What degrees are available through the Loyola Institute for Ministry?
The Institute has two master’s degree options, three dual-degree options, graduate certificates, and continuing education options. Please visit our programs of study page for a complete list.
Why should I earn my master’s degree from the Institute for Ministry?
The Institute has over 55 years of experience in preparing adults to serve in ministry positions in their parishes, dioceses, and secular workplaces. The strength of our program is its emphasis on practical theology, method of theological reflection, intentional learning community, and ongoing invitation to disciplined conversation.
Our internationally-renowned faculty teaches our on-campus courses in one of the most culturally rich cities in the country. Many of New Orleans’ traditions have roots in the Catholic faith, and many other faith traditions are actively present in the greater New Orleans community. This leads to rich and informed dialogue among the various traditions. Loyola’s campus is situated in the Uptown neighborhood across from Audubon Park, one of the most tranquil places in the city.
Are the Institute for Ministry’s degree and certificates accredited?
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which accredits all Loyola programs, has fully accredited our degree and certificate programs.
Classes in the fall and spring semesters are primarily held in the evening, pending enrollment. A special intensive summer session is offered online, so students have the option of taking courses year-round or during semesters that best fit their needs. On-campus students may also enroll in our online courses.
How do I apply to the program?
First, view the admissions requirements. Students apply online. There is no application fee for students completing the online application.
Services, Tuition, and Registration
What student services are available to me as a graduate student?
Students have a full complement of services available to them on-campus; many are tailored to the needs of adult students. Please click on the links below for specific information:
On-campus students are charged LIM graduate tuition and fees graduation fee, and the contingency fees as applicable. LIM’s graduate tuition is set at a reduced rate because of the Jesuit commitment to ministry education. For more information, see LIM Tuition and Fees.
The Bursar’s Office offers an enhanced e-Commerce System for paying your LIM on-campus program tuition. To view and pay your account online, login to the Single Sign-On and click on the LORA Self-Service app. Click the Student Finance section. Once on the Account Summary page, click on "Make a Payment" option to proceed to payment options.
Students are billed after pre-registration or at registration. Students who are not early registered and who are registering at the beginning of the term will be expected to make payment at time of registration. Tuition is always due by the first day of class. Questions can be directed to the Bursar's Office staff by e-mailing bursar@loyno.edu or by calling (504) 865-2388.
Tuition payment options through Loyola’s e-Commerce system include paying by Electronic Check (Free Service) and payment by all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Tuition payments by credit card are only accepted online through the e-Commerce processor who will charge a 2.75% non-refundable convenience fee.
How do I register for classes?
Students must be admitted to the program before they are able to register for classes. Students register for classes by using LORA, Loyola’s Online Records Access. To do so, see the FAQ question “What is LORA?” below. First-time students may contact the LIM Manager of Admissions concerning admissions and registration issues by emailing Judy Fontenot Lavergne jflaverg@loyno.edu.
How do I know what courses will be offered in upcoming semesters?
Visit the Semester Course Offerings page to see upcoming courses. In addition, students may view and download the course rotation, which is a projected schedule of courses to be offered each semester: graduate course rotation | undergraduate course rotation
LORA is short for Loyola Online Records Access and is a web-based service that allows you to register for classes, view grades, transcripts, and account summaries, and change mailing and e-mail addresses. You will already need to have been admitted in order to register on LORA. To access LORA, login to the Single Sign-On and click on the LORA Self-Service app.
Canvas is online learning management system that allows you to easily access materials for your course and communicate with your professor and fellow students. LIM professors use Canvas as a way to distribute reading assignments and host discussions in-between class meetings. Classes will also be conducted on Canvas in the event of a campus closure. Access Canvas through Loyola's Single Sign On. Loyola’s Monroe Library has a Canvas resources webpage.
What does the term “CWID” mean?
Loyola assigns each student an identification number also called a Campus Wide Identification Number (CWID). There are used instead of Social Security numbers on Loyola forms that ask for a student ID number. This CWID number is assigned after admission to the program and is included in the student’s admission letter. Students also are able to find out their CWID numbers when they sign into LORA. It is recommended that students use the CWID whenever possible for security reasons. If a student forgets his or her CWID number, he or she can log into LORA to obtain it.