Master of Science in Church Management

Management Skills for More Effective Ministry

Join the Center for the Study of Church Management at VSB for an educational experience that will transform the way you lead and serve the church in an increasingly complex world.

The Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) is an innovative two-year graduate business program that provides you with a high level skill set in church management, strengthening your ability to contribute to the church’s mission with the convenience of an online program, and the benefit of a community of classmates that learn with you.

Who should apply to the MSCM program?

The MSCM is designed to meet the needs of a international student body of 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.

Admission to the program is based on experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Standardized test scores and interviews are not required. The next MSCM cohort begins online the week of May 18, 2020. The residency will occur the week of June 1, 2020 through June 5, 2020. Early application is highly recommended.

All students need a 3.0 GPA in MSCM courses in order to graduate.

What will you study?

The MSCM program is built upon two foundational elements—a solid business curriculum and 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. And unlike a number of other programs—in which church management is just an add-on specialization within a standard MBA degree—the MSCM curriculum is holistic and fully integrated. Each course is meticulously designed for church managers and addresses management issues from a faith-based perspective.

MSCM courses cover 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

Click here to learn more about the MSCM curriculum. 

When do classes meet?

The program begins with online classes the week of May 18, 2020, followed by a one-week residency on the Villanova University campus during the week of June 1, 2020. After the one-week residency, all MSCM courses are provided online, enabling you to attend all classes without leaving your home or office.

Why Villanova?

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 #1 undergraduate business school in the nation by Bloomberg Businessweek, and the MSCM program has been ranked #3 among online graduate business programs by US News and World Report. VSB is home to the internationally recognized Center for Church Management, led by Faculty Director Matthew Manion. The first of its kind in the nation, the center is dedicated to serving the church through education and research.

How much does the MSCM cost?

2019-2020 tuition for the MSCM Program is $29,400 (30 credits at $980 per credit). However, those students who work for the church will receive a 25% tuition discount, allowing their tuition to be $22,050. Additionally, many dioceses have special partnerships for additional tuition discounts. Please contact us for more information at ccm@villanova.edu.