Escuela de Liderazgo Parroquial y Evangelización
Formar a la próxima generación de líderes parroquiales al servicio de Dios y de su pueblo.
Programas de posgrado
There are any number of universities where you can study theology and facts about the Church. But the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, founded in 1844, includes Mundelein Seminary, which means the formation of priests; and this makes all the difference. That’s because we will provide you with an integral formation that focuses on helping you grow spiritually, pastorally, intellectually, and in those human qualities critical for ministry. That’s the USML difference!
Our programs have served the needs of the Catholic community by providing excellence in intellectual and academic formation and addressing all of its dimensions. We see graduate theological education as a transformative encounter with the riches of the Catholic spiritual and intellectual tradition.
Flexibility and convenience are key terms for the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization. The University is part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, so we offer classes in-person here on the campus of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, in many of the vicariates in the Archdiocese of Chicago, or online.
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Learn more about each of our graduate programs:
Doctor en Ministerio
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) is tailored for seasoned ministers holding a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent qualification. Positioned as a terminal professional degree distinct from a Ph.D., it emphasizes the refinement of practical skills and leadership acumen essential for effective ministry.
This degree allows you to bring your ministry into dialogue with the best insights from Scripture, Tradition, and the human sciences. The degree program’s goal is to develop pastoral leadership skills that meet the missionary needs of the church in today’s challenging cultural environment.
Designed to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals, the program features a hybrid delivery format. This structure caters to working individuals balancing professional responsibilities with academic pursuits.
Through case studies and projects drawn from ministerial experiences, scholars engage in integration and processing with the goal of acquiring advanced competency in ministerial leadership. To achieve this goal, the program provides scholars with a community of practice where ministerial integration is combined with formal coursework and research supervision.
The curriculum is focused on Christian Leadership, with an emphasis on helping existing leaders grow in their vocations, equipping them to respond better to God’s call. Additionally, for previously trained Spiritual Directors we offer a modified curriculum combining Leadership courses with a special focus on the ministry of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
Who Benefits from the D.Min Program?
- Experienced ministers, both lay and ordained, seeking career enhancement.
- Professionals aspiring to leadership roles in ministry, including Catholic school presidents or high school theology educators transitioning into administrative positions.
- Individuals aiming to strengthen their leadership effectiveness within their current ministry contexts.
- Aspiring to be a college professor or teach at the university level.
Maestría en Estudios Pastorales (MAPS)
El programa de Maestría en Estudios Pastorales (MAPS) de la Universidad de Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) proporciona el conocimiento y las habilidades necesarias para convertirte en un líder dinámico en tu parroquia o comunidad. Es un camino transformador que nutre tu crecimiento personal y espiritual. Este programa se caracteriza por un enfoque desde la cultura hispana, reconociendo la riqueza de sus tradiciones, espiritualidad y desafíos pastorales, integrándolos en la formación teológica y ministerial.
El programa incluye una variedad de clases orientadas específicamente a aplicar el conocimiento teológico en el ministerio. El programa también incluye un practicum y un proyecto pastoral como parte de sus requisitos.
Este grado ofrece una base sólida en métodos de investigación pastoral y en teología católica. Adquirirás la capacidad de evangelizar y catequizar a tu comunidad, interpretar las Escrituras con precisión histórica, comprender las perspectivas sacramentales y teológicas, y responder a cuestiones éticas con un fundamento sólido en la tradición moral católica.
¿Quién se beneficia del programa MAPS?
- Educadores religiosos / Catequistas
- Quienes se preparan para una carrera en evangelización o desean crecer en conocimiento y habilidades
- Aquellos que buscan crecer en conocimientos y habilidades
- Diáconos y ministros pastorales
Complemente sus habilidades actuales y abra las puertas a una carrera profesional satisfactoria en:
- Educación religiosa en la escuela secundaria
- Asociado pastoral
- Capellanía hospitalaria, militar o corporativa
- Trabajo misionero
- Ministerio parroquial
Maestría en Estudios Litúrgicos (MALS)
The Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies (MALS) program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) is the same as the MAL program, and it is designed for those who plan to work at parish, diocesan, or secondary education levels. In addition to the MAL program, the MALS is considered an “academic” degree. It requires reading knowledge of Latin and one modern foreign language and writing an academic thesis. This program may be completed online over two academic years, on campus over five summers, or part-time.
The MALS is a prerequisite to attaining your PhD, and successful completion of the MALS opens the possibility of further studies at the PhD level. With the MALS, you will immerse yourself in a dedicated community that fosters in-depth learning and spiritual formation in the rich Catholic tradition.
