What are my career and/or professional choices with a Master of Arts in Religious Studies degree?
Graduates of the Mount’s Religious Studies master’s degree program take their training into traditional congregational and chaplaincy positions, as well as into education, youth ministry, social services, and a myriad of allied fields.

Are there prerequisites for this program?
An undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for this program.  The Master’s degree is a unique interdisciplinary blend of the disciplines of theology, ministry, spirituality, and the social sciences.  Our students come with a rich diversity of educational backgrounds.  Many prospective students come from a variety of professional and spiritual backgrounds and experiences as well. The ecumenical composition of our program appeals to a variety of students - some are deepening their ministries while others are exploring life cycle and spiritual changes. The program is Catholic in tradition, Christian in environment and ecumenical in composition.

What entrance exams are required?
Entrance examinations, including the GRE, are not required for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies.

How long will it take to get the Master’s degree and how many credits are needed to graduate?36 credit hours are required to complete the program. The program can be completed in about two years depending when a student begins enrollment in the fall semester. However, others elect to progress at a slower pace.  Students have up to five years to complete the Religious and Pastoral Studies graduate program.

When are classes held?
Core courses are offered in intensive weekend, evening and online formats and timeframes.

What is the cost for the program?
Graduate tuition costs for the 07-08 year are $450 per credit hour.  These rates are subject to change and do not include student fees. Costs

Are scholarships and/or grants available for this program?
Financial aid is available to all graduate students enrolled at the Mount. The Mount Ministry Tuition Grant is available to any student enrolled in the Religious Studies Graduate Program who is a paid or volunteer minister serving in a congregation, hospital, health care facility, social service agency, diocese, or educational institution. This grant reduces tuition during the summer semester to $250 per credit hour and tuition in all other semesters to $300 per credit hour. These rates are subject to change.

What is the typical class size?
On average, our faculty to student ratio is 12 to 1. Smaller classes mean greater personalized attention from faculty and greater collegiality with other students both which are hallmarks of a Mount education.

What makes the graduate program in Religious Studies at the College of Mount St Joseph unique?
As an interdisciplinary program students benefit from greater exposure to other academic courses/programs and to faculty outside the department. Also, the graduate program in Religious Studies is designed for the adult learner, and working professional.

Who can I contact for further information?
Contact John Trokan, D. Min., Chair, Religious and Pastoral Studies Department. Dr. Trokan can be reached at 513-244-4496 or at john_trokan@mail.msj.edu. For additional information contact Marilyn Hoskins, M.S., in the Graduate Admission Office at 513-244-4723 or at marilyn_hoskins@mail.msj.edu.

Do application documents have to be submitted together at one time or can they be sent to the Graduate Admission Office at different times?
Application documents can be mailed in at different times. It is important to allow enough time for them to be processed and reviewed before the start of your designated entry term.  The RPS department has open enrollment throughout the year.  Students may enroll in classes in the fall, winter or summer terms.  Priority registration deadline for registration for the Annual Summer Spirituality Institute and Fall Semester enrollment is April 15.

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