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Online Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization

Answer the Call to Evangelize

Be a part of advancing the Kingdom of God by enrolling in Franciscan University of Steubenville’s online Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization (MACE). In this program, you embark on a journey of spiritual and intellectual growth, guided by the same faithful Catholic scholars who teach on our campus in Steubenville, Ohio.

In as little as two years of full-time online study, graduate with rigorous theological training, transformative relationships, and a deepened love for Christ and His Church. Take the next step to share your faith — wherever God calls you.

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Skills You’ll Learn

Whether you feel called to begin pastoral ministry or to continue your graduate studies, this program will deepen your understanding of the Gospel, the Catechism, and the Catholic intellectual tradition while equipping you with the practical skills needed for effective evangelization.

  • Communicate your Catholic faith with conviction: Sharing the Gospel with the world requires robust communication skills. Here, you develop the ability to explain and defend Catholic teaching with clarity, kindness, and truth while remaining pastoral for diverse audiences.

  • Integrate Scripture into real-life ministry: Under the guidance of leading theologians and catechists, you’ll dive into immersive theological studies that enrich your understanding of Scripture and give you the skills to apply God’s Word, the Catechism, and Church documents to deepen your faith journey and guide the spiritual growth of others.

  • Serve with cultural awareness and compassion: Cultivate the pastoral sensitivity needed to meet people where they are and address the challenges and questions Catholics face today.

Quick Facts

36

Credit Hours

2

Year Program

$23,400

Average Total Cost

100%

Online

MA in Catechetics and Evangelization Program Admissions Process

At Franciscan, we keep the graduate admissions process simple. We accept applications on a rolling basis, which means there is no formal deadline, and you can begin your graduate program in the fall, spring, or summer.

We recommend submitting your application at least one month before your intended start date to give yourself enough time to prepare.

1. Admission Requirements

To apply to the MACE program, you must have a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a regionally accredited university or college in any discipline.

2. Free Online Application

Your journey to Franciscan begins by submitting an online application, which is easy, free, and straightforward.

3. Submit Documents

Along with your completed online application, please submit:

  • All official college or university transcripts (sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions by the issuing institution).

  • One letter of recommendation from work, education, or volunteer organizations.

  • English proficiency (as demonstrated by testing results or degree completion within the United States) will be required of all international applicants.

All supplemental materials should be emailed to the Graduate Admissions office or sent to:

Admissions Office
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952

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Catechetics and Evangelization Program Curriculum

We designed our catechetics and evangelization master’s program with your flexibility and spiritual and intellectual formation in mind. Offered fully online with asynchronous classes, the program allows you to pursue graduate study while balancing the demands of work, ministry, and family life.

The curriculum is built on two sequences of foundational courses. In your theology courses, you study Scripture, moral theology, and the sacraments, deepening your knowledge of the Bible within a faithfully Catholic framework. Your catechetical courses then explore the essential role of evangelization in the life and advancement of the Church, its connection to the liturgy, and the transformative pedagogy of God.

To personalize your education, you can select several theology and catechetical electives, such as the Teachings of the Vatican or The Mission of Catholic Schools. You also have the option to add a concentration, which further specializes your practical and theological preparation for ministry.

Explore Franciscan's MACE program courses and program requirements.

Core Courses (30 Credits)

Theology Foundational Courses

  • Biblical Hermeneutics

  • Dogmatic Theology I: Trinity, Christology, and Soteriology

  • Dogmatic Theology II: Church, Sacraments

  • The Church from Christ to the Council of Trent

  • Moral Theology

Catechetical Foundational Courses

  • Evangelization and the Liturgy

  • Scripture, The Heart of Catechesis

  • Deposit of Faith

  • The Pedagogy of God I

  • The Pedagogy of God II

Electives (6 Credits)

Theology Electives

  • Philosophy for Theology

  • Dogmatic Theology III: Christian Anthropology, Eschatology, Mariology

  • Interpreting the Old Testament

  • Interpreting the New Testament

  • The Church in the Modern World

  • Teachings of Vatican II

  • Fundamental Theology

Catechetics Electives

  • RCIA and the Catechumenate

  • Evangelizing Young People in the US

  • Philosophy for Catechetics

  • Analyzing Doctrine

  • The Mission of Catholic Schools

Concentrations

To ensure you are well-equipped for a life and career of ministry, the MA in Catechetics and Evangelization program offers concentrations in various fields of study. If you pursue a concentration, you must complete 39 credits of coursework, which is one additional three-credit course. Available concentrations include:

Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Make a lasting impact on the next generation’s faith journey by learning how to evangelize and encourage young people with practices firmly rooted in the Gospel, the Church’s liturgy, and mission.

Theology of the Body: Explore St. John Paul II’s vision of human love and dignity, and gain an understanding of Catholic moral theology and the pastoral tools to address contemporary moral issues with truth and compassion.

Sacred Scripture: Deepen your understanding of the Old and New Testaments and learn how to interpret and teach Scripture in the Catholic tradition through ministry and evangelization.

Required Background Courses

Students whose undergraduate coursework did not include the equivalent foundational theology or catechetics background may be required to complete some or all the following background courses.

  • CAT 517 Catechetics (3)

  • CAT 520 Scriptural Foundations of Catechetics (3)

  • PHL 211 Metaphysics (3)

Tuition for the Online MACE Program

Earning your MA in Catechetics and Evangelization is an investment in your future, helping you get one step closer to your purpose.

We are committed to providing a faithfully Catholic education that is both affordable and accessible. The average total cost for our MA in Catechetics and Evangelization degree program is approximately $23,400. Whether you need help applying for assistance or creating a manageable payment plan, the Franciscan staff supports you every step of the way.

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Called to Minister: Careers in Catechetics and Evangelization

Franciscan’s online catechetics and evangelization master’s degree ensures you're equipped for a life of service. Our program’s rich curriculum and faculty guidance help you pursue advanced theological studies or begin a career in ministry.

Wherever your MA in Catechetics and Evangelization leads, you're empowered to teach, encourage, and help bring others closer to Christ and advance the mission of the Catholic Church.

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Whether you’re learning online or on campus, you’re a part of the Franciscan family. Here, you receive the same career support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to ensure you receive a fulfilling and transformative student experience.

Alumni Network Career Services Catechetical Institute


Alumni Profiles

Online Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization Faculty

Study under experienced Catholic theologians and catechetical leaders in a respected online catechetics graduate program. Our faculty combine rigorous scholarship with real-world ministry service.

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