The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced March 25 it has renewed its partnership with Villanova University’s Center for Church Management (CCM). The program offers an innovative two-year, online Master of Science in Church Management (MSCM) degree designed to provide students with a high-level skill set in effective church management.
The first of its kind in the nation, Villanova University’s Center for Church Management is dedicated to serving the church through education and research.
Qualified students who work for any parish or ministry of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its related entities who are interested in pursuing a MSCM are eligible for a $14,700 scholarship—equivalent to 50%—thanks to the generosity of Villanova University benefactors. The Partnership scholarship of 50% is a baseline for all Philadelphia students and can be coupled with additional Villanova MSCM scholarships, according to the announcement.
CCM will award up to 15 scholarships of $5,000 each for Hispanic pastoral leaders seeking to earn an MSCM and is made possible by a grant to the CCM from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez says the partnership “equips church leaders whose hearts are on fire for our Lord, with the skills they need to be successful Missionary Disciples.”
The MSCM program is designed to meet the needs of an international student body of church leaders and managers including parish business managers, people serving in pastoral ministry roles who would like to provide greater value and support to their parish or diocese, and individuals who have worked in business professionally and want to transition to church work.
The program is built upon two foundational elements: a solid business curriculum and a faith-based approach to church management. 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. It can be completed online in two years of part-time study.
The Villanova School of Business currently has 15 Diocesan partnerships. For more information, visit here.
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