The University of Saint Mary of the Lake is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved (click on each link to learn more about the respective program):

Contact Information for Accrediting Body

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada

10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275, USA
Phone: (412) 788-6505
Fax: (412) 788-6510
www.ats.edu

Statement of Educational Effectiveness

At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake we educate and form priests, deacons, and lay leaders to serve the Church and its people. Our campus is home to Mundelein Seminary and The School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization, each grants degrees through the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, chartered in 1844. The University has been in continuous operation since 1921.

Located just north of Chicago, it is home to seminarians from about 30 dioceses across the country and around the world. Solidly grounded in the four dimensions of formation (academic, pastoral, human, and spiritual) USML’s distinctive curriculum includes an innovative Teaching Parish Program, two full-time internships, simulation lab, and a study-pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Mundelein Seminary graduates are men of prayer whose hearts are burning to serve as a holy bridge between God and His people. They are formed in tradition, trained in compassion, and prepared to shepherd.

By the Numbers

  • 31 dioceses and 8 religious communities send seminarians to USML.
  • More than 60 students take graduate courses in our School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization each year.
  • 100% of full-time faculty are involved in service to the Archdiocese of Chicago and the church throughout the world. 

Degree Completion Rates

In accordance with the Annual Report Forms submitted to the Association of Theological Schools:

M. Div.

M.A.P.S & M.A.L.

(Professional Degrees)

M.A.P.R., M.T.S. & M.A.L.S. (Academic Degrees)

D.Min.

2025-26

65.91%

46.67%

72.22%

14.29%

2024-25

100.00%

100.00%

0.00%

0.00%

2023-24

61.22%

33.33%

100.00%

0.00%

2022-23

91.67%

92.31%

77.78%

90.00%

2021-22

97.44%

87.50%

100.00%

100.00%

2020-21

82.22%

90.00%

100.00%

83.33%

2019-20

67.35%

75.00%

88.89%

75.00%

  • M.Div. degree completion rates are based on the number of students who entered this program six years prior to the Fall semester of the given year and have since graduated.
  • Both M.A. (Professional) and M.A. (Academics) degree graduation rates are based on the number of students who entered these programs four years prior to the Fall semester of the given year and have since graduated.
  • D.Min. degree completion rates are based on the number of students who entered this program six years prior to the Fall semester of the given year and have since graduated.

Students who did not complete their degree programs may include, among others, those who discerned out of their course of study, those who were sent to Rome or another seminary to complete their studies, and those who remain current students in USML in the degree program for which they are included as having entered six years ago (M.Div.)  and (D.Min.) or four years ago (M.A.P.R., M.A.P.S., M.A.L, M.T.S., M.A.L.S.).