to take courses for
credit without being liable for specific degree requirements or comprehensive examinations. MACC grants this certificate upon completion of an individualized course of study that consists of a minimum of 18 credit hours from the M.A. curriculum (core and concentration courses).