Master of Religious Education

When speaking of religious educators, Pope Francis notes that they are “conscious of having received a gift, the gift of faith, and they then give that gift in turn to others. This is something beautiful. We don’t keep a percentage for ourselves! Whatever we receive, we give.”

The master of religious education degree provides educators with a broad and in-depth exploration of the field. The coursework combines the development of confidence and creativity in working out curricula and gives practice in crafting effective learning processes. Pursuing a master of religious education degree provides individuals with a set of multi-disciplinary perspectives and methodologies to enrich their practice while at the same time earning a master’s degree from an institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence in education and ministerial formation. This program is offered both on-campus and online.

Auto [Expedited] Admit Program for LOYNO Students

Are you a Loyola New Orleans graduating senior or a current alum? You could be eligible for the auto-admit program. The M.R.E. program will auto-admit eligible Loyola New Orleans students who meet the following criteria:

• students with a 3.0 GPA or higher and submission of a resume will be automatically admitted.

The master of religious education online degree at Loyola University provides educators — in parishes and schools, not only in religion classes but across the curriculum — with a broad and in-depth exploration of the field. This online master’s in religious education is open to students of all faiths working in a variety of contexts and promotes a sense of identity, reverence, and responsibility for human life, the natural world, and the sacred. The coursework combines the development of confidence and creativity in working out curricula and gives practice in crafting effective learning processes.

Degree overview

Loyola’s Master of Religious Education consists of 36 credit hours of religious education courses online taken as follows:

• Core courses (18 credit hours)
• Focus area courses (9 credit hours)
• Elective courses (6 credit hours)
• Capstone course (3 credit hours)

Core courses

Core Courses (18 credits):

• LIM 703: Introduction to Practical Theology (3 credits)
• LIM 704: Spirituality, Morality, and Ethics (3 credits)
• LIM 711: Jewish Roots of Christian Faith: Intro to Old Testament (3 credits)
• LIM 712: Christian Origins: Intro to New Testament (3 credits)
• LIM 714: Grace, Christ, and Spirit (3 credits)
• LIM 722: Church, Sacraments, and Liturgy (3 credits)

Focus area

Focus Area Courses (9 credits)

In addition to completing the core requirements, students will complete a sequence of courses focusing on religious education. Taking these religious education courses online will provide educators with a set of multi-disciplinary perspectives and methodologies to enrich their practice. Courses in this focus area include:

• LIM 837: Foundations of Religious Education (3 credits)
• LIM 838: Curriculum Development (3 credits)
• Either LIM 839: Religious Education across the Curriculum (3 credits) or LIM 846: Catechetical Leadership

Electives and capstone

Electives (6 credits)

Master of Religious Studies students will choose two elective courses in consultation with their academic advisor. A selection of sample elective courses includes:

• The Universe as a Divine Manifestation
• Digital Media and Ministry
• Foundations of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Capstone (3 credits)

• LIM 886: Pastoral and Educational Praxis (3 credits)

What can you do with a master of religious education?

Discover your full potential

Loyola’s 100% online master of religious education online program will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in a wide range of careers, including:

• Chaplain
• Youth Minister
• Program Director of Ethics
• Catechetical Leader
• Religion Teacher
• Director of Spiritual Life
• Religious Education Coordinator