Master of Arts in Leadership for Family Ministry and Faith Development (MLFM)
Program DescriptionGrounded in the social mission of the Church and Dominican University’s commitment to values-centered intellectual development, the Master of Arts in Leadership for Family Ministry and Faith Development will prepare students for professional leadership in today’s diverse and complex church environment. It will provide rich growth experiences in academics, community building and spirituality and will shape essential skills for leadership in the church.
This degree will serve a broad audience of those involved in or preparing for leadership in family ministry, youth and young adult ministry, care and bereavement ministry, religious education and service agencies.
The hybrid program, led by an outstanding faculty, combines face-to-face classroom learning with three 10-day summer intensives (in residence) over three summers and online learning during the fall and spring semesters. This design crates a community of learners who will support and challenge one another during the academic year and it honors the life commitments of adult learners. It also allows students living at a distance to participate in the summer intensive courses starting on Friday and ending the following Sunday. Reasonably priced on-campus housing and meals are available.
The program takes advantage of “Chicago as Classroom” which will contextualize the course work in a variety of settings such as parishes, agencies, museums and summer festivals that involve, affect, and support family and community life.
Financial aid is available. In addition, on a limited basis, there is a tuition grant of 1/3 tuition available when students are sponsored by parishes, congregations, agencies or dioceses.
Admission Requirements
Each student should have:
- Some educational background in scripture and Catholic Church teaching, particularly since the second Vatican Council.
- A baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an institution that is accredited by a nationally recognized association.
- A record that demonstrates an ability to do graduate work.
- Two letters of recommendation and a personal essay which will be part of the admission file.
- Submit a $45 non-refundable application fee.
Program Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate credit in the Dominican University School of Leadership MLFM program;
- Attain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; and
- File an Application for Graduation with the School of Leadership and Continuing Studies office the semester before the student anticipates graduating
Master of Arts in Family Ministry and Faith Development (MLFM)
Entrance Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree
| Curriculum | Credit Hours | |
| First Year: Summer I Intensive | ||
| MLFM 610 | Faith and Family - Personal Perspectives | 4 |
| First Year: Fall (On-line Courses) | ||
| MLFM 611 | Marriage and Family Spirituality | 3 |
| First Year: Spring (On-line Courses) | ||
| MLFM 612 | Family Ministry and Family Systems | 3 |
| MLFM 613 | Faith Development and the Life Cycle | 3 |
| Second Year: Summer II Intensive | ||
| MLFM 620 | Faith and Family Spirituality - Social Perspectives | 4 |
| Year 1 Total Credits: 13 | ||
| Second Year: Summer II Intensive | ||
| MLFM 620 | Faith and Family - Social Perspectives | 4 |
| Second Year: Fall (On-line Courses) | ||
| MLFM 621 | Family Evangelization and Cathechesis: Religious Education and Family Life | 3 |
| Second Year: Spring (On-line Courses) | ||
| MLFM 622 | Sacramentality of Community and Its Presence in Marriage and Family Life | 3 |
| MLFM 623 | Foundations of Faith and Family in Scripture | 3 |
| Year 2 Total Credits: 13 | ||
| Third Year: Summer III Intensive | ||
| MLFM 630 | Faith and Family - Global Perspectives | 4 |
| Third Year: Fall (On-line Courses) | ||
| MLFM 631 | Critical Issues in Human Life | 3 |
| Third Year: Spring (On-line Courses) | ||
| MLFM 632 | Leadership and Organizational Dynamics | 3 |
| MLFM 633 | Capstone Course | 3 |
| Year 3 Total Credits: 13 | ||
| Degree Program Total Credits: 39 | ||
"My Dominican education inspired me to search for a satisfying, socially responsible life."
Angel Rivera
BSOL '02
MSOL '04
Learn More
Apply to DU
A pdf version of the SLCS application form is available to download, complete and return.
Download Application
Contact Us
Have questions? Want more information? We're happy to help.
Contact Information