Who Benefits from the MALS Program?
- Priests and those who plan to work at the parish, diocesan, or secondary education levels
- Director of Worship
- People who specialize in religious art, architecture, music, and book publishing
- Those preparing for doctoral studies in liturgy
Maestría en Liturgia (MAL)
The Master of Arts in Liturgy (MAL) program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) allows you to delve deeper into the theoretical and practical aspects of sacred liturgy, including changes in liturgical practices, understanding Catholic law and theology, and more. Students will gain extensive knowledge of Church reforms and changes throughout time. The program also focuses on the dedicated liturgy of the church, the beauty and tradition of the church, and understanding the grace of rituals, art, and architecture.
This specialized degree program is carefully crafted for individuals passionate about serving in a parish or diocesan church. It is a terminal professional degree that provides a distinctive path for your career; in other words, this path does not allow you to pursue a PhD. If you aspire to pursue a PhD, we also offer the Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies (MALS) program.
Who Benefits from the MAL Program?
- Priests and those who plan to work at the parish, diocesan, or secondary education levels
- Director of Worship
- People who specialize in religious art, architecture, music, and book publishing
Maestría en Estudios Teológicos (MTS)
El programa de Maestría en Estudios Teológicos (MTS) de la Universidad de Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) es un programa académico de posgrado que consta de solo 36 horas crédito, incluidas nueve asignaturas optativas. Se basa ampliamente en la teología para proporcionar una base sólida y dotar al estudiante de una comprensión más profunda de la fe y su papel en el mundo.
El programa MTS es perfecto para adultos que trabajan y ofrece horarios flexibles. Con el programa MTS, obtendrás una comunidad que te apoyará, te conectarás con personas afines y crecerás en la fe juntos. Experimentarás un crecimiento personal y espiritual al embarcarte en un viaje transformador que fomenta el propósito en todos los aspectos de tu vida.
¿Quién se beneficia del programa MTS?
- Aquellos interesados en prepararse para estudios de doctorado o que busquen integrar conocimientos teológicos con sus habilidades existentes (por ejemplo, trabajadores sociales).
- Cualquiera que desee profundizar en su fe y servir a los demás.
- Profesores
- Capellanes
Complemente sus habilidades actuales y abra las puertas a una carrera profesional satisfactoria en:
- Administración de la Iglesia
- Educación religiosa en la escuela secundaria
- Capellanía hospitalaria, militar o corporativa
- Trabajo misionero
About Us
At the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, “Tradition” is deeply rooted in our long history as a center for Catholic theological education and formation. Established in 1844, it is one of the oldest Catholic universities and seminaries in the United States. The university’s tradition is characterized by its commitment to the intellectual, spiritual, pastoral, and human formation of its students, preparing them for service in the Church.
The School of Parish Leadership & Evangelization (SPLE) offers lay leadership programs to help students grow in faith, knowledge, and Catholic intellectual tradition to prepare them for service in their parishes, neighborhoods, and families. Students at the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization learn about faith and go on to serve the Church and its people in a ministerial or leadership role.
At the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization you’ll find:
Tradition
Established in 1844, USML is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the United States committed to the intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation of our students, preparing them for service in the Church.
Spiritual Growth
We provide a holistic approach to spiritual growth, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also spiritually enriched and ready to serve the Church and His people with a deep, vibrant faith.
Community
Being part of our community means joining a vibrant, faith-filled environment dedicated to the holistic formation of our university. As a student, you become part of a long tradition of excellence in Catholic theological education
Broad Horizons
Your intellectual curiosity, spirituality, and pastoral readiness will be cultivated while you prepare to make a lasting impact on the Church and its people, guided by the knowledge, faith, and experiences you gain.
Expert Faculty
Many of the same professors who teach seminarians also teach our students. You can be assured that what you learn at USML is in conformity with authentic Catholic doctrine from the heart of the Church.
Pathway to Service
At USML we honor the tradition of pastoral formation, equipping future priests and lay leaders with the practical skills and pastoral sensitivity needed to serve effectively in their ministries.
George Cardinal Mundelein Scholarship
The School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake offers affordable programs for lay people and others who want to learn about their faith and serve the Church. We know that affordability is an important factor in choosing a program. So, our programs are priced competitively while at the same time providing a world-class theological education.
The University is part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, which offers the George Cardinal Mundelein Scholarship to support students from diocese who send their seminarians to the University of Saint Mary of the Lake’s Mundelein Seminary, that includes the Archdiocese of Chicago. The scholarship provides $11,000 of tuition assistance to students.
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