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Graduate Certificate In Pastoral Ministry![]() |
The Graduate Certificate Option includes core theology courses, ministerial formation and advising support. The program is both academic and pastoral in approach and is designed for people who wish to integrate theology and practice.

The Graduate Certificate is an excellent option for those who want to study theology and pastoral ministry at the graduate level, but who may not want (or need) to complete a full MA degree. Graduates may choose to complete the full degree at a later date.
The Graduate Certificate Option consists of 20 credit hours in specified courses in the MAPM track, Mentoring, supervised Field Education, theological reflection and a Project in Ministry. The ministerial formation components are described here. Ministerial Formation
The outstanding Graduate Certificate faculty is drawn from the seminary faculty and from diocesan leadership positions. Evening and Saturday morning courses meet once each week for 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Graduate Certificate Option Courses:
First Year
LPB 301 Old Testament (2 credits)
LPH 302 Church History (2 credits)
LPP 305 The Art of Effective Communication (1 credit)
LPB 302 New Testament (2 credits)
LPP 450 Using Scripture in Parish Ministry (1 credit)
LPS 403 Fundamental Moral Theology (2 credits)
Second Year
PS 302 Christology (2 credits)
LPS 414 Catholic Social Doctrine (2 credits)
LPA 400 Theological Foundations of Apostolic Service (1 credit Independent Research)
LPS 303 Ecclesiology (2 credits)
LPS 401 Sacramental Theology (2 credits)
+ Choice of One:
- LPP 451 Praying with Scripture
- LPS 342 Contemporary Issues in Moral Theology
- LPS 304 Ecclesiology of the Domestic Church
- LPS 321 RCIA and Sacramental Preparation
- LPS 420 Evangelization and Mission for Pastoral Ministers
- LPS 306 Communication in the Digital World
Additional Program Components:
- 40 Hours of Mentoring
- 100 Hours of Field Education
- Theological Reflection I and II
- Project in Ministry
- Attendance at Yearly Retreat or Day of Reflection
Completion of this program leaves 13 credit hours remaining for the full MAPM.
The completed Graduate Certificate fulfills the prerequisites for application to the Permanent Diaconate formation for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Courses may be applied to certification or continuing education for catechists, Directors of Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministers.
By taking 4-5 credit hours per semester, it is possible to complete the Graduate Certificate in 2 years. Participants wishing to serve the Church in a public capacity, or who are discerning a call to the permanent diaconate must be in full communion with the Catholic Church and able to minister fruitfully and faithfully within the structure of the hierarchical Church. Members of other faith traditions are welcome to apply to the program, understanding that the theology and pastoral ministry reflects the stance and teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Graduate Certificate Option classes are part of the MAPM curriculum and meet at the main campus in Mount Washington.
Read about the Application Process here.