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MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

What You’ll Study

The ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) is an online program built upon two foundational elements:

• a proven business curriculum
• a faith-based approach to church management.

Each student learns the study of management and its applications within the context of church leadership in the Christian tradition. At ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School of Business, the MSCM curriculum is holistic and fully integrated as a standalone graduate studies program. Each course is meticulously designed for those who lead churches and addresses management issues from a faith-based perspective.

MSCM courses cover an array of management topics, including leadership in religious organizations, civil and church laws, financial oversight, and human resource management in a ministry setting. Additionally, MSCM students become part of a network of alumni, practitioners, academics, and researchers, with insider access to resources and research produced by ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Center for Church Management research fellows.

In less than two years, you will build a network of peers across the nation and gain the following cutting-edge managerial competencies:

• Planning: Strategy formation and implementation, technology/data, and the legal environment
• Stewarding: Financial literacy, budgeting, transparency, and financial statements
• Organizing: Human resources, organizational structure and behavior, and advisory board utilization
• Leading: Group dynamics, ecclesiological perspectives, and alignment between the faith community work and values

When Classes Meet

MS in Church Management cohorts begin their studies together beginning in May of each year. Classes begin in mid-May, followed by a one-week, in-person residency on the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø campus during early June. After the one-week residency, all remaining MSCM classes are provided online, enabling you to attend all lessons without leaving your home or office. Live online classes with your professor and cohort are on weeknight evenings (eastern time), supplemented by online recorded classes and other assignments.

Important Dates for 2025 Cohort

Application Portal:
Priority Applications Due: 3/15/2025
Applications Due: 5/2/2025
Classes Begin:  Week of 5/22/2025
On-Campus Residency: Monday 6/2/2025 through Friday 6/6/2025

Why ²ÝÁñÉçÇø

The ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School of Business (VSB) has been at the forefront of business education since it was founded in 1922 by the Roman Catholic Order of Saint Augustine. VSB is a top-ranked Online Graduate Business Degree Program, focused on providing scholarship in the Augustinian Catholic tradition.

Program Tuition

Most students automatically receive a $7,350 Scholarship.

Tuition for the MSCM Program is $29,400 (30 credits at $980 per credit). However, students who work for the church automatically receive a 25% scholarship from ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, reducing tuition costs to just $22,050. However, over 15 dioceses have a special partnership that qualify students for a 50% scholarship instead, reducing the tuition to $14,700. To see if your diocese or archdiocese partners with ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, or to inquire about how to establish a partnership, see our Partners Page.

Who Should Apply

The MSCM program is designed to meet the needs of an international student body of lay and ordained church leaders and managers, including parish business managers, managers of diocesan and religious order departments, and those engaged in managing church-related social service ministries. It is ideal for professionals who cannot take leave of their positions to relocate and pursue full-time study. The MSCM can be completed online in only two years of part-time study.

Important Notices for Distance Education Students

The following includes important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.

Read the Notices for Online Courses or Programs