Interested in earning a master's degree in theology and ministry? This master's degree program is designed for lay people to offer comprehensive theological formation directed toward the practice of ministry. In addition to coursework in theology, students also engage in ongoing pastoral, human, and spiritual formation and complete a capstone project addressing specific ministry challenges and opportunities.
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership (MAPL) is a 38-credit hour master’s degree program geared toward lay Catholics who are active in teaching, service or ministry work and would like to develop their knowledge and become more immersed in Catholic intellectual tradition. By integrating academic coursework with pastoral formation, the MAPL curriculum addresses the challenges encountered in today’s culture and empowers co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard to excel at ministry. Candidates of MAPL who reside in the Archdiocese of New Orleans may also be eligible to apply to the lay ecclesial ministry commissioning process offered by ILEM, and can complete their MAPL and ILEM requirements concurrently.
Scholarship Opportunity
You may be eligible for our two scholarships: Handing on the Faith and Ecclesial Ministry Discount! Please see attachments for qualifications.
Course Requirements
- 38 credit hours
23 credits from ILEM
12 credits of additional theology courses
3 credits capstone paper
- All requirements can be completed in 2.5 – 4 years
Application
Daniel Burns, Ph.D., Director of Lay Ministry Programs and Lay Formation
dburns@nds.edu, (504) 866-7426 ex. 123
Monique Legendre, M.Ed., Administrative Assistant