Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) offers courses leading toward the M.A. in Pastoral Studies via online distance-learning. Students can take all or part of the 36-hour master's degree program through online courses.

Founded in 1964, IPS is one of the first and most prestigious education-for-ministry programs in the nation. It is one of the few university-based programs that offers an online curriculum identical to its on-campus courses. Students can pursue courses in Chicago daytime and evenings during the week, on weekends, and through intensive courses during the summer. Students are able to take as many as three courses online each semester. The courses are also available for non-degree seeking student.
 

The structured online curriculum, designed to provide a solid first-degree experience in education for ministry, includes courses in scripture, pastoral theology, and ministerial skills, as well as concentrations in Youth Ministry, Spiritual Direction, Life-long Adult Religious Formation, Social Justice Ministry, and Healthcare Ministry. Required courses include:

IPS 570  Introduction to Theology and Ministry
IPS 402  Church and Its Mission
IPS 417  The Literature of Ancient Israel
IPS 416  Christian Origins: An Exploration of the New Testament
IPS 530  Christian Doctrine and Its History: Grace, Christ and the Spirit
IPS 541  Liturgy and the Christian Sacraments
IPS 553  Christian Moral Theology and Ethics
IPS 555  Human Person and Psychological Development

To apply for admission to IPS, please contact:

Ryan Hoffmann
Phone: 312.915.7484
E-mail: rhoffm4@luc.edu