Unique Format of Theology and Ministry Intensives Draws Students from Around the Country

Papers have been turned in and grades will be soon calculated for students in Barry’s MA in Theology and D.Min. programs -- the end to a normal summer semester. Well, not quite.

Barry’s summer and winter sessions in Ministry and Theology are not the typical intensive sessions. The program structure includes a pre-residency period of five weeks during which time students read all required texts. Students then attend classes for two weeks at Barry’s Miami Shores campus. Following classes, a five- to six-week period allows students time to complete a research paper. Faculty are available for consultation during all segments of the course, either by phone or e-mail.

This unique format enables students to handle the demands of getting an advanced degree in practical theology while managing their other responsibilities, such as a full-time out-of-state ministry, a copy-writing job for a Catholic University, or parenting two young children in Melbourne, Florida.

Students gather with members of theology faculty and staff at a dinner celebrating successful term.

Individuals both lay and ordained, coming from many different Christian denominations, are enrolled in Barry’s MA and D.Min. programs. Students in this summer’s intensive traveled from Mexico, Washington, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, New York, California, New Jersey, Oregon, and various parts of Florida to attend classes.

The collegiality shared by the students during this intensive is cause for enthusiasm. As Darlene Kawulok, D.Min. student from California, notes, “All of us are involved in full-time ministry, so the two weeks every semester affords time for uninterrupted study, community, celebration and reflection.”

The lively, thought-provoking exchanges of these intensives will begin again with the Winter Residency scheduled for January 12th through the 23rd. For more information, visit the Graduate Theology webpage, e-mail zdeblasio@mail.barry.edu or call 1-800-756-6000, ext. 3469 or 305-899-3469.