The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) is a flexible graduate-level, two-year degree program that equips women and men for leadership in ministry in congregations and other settings. To complete the program, each student produces a final project related to their ministerial context.

The program provides grounding in core disciplines and the ability for a student to select from a variety of ministerial electives to suit their interests and vocational needs.

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree provides flexibility for students to define a ministry-oriented course of study.

About the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Program

  • With the largest theological library in the tri-state area and a low student-to-faculty ratio that enables close interaction with dedicated scholars and teachers, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers unmatched resources for students to research and explore on their journey to a rewarding and fulfilling career.
  • Our 48 semester- credit-hour program can be taken either part or full time with day and evening classes available.
  • Students who graduate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary with the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree pursue a wide variety of calls into pastoral ministry, counseling, and Christian leadership.

Careers for Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Grads

In addition to pastoral ministry, graduates of our MAPS program can work in churches and as chaplains, teach religious education, or serve faith-based nonprofits. Our students participate in God’s mission in many ways!

Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Program Requirements

  • 48 semester credit hours
  • Year-long Field Education course and placement
  • Integrative final project

Master's Degrees

Pittsburgh Seminary Blog

Praying with People Grieving Loss from Suicide

August 30, 2018

4I am counted among those who go down to the Pit; I am like those who have no help, 5like those forsaken among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand (Ps 88:4-5). These poignant verses express some of the pathos both of persons contemplating suicide and people who have lost a loved one to suicide. It is important to recognize that praying with people contemplating suicide is a distinct topic from praying with people grieving loss from suicide. In the former situation, it is essential that the individual involved find help from a [...]

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Trusting God in the Middle of Uncertainty

July 31, 2018

  I live in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico. On Sept. 20, 2017, Hurricane María struck our island as the strongest cyclone in modern history with winds up to 175 mph and rainfall measuring up to 37.9 inches. My mother is the executive director of El Guacio, Puerto Rico’s only Presbyterian camp. Here, we passed the storm.   Each of the events that occurred in the camp resulted in great stories of faith and resilience. Power, water, and communications completely fell a few hours in. When we were able to come outside, we saw we were trapped beneath many feet of branches. With help of the community, it took two days [...]

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