LIM Programs

The Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) offers the following graduate-level degree programs and continuing education certificates. Admissions and program regulations can be viewed on the main LIM Bulletin Page. Detailed curriculum requirements are listed for each program below. 


Academic Programs 

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Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) or 
Certificate in Pastoral Studies (CPS)

The Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) is a 36-credit hour degree program. The Certificate in Pastoral Studies (CPS) is a 36 continuing education unit program.

  • Overview of requirements: 36 credit hours (crs) or continuing education units (ceus) required for completion
    • Theological core: 18 crs or ceus
    • Discernment process (non-credit, extension program only)
    • Focus area: 9 crs or ceus
    • Electives: 6 crs or ceus
    • Capstone: 3 crs or ceus 
       
  • Theological Core: MPS and CPS students complete 18 crs of theological core courses. These courses are: 
    • LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology
    • LIM 704 Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics
    • LIM 711 Jewish Roots of Christian Faith (Old Testament)
    • LIM 712 Christian Origins (New Testament)
    • LIM 714 Grace, Christ, and Spirit
    • LIM 722 Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy
       
  • Focus Area: MPS and CPS students engage in a Discernment Process in order to choose one of the focus areas below, completing the 9 crs or ceus of courses required by that concentration.
    • Christian Spirituality for Ministry
      • LIM 827 Spirituality for Ministers
      • LIM 828 History of Christian Spirituality
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • Digital Culture and Ministry
      • LIM 826 Digital Media and Ministry
      • LIM 885 Religious Communication
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • Marketplace Ministry
      • LIM 819 Spirituality and Theology of Work
      • LIM 820 Ministry in the Marketplace
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • Pastoral Life and Administration
      • LIM 844 Parish Life and Ministry
      • LIM 845 Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • Religion and Ecology
      • LIM 813 The Universe as Divine Manifestation
      • LIM 814 The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • Youth and Young Adult Ministry
      • LIM 870 Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
      • LIM 876 Youth and Young Adults: Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • Small Christian Community Formation
      • LIM 809 Inner Life of Small Christian Communities
      • LIM 810 Public Life of Small Christian Communities
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • Pastoral Care (This focus area is available on a limited basis in the online program.)
      • LIM 849 Intro. to Pastoral Care and Counseling
      • CNSL 830 Counseling Theories
      • CNSL 835 Intro. to Counseling
      • LIM 897 Clinical Pastoral Training (CPT) Practicum (in lieu of LIM 886)
    • Individualized Program
      • Two focus area courses (chosen in consultation with advisor)
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
         
  • Electives: MPS and CPS students complete 6 crs or ceus of electives
    • Normally, two other focus area courses to be selected in consultation with an advisor. 
  • Capstone Course: MPS and CPS students complete a final course of 3 crs. or ceus
    • LIM 886 Pastoral and Educational Praxis

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Master of Religious Education (MRE) or 
Certificate in Religious Education (CRE)

The Master of Religious Education (MRE) is a 36-credit hour degree program. The Certificate in Religious Education (CRE) is a 36 continuing education unit program. 

  • Overview of requirements: 36 credit hours (crs) required for completion
    • Theological core: 18 crs or ceus
    • Discernment process (non-credit, extension program only)
    • Focus area: 9 crs or ceus
    • Electives: 6 crs or ceus
    • Capstone: 3 crs or ceus
       
  • Theological Core: MRE and CRE students complete 18 crs of theological core courses. These courses are: 
    • LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology
    • LIM 704 Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics
    • LIM 711 Jewish Roots of Christian Faith (Old Testament)
    • LIM 712 Christian Origins (New Testament)
    • LIM 714 Grace, Christ, and Spirit
    • LIM 722 Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy
  • Focus Area: MRE and CRE students complete the 9 crs or ceus of courses required by this concentration:
    • LIM 837 Foundations of Religious Education
    • LIM 838 Curriculum Development
    • LIM 839 Religious Education across the Curriculum or LIM 846 Catechetical Leadership 
  • Electives: MRE and CRE students complete 6 crs or ceus of electives
    • Normally, two other focus area courses to be selected in consultation with an advisor. 
  • Capstone Course: MRE and CRE students complete a final course of 3 crs. or ceus
    • LIM 886 Pastoral and Educational Praxis

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Certificate in Catholic Social Teaching, Graduate or Continuing Education

The graduate Certificate in Catholic Social Teaching is a 12-credit hour certificate program. The continuing education Certificate in Catholic Social Teaching is a 12 continuing education unit program.

