Adult Faith Formation Programs - Online Distance Learning

The directory below was created in response to requests for information on resources that would enable Catholic faith education, especially for those who do not live near a Catholic academic institution. 

The institution listed below are accredited Catholic colleges, universities, seminaries and schools of theology which offer classes to lay people through distance learning.  In some cases, programs are offered at alternate sites beyond the academic institution's campus.  In other cases, programs are offered via the internet, sometimes utilizing video, real-time sessions, and email discussions. 

The list below is constantly changing, so you are urged to visit it frequently.  As we receive new information, we will post it on this site.  You should always contact the school directly for the latest information.

Note that in addition to all of the academic institutions listed below, there are many more which offer programs on campus.  In addition, many dioceses and other Catholic organizations also offer classes in the areas of theology, ministry, spirituality and religious education.

To learn of additional programs available in your local area, contact your (Arch)Diocese.

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Table of Contents

Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, MO

Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI

Duquesne University, Pittsburg, PA

Felician College, Lodi, NJ

Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH

Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Cromwell, CT

Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, IL

Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, TX

St. Francis University, Loretto, PA

University of Dallas School of Ministry, Irving, TX

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Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, MO

Description: The following degrees can be completed through an online-hybrid learning format: 1) Master of Arts in Theology; 2) Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies; 3) Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; Master of Arts in Health Care Mission; 5) Doctor of Ministry in Preaching.  Programs are technology-enhanced.  Syllabi are web-based with threaded discussion, audio, and streaming video, but students come to campus for intensive study weekends. 

Accredited by: ATS and Regional Accreditation by NCA

Types of Programs: Master's Degree

Distance Learning: Weekend courses, online courses, web-hybrids, podcasts.

Classes Offered in the Following Languages: English

Contact:
David Werthmann
Admissions Director
23 South Spring St.
St. Louis, MO 63108-3323
admissions@ai.edu
 
Phone: 800.977.3869

Website: www.ai.edu

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Charminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI

Description: The Undergraduate major in Religious Studies can be completed online, except for the Community Service course (RE 487) and the Senior Capstone (Re 490) for which arrangements can be made for completion through the department of the student's home site.  The Master of Pastoral Theology degree program requires monthly face-to-face course meetings in addition to online work.  It is run in conjunction with the Diocese of Honolulu Diaconate Formation Program.

Accredited by: Regional Accreditation by WASC. 

Types of Programs: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree.

Distance Learning: Via Internet; the MPT requires both traditional and online course participation.

Classes Offered in the Following Language(s): English

Contact:
David Coleman, Ph.D.
Dean, Humanities and Fine Arts Division
Henry Hall 206
3140 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
dcoleman@chaminade.edu

Phone: 808.735.4826

Website: www.chaminade.edu

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Duquesne University, Pitsburgh, PA

Description: The Department of Theology offers the Master of Arts degree and Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, as well as the Master of Arts in Religious Education and the Master of Arts in Theology.  See program website for full details.

Accredited by: Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities.

Types of Programs: Graduate-level studies for a Master's degree (30-36 credits, depending on the program) or a Certificate (18 credits).  The MA in Pastoral Ministry also requires a supervised practicum and final portfolio. 

Distance Learning: A distance learning option for the MA in Pastoral Ministry is currently under development.

Classes Offered in the Following Language(s): English

Contact:
Maureen R. O'Brien, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Theology and Director of Pastoral Ministry
600 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
obrien@duq.edu

Phone: 412.396.6528

Fax: 412.396.4904

Website: www.duq.edu/theology

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Felician College, Lodi, NJ

Description: A Master of Arts in Religious Education (33 credits), a Post Masters Certificate in Religious Education (18 credits) and a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (18 credits) are fully offered online.

Accredited by: Regional Accreditation: MSA

Types of Programs: Master's Degree and Certificate Programs

Distance Learning: Via Internet

Classes Offered in the Following Language(s): English

Contact:
Dr. Marylin Kravatz-Toolan
Executive Director, Online Graduate Programs in Religious Education
kravatzm@felician.edu

Website: www.felician.edu

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Franciscan University of Steubenville
Description: Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry

Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission on the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Types of Program: Master's Degree; Continuing Education/Enrichment

Distance Learning: MP3 Audio and Email

Classes Offered in the Following Languages: English

Contact:
Virginia Garrison
1235 University Blvd.,
Steubenville, OH 43952
distance@fransican.edu

Phone: 740.283.6517
Toll Free: 1.800.466.8336
Fax: 740.284.7037

Website: www.franciscan.edu

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Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Cromwell, CT

Description: The Distance Learning M.A. (Master of Arts) program is a course of study designed to give a broad acquaintance with with the major philosophical or theological disciplines.  It is a flexible program, with a six year time limit from entry into the program to completion of the degree requirements.  The program is designed to prepare men and women for ministry, teaching philosophy, religion or theology, for a subsequent Post Master's Certificate in Theology, or for licentiate or doctoral work.  Classes also serve as enrichment for persons in other professions wanting to deepen understanding of their faith or seeking to integrate their faith into their daily lives.  All students are required to complete 36 credit hours in order to earn their degree.  For these students, neither a foreign language proficiency exam not an M.A thesis is required in order to graduate. 

