Pastoral Institute
University of the Incarnate Word
Through the Pastoral Institute, University of the Incarnate Word provides an academic program designed to prepare participants to serve competently and effectively in contemporary ecclesial ministries and lay leadership, especially in parish settings, religious education on all levels, catechetical leadership, and youth ministry. An integral dimension of the Pastoral Institute is its emphasis not only on solid scriptural and theological foundations but also on the pastoral application of theory and research to concrete situations in ministry and to the development of the role of laity in the church.
The Pastoral Institute celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Initiated in 1968 as an undergraduate certificate program and expanded in 1972 to the graduate level, the Pastoral Institute has consistently responded to the educational needs of people in or preparing for lay ministry. Within a flexible curriculum, consistent with adult learning styles, the program encompasses three areas of study: Scripture, Theology (including the historical, sacramental, liturgical, moral and ecclesial dimensions) and Ministry.
In keeping the spirit and direction set by the Second Vatican Council and subsequent ecclesial documents, including Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, the Pastoral Institute promotes personal growth and spiritual formation through workshops and other opportunities for theological reflection, personal and professional development, liturgical celebrations, and student activities. To date, over 2300 students from almost every state and a number of foreign countries have participated in the Institute.
Graduates of the Pastoral Institute serve in a wide variety of settings including education and religious education on all levels; parish, school, and diocesan program administration; parish, diocesan, campus, jail, migrant, social justice, Native-American, Hispanic, chaplaincy, and youth ministries; lay and religious formation programs; and various leadership positions. A number of graduates have subsequently earned doctoral degrees.
Master of Arts Program
The Master of Arts in Religious Studies program reflects an integrated approach to theological studies and encourages the practical application of theory to ministry. The thirty-six semester hour degree plan includes a core curriculum in Scripture, Theology, and Ministry courses, electives, and normally culminates with an individually designed, supervised, Pastoral Project. Requirements for the degree can be completed in four or five summer sessions, or in two to three years of combined summer and part-time fall/spring study. Upon approval, up to twelve semester hours of course work applicable to the degree may be transferred from appropriate accredited institutions.
Students may, if they wish, earn the Master's degree with a focus in Spirituality, Ministry with Hispanics (in cooperation with the Mexican-American Cultural Center), Youth Ministry, or Religious Education. A focus requires the completion of designated courses within the total degree plan. Participants may also incorporate a second field in their degree plan through other UIW graduate departments, particularly education, communication arts, and business.
Certificate Program
The Certificate in Pastoral Studies requires sixteen semester hours of study, distributed over the three areas of the Institute's core curriculum—Scripture, Theology
and Ministry. Students select their courses with reference to their
previous studies and educational, ministerial, and personal goals.
Normally an undergraduate, non-degree-seeking program, the Certificate may also be earned through graduate course work. Specializations on the certificate level require six semester hours of course work in the focus area.
Personal Enrichment/Audit
Qualified persons interested in Pastoral Institute courses for personal enrichment may enroll on a credit or audit basis. For credit, applicants must complete the admissions process. The fee for Audit is 50 percent. Housing and student services are available to auditors.
Situated on a wooded 200-acre campus in historic San Antonio, University of the Incarnate Word provides an ideal location for study and the experience of a multicultural and vibrant local church. Campus recreational facilities include a natatorium, tennis courts, jogging and walking trails, playing fields and Wellness Center. The airport, bus terminal, downtown Riverwalk, historic areas, museums, art galleries, Sea World, Fiesta Texas and suburban malls are within twenty minutes of the campus. A three-hour drive from San Antonio will take you to the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, or into the Texas Hill Country.
