Lay Degree Programs

Configuration to Christ in service of your local Church.

The Saint Paul Seminary's graduate degree programs allow students to balance work, family and their continuing education.

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A deep dive into Scripture and Tradition

Students develop principles and methods of theological reasoning and research by studying the tradition, as well as the contemporary context, of theological discourse.

Mission-focused school leaders

Receive practical leadership skills needed for today's Catholic schools.

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Lay leadership from the heart of the Church

You desire to serve as a leader in Catholic parish life, education or any other area of ministry. Here's your chance to learn how alongside the next generation of pastors.

saint paul seminary lay students
  • Fall 2026 Course Offerings

    Crisis & Accompaniment (3 cr.)
    Dr. Derrick Crim & Mrs. Amy Tadlock | Mondays, 6:15 – 9:15 p.m.
    Gain practical skills to accompany those in crisis, integrating trauma awareness with Catholic social teaching, the theology of grace, and the Church as the mystical body of Christ.

  • Fall 2026 Course Offerings

    Christian Theology of God (3 cr.)
    Fr. Evan Koop | Mondays, 6:15 – 9:15 p.m.
    Explore the Christian understanding of God through Scripture and tradition, engaging key magisterial texts and their implications for the development of Christology, Trinitarian theology, and contemporary questions.

  • Fall 2026 Course Offerings

    Nature & Mission of the Church (3 cr.)
    Dr. Christian Washburn | Tuesdays, 6:15 – 9:15 p.m.
    Discover the origin, nature, and mission of the Church through Scripture, tradition, and Vatican II, exploring its identity, structure, and call to unity in a diverse world.

  • Fall 2026 Course Offerings

    Survey of Old Testament Literature (3 cr.)
    Dr. Mark Giszczak |  Wednesdays, 6:15 – 9:15 p.m.
    Survey the major genres of the Old Testament while learning both classical and contemporary approaches to biblical interpretation within the Catholic tradition.

  • Fall 2026 Course Offerings

    The Founding of the Mendicant Orders (3 cr.)
    Dr. Anthony Thomas | Thursdays, 6:15 – 9:15 p.m.
    Explore the rise of the 13th-century mendicant orders—especially the Franciscans and Dominicans—and how their embrace of Gospel poverty responded to new social, ecclesial, and spiritual challenges.

  • Fall 2026 Course Offerings

    Theology of Pastoral Ministry (3 cr.)
    Dr. John Froula | Thursdays, 6:15 – 9:15 p.m.
    Explore the Church’s call to pastoral ministry and the distinct roles of clergy and lay ministers, while building the theological foundation and leadership skills needed to serve in today’s Church.

  • Fall 2026 Course Offerings

    Find the full Fall 2026 Course Offering List here.

Financing your degree

For many students, the subject of financing their degree is the primary factor in making the decision to pursue graduate education. The Saint Paul Seminary provides students with comprehensive financial aid support. We will connect you with the information, resources and student support you need to make an informed decision.