  • Requirements: 
    • LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology
    • LIM 714 Grace, Christ, and Spirit
    • LIM 746 Catholic Social Teaching
    • LIM 886 Pastoral and Educational Praxis

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Certificate in Church Management, Graduate

The graduate Certificate in Church Management is a 15-credit hour certificate program. This certificate is not offered at the Continuing Education (CEU) level. 

Students may elect to continue their studies at LIM beyond the 15 credit hours of this certificate program. Credit hours earned for the Certificate in Church Management can be applied toward a Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) degree. 

  • Requirements:
    • LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology
    • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • MGT B700 Organizational Leadership
    • MGT B705 Strategic Communications
    • Select one:
      • LIM 844 Parish Life and Ministry
      • LIM 845 Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry

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Certificate in Theology and Ministry, Graduate or Continuing Education 

The Graduate Certificate in Theology and Ministry is an 18 credit-hour program. The Continuing Education Certificate in Theology and Ministry is an 18 continuing education units program.

Students may elect to continue their studies at LIM beyond the 18 credit hours or CEUs of this certificate program. Credit hours or CEUs earned for the Certificate in Theology and Ministry program can be applied toward a Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) or a Master of Religious Education (MRE) degree or a Certificate of Pastoral Studies (CPS) or a Certificate of Religious Education (CRE).

  • Overview of requirements: 
    • Theological core: 12 crs or ceus
    • Electives: 6 crs or ceus
       
  • Theological Core
    • LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology (required)
    • Select 3 of the following courses in consultation with an advisor: 
      • LIM 711 Jewish Roots of Christian Faith (Old Testament)
      • LIM 712 Christian Origins (New Testament)
      • LIM 714 Grace, Christ, and Spirit
      • LIM 722 Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy
      • LIM 704 Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics
         
  • Elective Courses: select 2 from core courses above, focus area courses below, or other electives selected in consultation with an advisor:
    • LIM 809 Inner Life of Small Christian Communities
    • LIM 810 Public Life of Small Christian Communities
    • LIM 813 The Universe as Divine Manifestation
    • LIM 814 The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story
    • LIM 819 Spirituality and Theology of Work
    • LIM 820 Ministry in the Marketplace
    • LIM 826 Digital Media and Ministry
    • LIM 827 Spirituality for Ministers
    • LIM 828 History of Christian Spirituality
    • LIM 837 Foundations of Religious Education
    • LIM 838 Curriculum Development
    • LIM 839 Religious Education across the Curriculum
    • LIM 846 Catechetical Leadership
    • LIM 844 Parish Life and Ministry
    • LIM 845 Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry
    • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
    • LIM 870 Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
    • LIM 876 Youth and Young Adults: Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development
    • LIM 885 Religious Communication

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Certificate in Spirituality, Continuing Education 

The Continuing Education Certificate in Spirituality is a 12 continuing education units program.

  • Requirements:
    • LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology
    • Spirituality Courses (select two)
      • LIM 827 Spirituality for Ministers
      • LIM 828 History of Christian Spirituality
      • LIM 856 Topics in Christian Spirituality
    • Elective Course (select one)
      • LIM 704 Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics
      • LIM 711 Jewish Roots of Christian Faith (Old Testament)
      • LIM 712 Christian Origins (New Testament)
      • LIM 714 Grace, Christ, and Spirit
      • LIM 722 Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy
      • LIM 809 Inner Life of Small Christian Communities
      • LIM 810 Public Life of Small Christian Communities
      • LIM 813 The Universe as Divine Manifestation
      • LIM 814 The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story
      • LIM 819 Spirituality and Theology of Work
      • LIM 820 Ministry in the Marketplace
      • LIM 826 Digital Media and Ministry
      • LIM 827 Spirituality for Ministers
      • LIM 828 History of Christian Spirituality
      • LIM 837 Foundations of Religious Education
      • LIM 838 Curriculum Development
      • LIM 839 Religious Education across the Curriculum
      • LIM 846 Catechetical Leadership
      • LIM 844 Parish Life and Ministry
      • LIM 845 Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry
      • LIM 861 Pastoral Leadership and Organization
      • LIM 870 Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
      • LIM 876 Youth and Young Adults: Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development
      • LIM 885 Religious Communication
      • LIM 886 Pastoral and Educational Praxis

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Certificado de Educación Continua en Teología y Ministerio 

El programa LIM está disponible en lugares donde exista una agencia patrocinadora que organice y dirija el programa. Se concederá una Certificado de Educación Continua en Teología Y Ministerio a los estudiantes que hayan completado un total de 18 créditos Unidades de Educación Continua (UEC) de  estudio, en el Instituto para el Ministerio.  No se aceptan transferencias de créditos de otras instituciones. Esta proceso de certificado consiste en 6 cursos teológicos básicos (18 Unidades de Educación Continua, UEC).

  • LIM 703 Introducción a la Teología Práctica
  • LIM 711 Raíces Judías de la Fe Cristiana
  • LIM 712 Orígenes del Cristianismo
  • LIM 714 Gracia, Cristo y Espíritu
  • LIM 722 Iglesia, Sacramentos y Liturgia
  • LIM 704 Espiritualidad, Moralidad y Ética

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Dual Degrees

LIM participates in dual degree programs in collaboration with the College of Business, the Department of Counseling, the Department of Criminology & Justice, and the Department of Religious Studies. Detailed information can be found in the Dual Degrees entry of the Graduate Bulletin.

Dual Graduate Programs

Undergraduate to Graduate Partnership

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Post-Master's Certificate in Pastoral Studies / 
Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies 

Those who have already earned a master’s degree from LIM, or one of the continuing education certificates that the institute offers (Certificate of Pastoral Studies or Certificate of Religious Education), or a graduate-level degree in theology, pastoral studies, religious education, or a related field from another accredited college or university may pursue an additional professional credential from the institute. Requirements for the advanced-level certificate program consist of four graduate-level courses in two Focus Areas.  

Courses may be taken on campus, online, or at LIM extension sites. Students taking the courses for graduate credit will earn a Post-Master's Certificate in Pastoral Studies; students taking the courses for continuing education units will earn an Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Pastoral Studies. 

  • Overview of requirements: 
    • Focus Area 1 courses: 6 crs or ceus
    • Focus Area 2 courses: 6 crs or ceus
  • Focus Areas: Students choose two of the focus areas below, completing the 6 crs or ceus of courses required by that concentration.
    • Small Christian Community Formation
      • LIM 809 Inner Life of Small Christian Communities
      • LIM 810 Public Life of Small Christian Communities
    • Religion and Ecology
      • LIM 813 The Universe as Divine Manifestation
      • LIM 814 The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story
    • Marketplace Ministry
      • LIM 819 Spirituality and Theology of Work
      • LIM 820 Ministry in the Marketplace
    • Christian Spirituality for Ministry
      • LIM 827 Spirituality for Ministers
      • LIM 828 History of Christian Spirituality
    • Digital Culture and Ministry
      • LIM 826 Digital Media and Ministry
      • LIM 885 Religious Communication
    • Religious Education (2 of theses options)
      • LIM 837 Foundations of Religious Education
      • LIM 838 Curriculum Development
    • Can only select one of the following:
      • LIM 839 Religious Education across the Curriculum
      • LIM 846 Catechetical Leadership
    • Pastoral Life and Administration
      • LIM 844 Parish Life and Ministry
      • LIM 845 Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry
    • Youth and Young Adult Ministry
      • LIM 870 Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
      • LIM 876 Youth and Young Adults: Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development
    • Individualized Track
      • Two or four focus area courses chosen in consultation with advisor

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Post-Master's Certificate in Religious Education / Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Religious Education

Those who have already earned a Master of Pastoral Studies degree or a continuing education Certificate in Pastoral Studies from LIM or who hold a graduate-level degree in theology, pastoral studies, religious education, or a related field from another accredited college or university may pursue an additional professional credential from the institute. Requirements for the advanced-level certificate program consist of four graduate-level courses.  

Courses may be taken on campus, online, or at LIM extension sites. Students taking the courses for graduate credit will earn a Post-Master's Certificate in Religious Education; students taking the courses for continuing education units will earn an Advanced Continuing Education Certificate in Religious Education. 

  • Overview of requirements: 
    • Religious Education Core: 9 crs or ceus
    • Elective course: 3 crs or ceus
  • Religious Education Core
    • LIM 837 Foundations of Religious Education (required)
    • LIM 838 Curriculum Development (required)
    • Select one of the following courses: 
      • LIM 839 Religious Education across the Curriculum
      • LIM 846 Catechetical Leadership
  • Elective course (select one) 
    • LIM 703 Introduction to Practical Theology
    • LIM 809 Inner Life of Small Christian Communities
    • LIM 810 Public Life of Small Christian Communities
    • LIM 813 The Universe as Divine Manifestation
    • LIM 814 The Emergent Universe: Our Sacred Story
    • LIM 819 Spirituality and Theology of Work
    • LIM 820 Ministry in the Marketplace
    • LIM 826 Digital Media and Ministry
    • LIM 827 Spirituality for Ministers
    • LIM 828 History of Christian Spirituality
    • LIM 844 Parish Life and Ministry
    • LIM 845 Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Ministry
    • LIM 870 Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
    • LIM 876 Youth and Young Adults: Spirituality and Methods of Faith Development
    • LIM 885 Religious Communication​​​​​​​

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