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Pastoral Studies MA

About the Pastoral Studies MA at Loyola

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) program at Loyola’s Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) offers a broad preparation for ministerial service and the tools necessary to engage critically and constructively in the challenges and opportunities of our contemporary lives.

Embracing four areas of development — human, spiritual, intellectual, and ministerial — the MAPS degree guides you in the development of your own pastoral identity through an integrated exploration of theology and pastoral practice and prepares you for ministerial service in a variety of contexts.

Program Structure

In the master's degree, you can choose to study under the general MAPS program or focus your studies in one of four areas of concentration: church management, digital communication, health care chaplaincy, and religious education. The IPS program also offers a bilingual (Spanish) option offered entirely online.

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (General)

A traditional curriculum designed to provide a solid first-degree experience in education for ministry, including courses in scripture, pastoral theology, and ministerial skills.

Learn More

Courses are available online or in person at Loyola's downtown Chicago campus conveniently located off the Red Line. Some courses are also available in the summer through the IPS Rome, Italy program.

Why Choose Loyola for Your Pastoral Studies Master’s?

A tradition of scholarship and excellence

Founded in 1964, IPS is one of the first and most prestigious education-for-ministry programs in the nation.

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Institute of Pastoral Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Pastoral Studies MA program.

Faculty and Staff

Loyola Stories

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Pastoral Studies MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Pastoral Studies MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

Loyola University Chicago’s Institute for Pastoral Studies is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and is currently under a Warning pertaining to ATS Standards 2.6-7 on Educational Evaluation.

2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

ProgramCredit HoursCost Per Credit HourEstimated Tuition and Fees
Pastoral Studies MA36$885.00$31,860.00
Pastoral Studies: Church Management MA36$885.00$31,860.00
Pastoral Studies: Digital Communication MA36$885.00$31,860.00
Pastoral Studies: Health Care Chaplaincy MA36$885.00$31,860.00
Pastoral Studies: Religious Education MA36$885.00$31,860.00

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships

More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid page.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment

The Institute of Pastoral Studies offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

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Visit and Connect With Us

With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

Institute of Pastoral Studies
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Application Process

This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.

Official Documents

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the Pastoral Studies MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.

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