STM in Alaska
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies:
Answer the call to ministry and eliminate miles of travel
Join those who are preparing to serve others in a variety of ministries. STM plans to launch the next cohort in Alaska as soon as we reach a critical number. At this point, we have not reached our necessary minimum number of 20 that will allow us to begin a new group.
Seattle University is delighted to offer the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) degree in Anchorage, Alaska.
Faculty from the School of Theology and Ministry of Seattle University travel to Anchorage to offer excellent theological and ministerial education to busy people.
Extending over a three-year period, the degree format features Summer School offerings and one course each quarter in a format of three intensive weekends.
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) degree integrates theological excellence, strong pastoral leadership skills, and in depth spiritual formation. It is a first-rate pastoral formation program for both Catholic lay ecclesial ministers and for Protestant lay leaders. It also provides almost half of the requirements for the Master of Divinity for those who wish to pursue ordination in a Protestant tradition or for other major pastoral leadership positions.
Features of the Program for Alaska
A cohort of 24 qualified, committed students;
Access to the rich library and technology resources of Seattle University;
Excellent teaching by a renowned faculty;
A rich ecumenical and multicultural mix
A three-year commitment (four summers and three years of weekends)
Spiritual formation integrated into academic work
Courses also available on the Seattle University campus
What Alaska participants are saying…
“The program has been deeply transforming, both professionally and personally. I honestly feel I can now begin to call myself, with confidence, a lay minister. There is no way in which I could have grown as much as I have as a person and as a lay minister without being in this program.
We have had the benefit of the highest caliber of teaching by professors who have modeled for us what being pastoral means. The program is faith formation at its best; a course of study which combines solid academics with the pastoral skills that we need as lay ministers.
It is very exciting to see the intellectual and spiritual growth of everyone in the cohort. The benefits both for ourselves and for the larger Alaska community will be felt for many years to come. God has formed us into a true community of faith.”
Susan Jayich, Current Student
“After ordination I thought I was well equipped to engage in my ministry. The more I got into ministry the more I realized how little I knew. Before I could do any more harm Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry MAPS program offered me an opportunity to reflect, pray and learn. I never regretted the decision to enroll in the program.”
Deacon Ted Greene, Current Student
“Seattle University’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) is so much more than a series of academic classes. Although the program provides a very thorough foundation of knowledge its special strength lies in the work done with pastoral care skills, spiritual growth and reflection. In the end, ministry is not about books and papers it is about people and people deserve the best the Church has to offer. The School of Theology and Ministry takes that responsibility very seriously, forming for ministry those who are not only knowledgeable but also aware of their own journey toward spiritual maturity. The greatest blessing of the MAPS program has been the privilege of knowing and journeying with the members of the cohort group. They have illuminated my life.”
Candace Bell, Current Student
“When [this] opportunity presented itself...I questioned the timing. I work three quarter time as the secretary for the Archbishop of Anchorage, had an almost 3 year old child and a husband who traveled with his job. Would I be able to swing one more thing in the balancing act of life? I was strongly encouraged to apply for the MAPS program in Anchorage by a co-worker, my husband and my mother. I took the plunge and have been challenged in ways that I never thought possible. If you are considering the program, I encourage you to take the leap. In three years you will have a degree, or just be three years older.”
Mary Gore, Current Student