Accredited by: NEASC

Types of Programs: MA in Theology, MA in Philosophy

Distance Learning: VIA Internet

Classes Offered in the Following Language(s): English, Spanish
Contact:
Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP
33 Prospect Hill Road, Cromwell, CT 06416
smahfood@holyapostles.edu

Phone: 860.632.3085

Website: www.holyapostles.edu

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Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, IL

Description: Masters Degree and Post Graduate Certificate Programs  

Accredited by: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools 

Types of Programs: M.Div, MA; Pastoral Studies, Pastoral Counceling, Social Justice and Community Development, Religious Education, Spirituality

Contacts:
Randy (Rachel) Gibbons
Assistant Director
Institute of Pastoral Studies
Loyola University
Lewis Towers, Suite 630
820 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
csofranko@luc.edu

Phone: 312/915-7450
Fax: 312/915-7410
Website:  www.luc.edu/ips

Distance Learning:  Pastoral Studies and Religious Education in their entirety

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Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA

Description: The Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) offers a Master of Pastoral Studies and a Master of Religious Education in three formats. 1) totally online, 2) by extension in collaboration with a diocese, parish, or other religious institution, and 3) on-campus (students may combine on-campus study with online course work options). Continuing education certificates are also offered in pastoral studies and religious education. Shorter 12-and-18-credit hour graduate level and continuing education certificates may be taken online, by extension, or on campus. An 18-credit hour continuing education certificate in theology and ministry is also offered by extension in Spanish. LIM's curriculum is correlated to the national lay ecclesial ministry certification standards and includes the four pillars of formation as described in Co-workers. Integrated into the curriculum is a spiritual formation program designed in the Ignatian tradition.  

Accredited by: Regional Accreditation by SACS

Type of Programs: Master's degrees and certificate programs; Continuing Education/Enrichment

Distance Learning: Via the Internet (all online) and on-site by extension

Classes Offered in the Following Languages: English, Spanish

Contact:
Ms. Cecilia M. Bennett, J.C.L.
Associate Director
Loyola Institute for Ministry
6363 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118
lim@loyno.edu

Phone: 800-777-5469 x2109 or 504-865-3398
Fax: 504-865-2066

Website: www.lim.loyno.edu

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Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, TX

Description: The Doctor of Ministry program offers courses at CPE centers, which are affiliated with the school.  There are currently twelve such centers across the USA.  The Certificate in Pastoral Lay Ministry is offered in parish centers in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, TX (English/Spanish).  Contact the school for future development of an online Certificate Program in Lay Pastoral Ministry. 

Accredited by: ATS, Regional SACS

Types of Programs: Doctorate degree, Certificate Program

Distance Learning: Alternate sites

Classes Offered in the Following Languages:  English, Spanish

Contact:
Mr. Scott Woodward,
Academic Dean
285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, TX 78216
rsw@ost.edu       

Fax: 210.341.4519
Phone: 210.341.1366

Website: www.ost.edu

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Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA

Description: Courses are self-paced correspondence courses conducted between individual students and an assigned reader/instuctor.  The program is Non-Credit.  

Accredited by: Regional Accreditation by MSA

Types of Programs: continuing education/enrichment

Distance Learning: alternate sites, via the internet, e-mail and mail

Classes Offered in the Following Languages: English

Contact:
Ms. Diane Rombouts, LHS
Institute for Contemporary Franciscan Life
Saint Francis University
PO Box 600
Loretto, PA 15940-0600
ICFL@fancis.edu
Coordinator: drombouts@francis.edu

Website: www.francis.edu
(Go to the University Links and clicks on "Centers and Institutes".)

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University of Dallas School of Ministry, Irving, TX

Description: The University of Dallas School of Ministry (SOM) offers master's degrees and graduate certificates in theological studies, religious education, pastoral ministry, Catholic school teaching and Catholic school leadership. SOM also offers the Catholic Biblical School, a four-year program of intensive study that covers the entire Bible. Programs are offered on their main campus, onsite at satellite locations, and online. The master's in theological studies and the Catholic Biblical School can be completed entirely online. 

Accredited by: Regional Accreditation by SACS

Types of Programs: Master's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Adult Faith Formation

Distance Learning: Via Internet

Classes Offered in the Following Language(s): English, Spanish (Biblical School)

Contact:
School of Ministry (SOM)
University of Dallas
1845 E. Northgate
Irving, TX 75062
888-447-4777
ministry@udallas.edu

Website: http://www.udallas.edu/ministry