MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHURCH MANAGEMENT


MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

What You’ll Study

The Villanova 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 is exposed to the study of management and its applications within the context of church leadership in the Christian tradition. Other programs include church management as an add-on specialization within a standard MBA degree, but at Villanova School of Business, the MSCM curriculum is holistic and fully integrated. 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.

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

The Villanova MSCM program is provided to cohort groups beginning each year in May. Classes begin in mid-May, followed by a one-week residency on the Villanova University campus during early June. After the one-week residency, all MSCM courses are provided online, enabling you to attend all classes without leaving your home or office. Live online classes are offered on weeknight evenings, after working hours, supplemented by online recorded classes.

Important Dates for 2024 Cohort

Application Portal Opens: September 2023
Applications Due: 5/3/2024
Classes Begin:  Week of 5/20/2024
On-Campus Residency: Monday 6/3/2024 through Friday 6/7/2024

Why Villanova

The Villanova 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. Today, VSB is ranked the #5 Best Online Graduate Business Degree Program in the Nation by US News and World Report.

Program Tuition - $7,350 Scholarship for Most Students

Tuition for the MSCM Program is $29,400 (30 credits at $980 per credit). However, students who work for the church will receive a 25% scholarship from Villanova, allowing their tuition to be reduced to $22,050. Additionally, many dioceses have special partnerships that qualify students for a 50% scholarship instead, reducing the tuition to $14,700. To see if your diocese or archdiocese partners with Villanova University, 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

  

Center for Church Management
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
Tel: (610) 519-6015
Fax: (610) 519-6054
ccm@villanova.edu

Matt Manion
Faculty Director
matthew.manion@villanova.edu
(610) 519-6430

Chesley Turner
Director
(610) 519-6015
chesley.turner@villanova.edu

  

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE