SPECIALIZATION IN DEAF MINISTRIES
St. Thomas University is the only school in the United States to offer a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries with Specialization in Deaf Ministries. The program, taught in American Sign Language, prepares men and women to serve as spiritual leaders in deaf communities, churches, and ministries both at home and abroad. It is supported by the National Catholic Office for the Deaf and the International Catholic Foundation for the Deaf. The Graduate program’s curriculum is designed for both Deaf and hearing students that work with the Deaf. The program is coordinated and taught by St. Thomas University’s full-time faculty as well as fully qualified spiritual leaders and scholars that understand the needs of the Deaf culture. It engages a lively interreligious and ethnically diverse learning community.
Features of the Program
The program blends onsite and online segments to accommodate the busy lives of students. It is offered in two intensive sessions each year over the course of four years. Students begin courses on campus for
- one-week (one course) in January (online segment is completed in May)
- two-weeks (two courses) during June (online segment is completed in December)
On campus classes are taught in ASL or are fully interpreted
Benefits of the Program
Graduate students in Pastoral Ministry with a Specialization in Deaf Ministry:
- earn professional credential for Church ministry with the Deaf
- gain skills in ministry with the Deaf (leading prayer, counseling, pastoral care, religious education, leadership)
- experience personal growth as a minister (spirituality, intellectually and emotionally)
- build confidence and competence in ministry and advocacy
- expand ASL vocabulary for pastoral ministry
- form a community with people who share a vision and passion for ministry with the Deaf (new relationships forged over four years, lasting a lifetime)
Curriculum
Students must fulfill the requirements of the Master of Arts Program. The language of communication is ASL. The course requirements are:
1. Pastoral Foundation (24 Credits) as outlined in the Master of Arts Program.
2. Pastoral Skills (12 Credits)
· STM 515 Deaf Studies
· STM 665 Pastoral Ministry in the Deaf Community
· STM 685 Spirituality and Prayer with the Deaf Community
· STM 551 Religious Education and Evangelization
3. Pastoral Integration (3 Credits and Major Ministerial Project)
· STM 591,592,593 Practicum in Deaf Ministry
· Major Ministerial Project with the Deaf
Contact:
Cynthia Rose-McIntyre
Tel: 305.628.6641
Email: crose@stu.edu