Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Ministry

Critical reflection on the human experience

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About the Program Practical Theology and Ministry (MA)

The MA in Practical Theology and Ministry is a professional theology degree for those graduate students who have been called to a particular lay ecclesial ministry in the Roman Catholic Church or preparing for ministerial service within an Orthodox or Protestant setting. If you are called to serve as directors of RCIA and religious education programs, or being a pastoral counselor or pastoral care associate, or being a chaplain in hospitals or in the military, or minister to youth groups, immigrant workers or as an itinerant preachers, this is the place for you! Our program underscores the importance of the application of theology to everyday life and ministry. Spiritual formation, coursework, and research will help you develop practical solutions to the contemporary ministry challenges of an ever growing and diverse People of God.

Barry's MA in Practical Theology and Ministry features an excellent environment that reflects the reality of the 21st century. First, our theological foundations and faith commitment are rooted in a Catholic international university rooted in the Adrian Dominican tradition, a tradition dedicated to seeking truth, valuing diversity, and promoting peace. Second, being located in Miami Shores, a village twenty minutes from vibrant Miami and Fort Lauderdale, makes it uniquely situated in the crossroads of the Americas. In fact, our students represent a diverse community of academic vocations and lay and ordained ministries with various cultural backgrounds and faith traditions. 

Our faculty is energized by the opportunity to meet and work with people of diverse cultures and faiths.

In Barry’s Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Ministry, you have the opportunity to take a concentration in Hispanic/Latino Theology and Ministry. You can also focus on an area of interest, including Biblical Theology, Sacramental/Liturgical Theology, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Institutional and Military Ministry, or Health Care Ethics.

With us you will find a unique, multicultural learning environment, strong faculty support, and convenient study options. Those for whom the MA in Practical Theology and Ministry is a terminal degree will enjoy the joint benefits of theological education and ministerial formation in a multicultural environment, an invaluable combination for those committed to a Christian community of faith in the 21st century. You will also have the opportunity to interact with various segments of the community through your formation program. Graduates who anticipate the possibility of doctoral studies in a DMin or PhD program will find themselves strategically poised to move toward either alternative with solid theological and ministerial competence.

View Curriculum Ministerial Formation

Our full-time faculty members provide the one-to-one attention and professional expertise that foster our students’ academic, personal, and ministerial growth. Also, tuition assistance and a limited number of assistantships are available for students based on need and merit.

Books School

Student Handbook

About the Institute The Institute for Hispanic/Latino Theology and Ministry

The mission of our Institute is to prepare leaders to serve the Church and the Hispanic/Latino community in South Florida and throughout the United States. Through the Department of Theology and Philosophy, we offer our students the joint benefit of theological education and ministerial formation that critically engages praxis of the Hispanic/Latino community.

We are a welcoming and supportive community of learners. Barry has an outstanding faculty dedicated to providing one-to-one attention to students fostering academic, personal and ministerial growth. South Florida provides an unparalleled cultural context for Hispanic/Latino studies and our students are from diverse cultural backgrounds, faith traditions and ministerial positions.

The Institute for Hispanic/Latino Theology and Ministry was founded to respond to the needs of the emerging Church by preparing leaders and ministers to serve the Hispanic/Latino community.

Located in the Department of Theology and Philosophy at Barry University, the Institute prepares leaders from throughout the United States and within the local community to serve the Hispanic/Latino Church in a variety of ministerial positions.

The Institute focuses on three areas:

  • Academic course offerings on topics that critically engage the theological and ministerial praxis of the Hispanic/Latino community.
  • Contributions to the U.S. Hispanic/Latino theological discourse through research, publications and participation in professional associations.
  • Ministerial formation programs that assist professionals serving the Hispanic/Latino community in developing ministerial identity through intellectual and spiritual formation.
About the Institute

Graduate Programs in Theology and Ministry Educational Effectiveness

The Educational Effectiveness of the Graduate Programs in Theology and Ministry is demonstrated best by the intentional education and formation of lay ecclesial ministers prepared to contribute fruitfully to their communities of faith through theological reflection, praxis, and leadership.

The Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Ministry program cultivates this preparation by fostering in our students the learning objectives/competencies delineated at each level of study which advance the mission of each program.

Educational Effectiveness Report

Admissions Overview Getting Started

Congratulations on taking the first step to pursue your passion, advance your career, and make a difference in your community. We are committed to assist each student through the admission process.

Whether you transition straight from undergraduate studies to a graduate program or have been out of school for some time, we offer a welcoming and professional environment for graduate study.

With small class sizes, there is a considerable amount of personalized attention from your faculty and opportunities to build strong relationships with fellow classmates.

Apply Now! Admissions Requirements

Start your application today. In just a few years, you'll graduate with a degree from a highly-respected, affordable university.

Admissions Overview International Student FAQs

If you are an international student, applying as early as possible is in your best interest in order to allow ample time for immigration processing. Please be aware that admission to Barry University does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa by the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.

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Financial Aid Affordable for you.

At BarryU, our tuition is competitive, affordable and still promises all the perks of a private school education. Our cost per credit is in-line with other institutions, but we offer a mission-driven educational experience and provide our students with small class sizes, personalized attention, and academic excellence. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid can also be explored to help offset overall costs.

Barry University participates in the full array of federal and state financial aid programs. At Barry, we are committed to doing all we can to help you finance your education.

Barry University's Financial Aid staff will assist you through the financial aid application process.

Financial Aid Programs Tuition and Fees

You can use the Barry University Scholarship System to find other scholarship opportunities that you may be eligible to receive:

  • Answer as many questions as you like—the more questions answered, the more scholarships you’re matched to
  • Be automatically considered for many of the scholarships available at Barry University
  • Do a keyword search for scholarships and review the criteria to see if your qualifications are a match
The scholarships are funded through contributions from private donors, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, campus organizations, and corporations.
Barry University Scholarships

Honor Society Theta Alpha Kappa

Theta Alpha Kappa is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Theta Alpha Kappa was admitted to ACHS in 1985. A national honor society in theology, Theta Alpha Kappa promotes excellence and scholarship in the fields of religious studies and religious education. It is open to persons of all faiths.

Members are encouraged to provide scholarly lectures and contribute articles for national publication.

Jorge Presmanes, OP, DMin serves as faculty advisor for Barry's chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa. Barry's chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, along with Phi Sigma Tau, regularly presents debates on current issues.

About Theta Alpha Kappa

Theology and Ministry Programs Accreditation

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (www.ats.edu) accredits Barry University's Department of Theology and Philosophy graduate programs through 2028.

The following graduate programs in Theology and Ministry are accredited by ATS:

  • Master of Arts in Theology
  • Master of Arts in Practical Theology and Ministry
  • Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry for Hispanics
  • Doctor of Ministry
Association of Theological Schools

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