Pastoral Ministry
Overview |  Careers  | Photos and activities

Overview
Having the only bachelor’s pastoral ministry program in the region, the University of Saint Mary prepares you to become an active lay minister in a church-related work. While USM is a Catholic university, the program is open to students from all Christian traditions.

The pastoral ministry program offers you a strong background in Christian theology and experience in ministry skills, while nurturing your spiritual growth.

The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare you to graduate with the knowledge and skills to live and serve as a true disciple of Christ and to carry out the mission of the Church.

You will have experience outside the classroom, participating in spiritual, personal, and communal formation. Some activities include giving confirmation retreats for local junior high and high school students, participating in regional conferences, planning social/cultural events, and sharing in an annual retreat.

As a USM pastoral ministry graduate, you are prepared for a variety of careers, such as:

• coordinator of youth ministry
• family therapist or counselor
• ethical consultant

Learn more about careers in pastoral ministry.

Misty Heinen 2001 Graduate Theology Campus Minister at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa Misty used her training in Theology to earn a coveted position with the Vincentian Volunteers in the United Kingdom. She lived in Liverpool for a year, working with youth in the community.