Academic Programs

Director: Mary Anne Rivera, Ph.D.
Phone: (814) 871-5646
Email: rivera006@gannon.edu

Introduction

In its Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, the Second Vatican Council teaches that through baptism "the laity share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal office of Christ and therefore have their own role to play in the mission of the whole People of God in the Church and in the world" (art. #2). The Graduate Program in Pastoral Studies is designed to help educate and train lay people for a variety of roles within the mission of the people of God. This program is equally open to members of religious communities and people of all Christian traditions.

This program is grounded in Catholic theology while being consciously designed to acknowledge and interact with the similarities and differences between the Catholic tradition and other Christian traditions. The program is designed and taught by an ecumenical faculty drawn from Gannon's Department of Theology and its Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies. This community of professionals brings together teachers and learners to encourage a critical dialogue with other faith traditions and contemporary culture.

Catholic Universities are called to contribute to sound ecumenical formation. In response to the call, Gannon's Graduate Program of Pastoral Studies seeks to enable its community of learners from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds "to practice respect for the religious freedom and the learned wisdom of all people" (On Catholic Identity, 4). This is to be accomplished in a dialogue between faith and reason where Christian theology can be pursued seriously and religious pluralism can be explored responsibly through theological discussion and research. This aim reflects the Catholic Church's commitment to re-establishing Christian unity in the hope "that all may be one" (John 17:20).

There are two areas of concentration in this program: Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. Both require a total of 36 credit hours.   In addition, there are certificate opportunities in Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Leadership, and Religious Education.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
2. Nine (9) undergraduate credits in theology or religious studies;
3. Introductory interview with the Program Director;
4. Written essay by the applicant;
5. Three letters of recommendation.

All graduate admission requirements apply to candidates for the Certificate. Should the recipient elect to continue towards the Master's degree, the credits earned for the Certificate would be recognized.