All applicants:

• Two letters of recommendation: one from a bishop or parish-pastor and another from an administrator, supervisor, or colleague
• A brief double-spaced typed essay stating one's goals and aspirations in these studies, including your motivation for enrolling in the Institute
• Completed application form
• Non-refundable application fee of $25
• Application by May 1 is required.

Each applicant, according to your previous education (one option from A - E):

Option A

Transcript of master's degree in Catholic theology or licentiate in sacred theology

Option B

Transcript of master's degree in theology or religious studies, including courses in Fundamental Theology, Ecclesiology,  and Moral Theology

Option C

Transcript of master's degree in any discipline

Either a) Certificate of completion for a Roman Catholic diocesan curriculum for the permanent diaconate or lay ministry, or b) Passing score on the IPM Aptitude Essays for the Study of Canon Law (see below)

Option D

Transcript of an earned bachelor's degree in Catholic theology with a GPA of 3.25 or better, including courses in Fundamental Theology, Ecclesiology, and Moral Theology (persons with lower than a 3.25 GPA may be admitted provisionally)

Option E

Transcript of an earned bachelor's degree in any discipline with a GPA of 3.25 or better (persons with lower than a 3.25 GPA may be admitted provisionally)

Either a) Certificate of completion for a Roman Catholic diocesan curriculum for the permanent diaconate or lay ministry, or b) Passing score on the IPM Aptitude Essays for the Study of Canon Law (see below)

IPM Aptitude Essays for the Study of Canon Law (only C and E above) are brief introductory essays that demonstrate one’s understanding of Catholic doctrines and theologies regarding Jesus Christ, the Church, revelation, and morality. Persons who underachieve this requirement may seek remediation in IPM-courses specified by the program director. If a minimum 3.0 GPA is achieved therein, one may continue to courses in canon law in their second year of studies in IPM. If a minimum 3.0 GPA is not achieved, a student may not continue for studies in canon law.

Click for Online Aptitude Essay for Graduate Certificate in Canon Law

Click for Online Application

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.