Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS)

The University of Saint Mary of the Lake is now offering an online or in-person Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) degree program for both lay students and Deacons.  The program is designed for part-time students, offering two evening courses each semester and one course each summer.  Three-credit courses are held from 7-9:45 pm and two-credit courses are held from 7-9:10 pm.  The course of study for the MAPS degree is a total of 41 credit hours.

This degree helps the University actualize its mission and vision for lay formation in the Catholic Church by providing graduate level theological education in the Archdiocese of Chicago.  The program serves, among others, students in preparation for lay ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago and current pastoral ministers and Deacons seeking to continue their intellectual formation.  Also, an online USML MAPS degree program with a rich ministerial formation component is now offered for students who reside outside of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Students are formed in the Catholic tradition so that they are able to evangelize and catechize the community and the culture, interpreting Scripture according to the mind of the Church and with an accurate historical awareness.  They learn the sacramental and theological perspectives of the Catholic Church and learn to communicate these perspectives in teaching.  The Catholic moral tradition is a particular emphasis so that students are able to respond to questions of ethics.

Students also experience a focused program of human formation which includes input from the social sciences as well as the spiritual sciences.  Elements include a psychological evaluation, meetings with the formation adviser, a formation program, and spiritual direction.

Deacons who have completed the Institute for Diaconal Studies program are invited to enroll in the USML MAPS degree program. These Deacons are granted a significant level of advanced standing and a tuition discount.