The Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry recommends select on-site and on-line opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing ministry formation. 
Call us (330-744-8451) for more information about tuition assistance, certification, and further study.  

Nearby on-site programs: 

Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, has BA, and MA programs in Theology, and MA programs in Religious Education, Pastoral Ministry, and a dual MA in Pastoral Ministry and Communications.  CLICK HERE for the Duquesne  Department of Theology. 
John Carroll University, Cleveland, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Theology and Religious Studies, including a 5-Year BA/MA program.  CLICK HERE for the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. 
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CERTIFICATE in THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION: 
The part-time, 15-credit-hour Certificate in Theological Education is available to provide focused preparation for teaching theology at the high school level. A flexible distance-learning model allows you to participate in once-a-week classes on campus or online.
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MA in THEOLOGY & RELIGIOUS STUDIES
​The 30-credit-hour master’s degree provides a broad foundation in the field of theology and religious studies and can be completed in as little as two years. 
Ursuline College, Cleveland, offers undergraduate courses in Religious Studies and an MA in Theological and Pastoral Studies. CLICK HERE for more information. 
Walsh University, North Canton, offers an BA in Theology.  CLICK HERE for information. 
Loyola University of New Orleans offers local learning groups in the Diocese of Youngstown that meet weekly (in person) with a facilitator.  Participants can choose a Masters in Religious Education, Masters in Pastoral Studies, or Certificate.  For information, contact Margie Hynes by email mhynes@youngstowndiocese.org   or CLICK HERE.

On-line programs: 

The Catholic University of American offers an online Masters of Catechesis (M. Cat.). 

The program allows the majority of students to continue full-time ministry while enrolled. 

  • 30 credit hours of coursework is completed online.
  • A full-time online student takes one course each semester throughout the academic year and two courses during the summer term.
  • One-week residency takes place on campus each summer.
  • Online courses take place through CUA Blackboard.
  • An internship (6 credit hours) takes place over two semesters, ordinarily at the student's place of ministry.

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CLICK HERE for more information.
Fordham's Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education (GRE):

GRE offers tuition waivers of up to 50% for faith-based leaders, church workers, and educators. Financial aid is available to all that qualify.

ONLINE LEARNING: 
​ 
CLICK HERE for their on-line learning page. 
​bulletin.loyno.edu/graduate-bulletin/dual-degreesOnline Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Theology from Loyola New Orleans
The program requires two or more years of full-time work or volunteer experience for admission, allows students to transfer up to 90 credit hours of coursework from accredited colleges and universities, and requires 120 credits for completion.
​To learn more, CLICK HERE or email Margie Hynes, at mhynes@youngstowndiocese.org​

Online Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola New Orleans CLICK HERE
Requirements for the program consist of:  Theological core courses (18 credit hours); Focus area courses (9 credit hours); Elective courses (6 credit hours); Capstone course (3 credit hours)

Online Master Of Religious Education from Loyola of New Orleans CLICK HERE
Requirements consists of: Theological core courses (18 credit hours); Focus area courses (9 credit hours); Elective courses (6 credit hours); Capstone course (3 credit hours)

Online Master of Pastoral Studies and Master of Business Administration CLICK HERE
The total number of credits for the dual degree is 55 credit hours. Upon completion of this online program, students will be awarded two separate degrees. The requirements for both must be completed before either degree can be awarded. To view a helpful breakdown of program requirements for this degree, download the degree program course listing (DPCL).
INSTITUTE FOR MINISTRY COURSES: Introduction to Practical Theology; Jewish Roots (Old Testament); Christian Origins (New Testament); Grace, Christ, and Spirit; Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy; Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics
MPS FOCUS AREA COURSES: Spirituality and the Theology of Work; Ministry in the Marketplace; Parish Life and Administration; Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS COURSES:
MBA IMMERSION WEEKS: MBA Experience Week; Venture and Ideation Week; Career and Management Week; Ethics & Social Justice Week Four immersions are required, and alternative options may be available.  The Ethics & Social Justice immersion is required for all students.   
MBA CORE COURSES: Strategic Communication; Managerial Economics and Statistics; Financial and Managerial Accounting; Competitive Strategy; Operations and Process Management; Financial Management; Marketing Strategy; Organizational Behavior & Leadership; Any Business Elective

Flexible hybrid programs: 

The Boston College School of Theology and Ministry online program Crossroads has on-line courses and programs.
​CLICK HERE for the STM: Crossroads homepage. 
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry announced at least a 50% tuition scholarship for all applicants working full-time in parish or diocesan ministry through the hybrid model of our M.A. in Theology and Ministry or a graduate certificate programs (our Certificate in Theology and Ministry can be completed fully online). The hybrid model combines on-campus courses during the summer session with online courses taken throughout the academic year. 

The M.A. program has been designed to be flexible. Students in this program will be guided by  faculty advisors to craft the best program of study and sequence of courses. Through an intensive program of study, it is possible to complete the program in 3 years.  However, students have up to 5 years to complete the program. More information, including how to apply, can be found at: www.bc.edu/stmparish.

In addition, there is a  spirituality studies program, which includes non-degree, certificate, and degree opportunities to engage in the study of spirituality.
Saint Meinrad offers STUDY ON AND OFF CAMPUS
Pursue a degree on a part-time basis and live several hours away from campus. Realizing that you have other responsibilities - family, full-time work, parish and community involvement, etc. - Saint Meinrad provides a variety of course formats that fit your busy life.
There is no complete distance-learning degree; you must earn at least 25 percent of your degree credits through courses that meet on campus.

FIND OUT MORE HERE 
DISCOVER, DISCUSS, DISCERN! You're invited to an open house for graduate theology studies at Saint Meinrad, where you can learn about our programs, tour our facilities, and meet current students.

Experience an online Open House 
October 19, 2022 (ONLINE)
Graduate theology programs include:
SPECIALIZATION CERTIFICATES
  • Church History
  • Ethics and Moral Theology
  • Liturgical and Sacramental Theology
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Scripture
  • Spirituality
  • Systematic Theology
  • General Theological Studies
ACADEMIC DEGREE
  • Master of Arts (Theology)
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Reflective Practices