Master of Pastoral Theology (MPT) Requirements

The MPT program is a non-thesis graduate program. The course of study requires a minimum of 34 graduate credits. The preference for entry into the program is an undergraduate degree in theology or religious studies with an emphasis in Christian studies. Applicants without such preparation will be required to take the prerequisite foundation courses or their equivalent. Although students are taking these courses for credit, they do not apply to the minimum number of credits required for completion of the degree program.

Master of Pastoral Theology students are admitted to cohorts that begin degree work with the summer intensive. 500-level courses and other preparation work can be completed prior to the beginning of candidate’s cohort.

MPT Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction
Students will explore the foundational issues underlying effective counseling, particularly as it impacts on pastoral counseling and spiritual direction in a multicultural environment. This certificate requires a minimum of 24 credits. MSCP courses may require prerequisites, and the required courses may not be offered during a single academic year. However, the two Religion courses (RE 685 and RE 687) will be offered to cohorts on consecutive summers. The MSCP program recommends that students in the certificate program take PSY 524 Abnormal Psychology if they do not have a course in the area in their academic history. While learning the basics of pastoral counseling and spiritual direction, one of the outcomes of this program is a clear understanding of when and to whom referrals must be made in the context of everyday lay ministry.

PERMANENT DIACONATE EDUCATION TRACK (64 CREDITS)
The Diaconate Education Track is a cohort program specifically designed to meet the requirements for ordination of permanent deacons in the Roman Catholic Church. While it accomplishes the aspirations of the MPT degree, it allows for more depth of reflection and specific applications to the ministry of the permanent deacon in the Church. Students in the Diaconate Formation Program may opt for either the Diaconate Education Track, the traditional MPT degree, undergraduate credit (not applicable to the graduate degree), or for a non-credit Certificate in Pastoral Ministries.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE OF STUDY WITHIN THE MPT
The Master of Pastoral Theology Permanent Diaconate Education Track is designed to provide the academic preparation that is required for ordination of a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. The course of study will provide a strong foundation in Scripture studies, theology and philosophy, as well as provide training in the homiletic, counseling, stewardship skills that are necessary for success in the role of a permanent deacon serving in this diocese. The scope of study greatly expands the normal requirements for the Master of Pastoral Theology degree, but remains consistent with the general learning outcomes of that degree. Because of the varying academic preparations of the candidates and their wives (who also are required to attend the deacon preparation program), the academic program is set up to award graduate, undergraduate, or continuing education credits, based on three distinct levels of requirements in the courses.

Courses for this track are offered as part of the formation program for permanent deacons. In order to match the structure of the overall program that prepares candidates for ordination to the permanent diaconate, the course of study is scheduled in three trimesters that run from January to March, March to May, and September to November each year. Courses are set up in Hybrid format included face-to-face and online instructional experiences. Instructors meet with students during each three month trimester at the scheduled formation weekends. Candidates seeking graduate or undergraduate credit continue the education process online during the three month session.

In addition to the overall Program Outcomes for the MPT degree, the Diaconate Education Track includes two further program outcomes.

Students completing the MPT Diaconate Education Track will demonstrate:
• An understanding of the western philosophical themes and movements and how they impacted theological thinking in the Christian community
• An understanding and application of skills required for successful ministry as a permanent deacon.

PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PLANS
1. Alumni and diocesan surveys are used to assess needs and effectiveness of the program in preparing students to meet those needs.
2. Faculty use indirect and direct evidence assessment tools for each class. The tests are based on the learning outcomes for the course, which are in turn linked to the program learning outcomes. Results of the tests are collected to give an overview of the on-going learning process in the program and to track effectiveness in reaching each of the program learning outcomes. Rubric-based assessment tools are designed to track the relative attainment of the learning outcomes as indicated in the program matrix. Assessment tools will include a variety of formats appropriate to the knowledge or skill area being assessed.
3. Diaconate Education Track students will prepare an electronic portfolio for the program that they will present for assessment by the Program and to the leadership of the Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Program. The portfolio will contain representative work from each of their courses as evidence of their attainment of each program outcome as well as an integrative essay.
4. Students will also complete exit surveys prior to their ordination to access their overall perception of the experience, and participate in a comprehensive assessment exam that will be used for evaluation of the program and part of the evaluation of the candidate’s readiness for ordination.

TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY
Students may apply for acceptance into the program and request consideration for transferring credits from another accredited program. The Director will determine the acceptability of credits and apply them to the program requirements. The decision of the Director in this regard is final. Transfer students will be expected to complete at least half of their total credit within the MPT program, including the completion of PL/RE 601, PL/RE 603 and RE-790.