School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization
Forming the next generation of parish leaders for service to God and His people.
Graduate Programs
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 of Ministry
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.
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS)
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) includes a range of classes explicitly oriented to applying theological knowledge in ministry. The program also includes a practicum and pastoral project as part of its requirements.
The MAPS equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a dynamic leader in your parish or community. It is a transformative journey that nurtures your personal and spiritual growth.
This degree provides a solid foundation in pastoral research methods and Catholic theology. You will gain the ability to evangelize and catechize your community, interpret Scripture with historical accuracy, understand sacramental and theological perspectives, and respond to ethical questions with a firm grounding in Catholic moral tradition.
Who Benefits from the MAPS Program?
- Those working as a Religious Educator/Catechist
- Those preparing for a career in Evangelization
- Those looking to grow in knowledge and skills
- Deacons and pastoral ministers
Complement existing skills and open doors to fulfilling careers in:
- High school religious education
- Pastoral associate
- Hospital, military, or corporate chaplaincy
- Missionary work
- Parish Ministry
Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies (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
Master of Arts in Liturgy (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
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML) is a graduate-level academic program comprised of only 36 credit hours, including nine electives. It is broadly based in theology to provide a solid foundation and equip you with a deeper understanding of faith and its role in the world.
The MTS program is perfect for working adults and offers flexible scheduling. With the MTS program, you’ll gain a supportive community, connect with like-minded individuals, and grow in faith together. You’ll experience personal and spiritual growth as you embark on a transformative journey that fosters purpose in all aspects of your life.
Who Benefits from the MTS Program?
- Those interested in preparing for doctoral studies or seeking to integrate theological knowledge with their existing skills (e.g., social workers)
- Anyone seeking to deepen their faith and serve others
- Teachers
- Chaplains
Complement existing skills and open doors to fulfilling careers in:
- Church administration
- High school religious education
- Hospital, military, or corporate chaplaincy
- Missionary work
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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