Ecclesial Administration and Management (MS)

The Master of Science in Ecclesial Administration and Management at the Busch School of Business is a distinctive graduate program designed to form leaders who can effectively serve the Church through excellent administration, faithful stewardship, and mission-driven leadership. Rooted in the School’s commitment to be boldly Catholic, academically rigorous, and highly practical, the program equips clergy, religious, and lay leaders with the practical skills and spiritual grounding needed to sustain and strengthen Catholic institutions in today’s complex environment.

At its foundation, this Master’s program is boldly Catholic, integrating sound business practices with the rich tradition of Catholic teaching. Students are formed to understand administration not simply as a set of technical tasks, but as a vital dimension of the Church’s mission. By emphasizing the dignity of the human person, the importance of stewardship, and the call to serve the common good, the program prepares graduates to lead with integrity, prudence, and a deep sense of vocation. This formation ensures that administrative decisions are always aligned with the Church’s spiritual and pastoral priorities.

Designed to be highly practical, this program addresses the real and pressing challenges faced by Church leaders today. From managing limited resources and increasing financial transparency to navigating complex organizational structures and engaging parish communities, students gain the tools and confidence to lead effectively in diverse settings. The program emphasizes practical application, enabling students to immediately implement what they learn within their current roles or future ministries.

The flexible structure of the program makes it accessible to working professionals and those actively engaged in ministry. Delivered primarily online, with an immersive on-campus component, the MS in Ecclesial Administration and Management allows students to balance their studies with their ongoing responsibilities. The program can be completed in as little as one year, or paced across several semesters, providing an efficient pathway for those seeking to deepen their expertise and expand their leadership capacity without stepping away from their vocation.

Ultimately, the Master of Science in Ecclesial Administration and Management is designed for those who recognize that strong, faithful administration is essential to the life and mission of the Church. Whether serving in a parish, diocese, school, or Catholic nonprofit, graduates are prepared to lead with both professional excellence and spiritual purpose. By uniting sound management practices with a theological framework of the spirituality of service, the program forms leaders who are capable of strengthening institutions, supporting clergy and communities, and advancing the Church’s mission in the modern world.

4+1 Undergraduate Program

Current Catholic University undergraduates can take up to 12 credit hours of Ecclesial Administration and Management courses during their undergraduate studies to count towards both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.  After earning the bachelor’s degree, the 4+1 student will complete the remaining 18 credit hours to obtain a Master of Science in Ecclesial Administration and Management.

Undergraduate students must apply for and be accepted by the Church Management Program to be enrolled in the 4+1. Contact Fr. Bob Gahl, program director, to learn more.

 

Get in Touch

Contact our Graduate Admission office at [email protected] or 202-319-5149 if you have additional questions and need more information about the program.