Requirements for Admission for the Master of Arts (30 credits)   

1. An earned bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.75 or better from an accredited institution; persons with lower than a 2.75 GPA may be admitted provisionally.
2. Two letters of recommendation: one from a pastor, administrator, or supervisor; and another from a colleague.
3. A brief double-spaced typed essay stating one's ministerial goal and aspirations, including your motivation for enrolling in the Institute.
4. Application by May 1 is required.

Requirements for Admission for the Professional Certificate (30 CEUs)

1. A high school diploma.
2. Five or more years of life-experience beyond high school.
3. Two letters of recommendation: one from a pastor, administrator, or supervisor; and another from a colleague.
4. A brief double-spaced typed essay stating one's ministerial goals and aspirations, including your motivation for enrolling in the Institute.
5. Application by June 1 is required.

Requirements for Students in Diocesan Schools Seeking Credit
Admission to PM 500-502 Introduction to Pastoral Theology

1. A diocesan student may apply for PM 500 at any time after they have been officially admitted into a diocesan program of pastoral studies.
2. A diocesan student may apply for PM 501 after they have completed application for the Master of Arts at the Institute in Pastoral Ministries.
3. A diocesan student may apply for PM 502 after they have been formally accepted to study for the Master of Arts at the Institute for Pastoral Ministries.
4. Click here for forms.  

Admission Checklist

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries/Pastoral Administration
(Application before April 1 recommended)

• completed application form (click below)
• non-refundable application fee of $25
• official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• letter of recommendation from a supervisor, pastor, or administrator
• letter of recommendation from a colleague
• a brief double-spaced typed essay stating your ministerial goals and aspirations, including your motivation for enrolling in IPM

Professional Certificate in Pastoral Ministries/Pastoral Administration
(Application by June 1 required)

• completed application form (click below)
• non-refundable application fee of $25
• official transcripts from high school
• letter of recommendation from a supervisor, pastor, or administrator
• letter of recommendation from a colleague
• a brief double-spaced typed essay stating your ministerial goals and aspirations, including your motivation for enrolling in IPM

Address for ALL application-materials:

Institute for Pastoral Ministries
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
700 Terrace Heights #77
Winona, Minnesota 55987-1399
Fax: 507-457-1752

Questions? Call 800-635-5987 x. 7500 or 507-457-7500.