Program Overview
The Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago is a MA programme in Humanities over 24 months, delivered Hybrid. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Pastoral Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: Hybrid
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: USD 773 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 773 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
- Location: Chicago, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Pastoral Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Introduction to Theology and Ministry
- Literature of Ancient Israel
- Christian Origins: An Exploration of the New Testament
- Christian Doctrine & Its History: Grace, Christ, & the Spirit
- Church and its Mission
- Liturgy and Christian Sacraments
- Christian Moral Theology and Ethics
- The Human Person and Psychological Development
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts for all undergraduate and any graduate work. To be eligible for admission, your transcript must show an earned bachelor\'s degree or a bachelor\xc2\x92s degree in progress. Certified copies of transcripts are acceptable; faxed copies of transcripts are not considered official. If you attended Loyola University Chicago previously, you do not need to request transcripts; we have them on record.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: If you supply your recommender\xc2\x92s email address as part of your completed online application form, then your recommendation letters may be submitted online.
- A Personal Statement: Your statement should be approximately 6 double-spaced pages and respond to the topics below. Non-degree applicants need only submit a brief statement describing the reasons for taking courses at the Institute for Pastoral Studies.
A. Write a brief autobiographical essay, focusing on key themes in your personal development to date. Be sure to include details about:
- your educational background,
- your career experience,
- persons and events that have been major influences on you,
- ministerial/volunteer/advocacy experiences that have most impacted you, and
- your learning style.
B. Based on these personal and professional factors, please discuss your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please address the following questions:
- Why the particular degree for which you have applied?
- Why the IPS?
- Why now?
- What contemporary issues in your proposed field of study do you see as most pressing?
- Upon completion of the program, in what professional context and with which persons/clients/populations do you see yourself ministering or working?
- How do you envision your IPS coursework fitting with your other work/life obligations? Do you intend to pursue your degree full-time or part-time?
- If your degree program is offered entirely or partly online, do you intend to pursue your degree on-campus, online, or through a combination of on-campus and online courses?
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 773 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 773 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 773 (Tuition (Credit)) — International students; USD 773 (Tuition (Credit)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Loyola University Chicago directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, United States
Loyola University Chicago is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-10
- Language English
- Duration 24 months