Programs

THE DIACONATE INSTITUTE 
AT THE PONTIFICAL COLLEGE JOSEPHINUM

DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS 
All programs are available in English and Spanish, and all are designed to comply with the guidelines of the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops’ National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons. The staff of the Josephinum Diaconate Institute stands ready to work with diocesan officials to customize Institute programs to meet the specific needs of an Archdiocese or Diocese. All courses are fully accredited, and the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree program complies with the accreditation requirements of the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission. 

1) GENERAL QUALIFICATION PROGRAM FOR ASPIRANTS AND CANDIDATES TO THE PERMANENT DIACONATE (GQP) 

General Qualification Programs will be designed by Institute officials and the aspirant’s / candidate’s home diocese. Those who successfully complete the program will be awarded a ‘Certificate of Completion.’ Students who have completed 24 or more credits in the institute will be awarded a ‘Certificate in Diaconal Studies.’

2) PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN PASTORAL STUDIES (PCPS) 

The Professional Certificate in Pastoral Studies Program offers dioceses an Aspirancy Program that includes courses in the permanent diaconate, a comprehensive overview of the Catholic Faith, an introduction to philosophy course for those preparing for theological studies, and a course designed to introduce future ministers to Hispanic / Latino ministry. our comprehensive Candidacy program affords a rich selection of courses covering all of the theological disciplines and numerous courses in the pastoral arts. Professional Certificate programs will be customized to meet the specific needs of a diocese.

3) MASTER OF ARTS IN PASTORAL STUDIES (MAPS)
 
Applicants for the Master of Arts degree are required to fulfill all requirements for the awarding of a graduate degree including coursework, participation in Summer PRO-SEMINARS, and the completion of a pre-approved faculty-directed THESIS or THESIS PROJECT.

4) LIFELONG ONGOING PROFESSIONAL FORMATION.  

Deacons and their wives may enroll in any of the courses offered by the Josephinum Diaconate Institute. Courses are designed to fulfill continuing education / formation credits as listed in the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and the Life of Permanent Deacons (Chapter 7).