St. Mary's Seminary is the first Roman Catholic seminary in the nation: rich in tradition while focused on priestly preparation for the 21st-century.
These pages provide information on the history, personnel, environment, and formation (in the Sulpician tradition) at St. Mary's.
The three pages in this section of our site touch on the very basics of the formation process.
A major part of priestly formation is intellectual formation, accomplished through the pursuit of academic degrees.
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute (EI) was founded in 1968 by St. Mary’s Seminary & University, America’s oldest Roman Catholic seminary, in cooperation with ecumenical leaders. St. Mary’s is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Ecumenical Institute encourages people of all denominations to explore theological studies in a serious, open-minded, and supportive environment. All EI programs are available wherever you are - on campus in Baltimore, and on-line.
The Ecumenical Institute invites people of all denominations into theological study that pursues excellence and promotes ecumenical understanding and respect. All EI programs are available wherever you are - on campus in Baltimore, and on-line.
St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute has a rolling admissions policy. Students may apply at any time for admission by submitting the appropriate materials.
The Ecumenical Institute offers accredited graduate theological programs for two master’s degrees, several graduate certificates, and introductory explorations.
The post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in Theology (CAS) is designed for individuals who possess a master’s degree in theology (e.g., MAT.), ministry (e.g., MACM), divinity (e.g., MDiv), or a related field and who desire to continue their theological education with a general or focused program of study.
The Doctor of Ministry program roots ministry in the mission of God, the ways God is working in your context, in your ministry, and in you.
Students have a host of resources available to support their theological education, from free parking and a great library to writing assistance and advising.
St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute offers accredited graduate theological education that is intellectually rigorous, personally enriching, and professionally empowering.
More than 750 alums of St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute are making a difference in Baltimore, in Maryland and D.C., West Virginia and Pennsylvania, and around the world.
General communication and individual contacts
It is the mission of the Center for Continuing Formation to encourage bishops, priests, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers to engage in human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral growth and to enable processes of growth that are ongoing, complete, systemic, and personalized.
Conference space rentals include a large room that will seat as many as 58 and smaller rooms that will seat from 4 to 30.
St. Mary's Center for Continuing Formation offers and hosts a variety of continuing formation programs for priests in the spirit of the Bishops' new Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests.
St. Mary’s Seminary & University’s Pinkard Scholars is the cornerstone of Youth Theological Studies at SMSU.
For more information about any of our conference facilities or space rentals, please contact our offices directly.
The Marion Burk Knott Library of St. Mary’s Seminary and University is the largest specialized theological library in the Baltimore area, with additional materials in the areas of philosophy, psychology, pastoral counseling and church history, among others. The library receives over 390 periodicals and maintains a collection of 20,000 volumes of bound periodicals. Other holdings include newspapers, microfilm, and audio-visual materials.
The Associated Archives at St. Mary’s Seminary & University opened in the spring of 2002. Located on the campus of the nation’s first Roman Catholic seminary, this program brings together the archives of the Archdiocese of Baltimore (est. 1789), St. Mary’s Seminary & University (est. 1791), and the Associated Sulpicians of the United States (U.S. Province est. 1903), making it one of the most significant repositories for records relating to the early history of the Catholic Church in the United States.
Click here for more information about hours and visitor policies.
This section was created to provide researchers with a brief description of the open collections in the archives of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, St. Mary's Seminary & University, and the Associated Sulpicians of the United States.
The Associated Archives at St. Mary’s Seminary & University has developed a genealogical policy responsive to individuals researching their Catholic roots.
We facilitate personal integration of the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions necessary for authentic priestly witness and service in the image of Jesus Christ.
The EI provides two MDiv pathways: Dual-Degree Admission (our MDiv equivalent), and our MDiv Partnership Program with Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Prospective or current students may apply to pursue both the M.A. in Theology (MAT) and the M.A. in Christian Ministries (MACM), either simultaneously or sequentially. Applicants must meet the admissions criteria for each degree. The following guidelines should be carefully reviewed.
In accordance with accreditation standards, St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute allows up to 24 credits from one degree program to be applied to another degree program. Thus, with careful planning and advising, a student may be able to complete both degrees by earning 72 credits and completing the culminating experience for each degree. In certain instances, however, more than 72 credits may be required for the completion of both degrees.
Second-master’s students who have earned a St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute certificate (other than the CAS), and who wish to count their certificate courses toward the degree, are required to take at least 12 credits beyond the certificate. Due to the expiration of credits after 10 years, students applying for a second master’s degree will normally not be allowed to apply expired credits toward a second degree.
Each dual-degree program is individually arranged in consultation with the administration. The 24 credits normally applied to both degree programs are TH601, BS600, two biblical courses, MT600, ST601, a spirituality course, and two other courses.
Students who have earned master’s degrees in theological studies from other institutions may apply for an abbreviated second-master’s degree in either the M.A. in Christian Ministries or the M.A. in Theology program. Credits previously earned are evaluated and applied according to the criteria listed in the preceding paragraphs and the requirements of the degree program to which application is being made.
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute has partnered with Lancaster Theological Seminary to create a path to the Master of Divinity. Students will take the first half of their MDiv coursework from the Ecumenical Institute, then complete the degree in Lancaster’s accessible weekend program.
Students take 12 courses (36 credits) at the EI (11 required and 1 elective), which must be completed within four years. Students then take the final 39 credits at Lancaster over a four year period. The weekend classes at Lancaster meet on Friday nights or Saturday mornings (with lodging available for those who need it).
Lancaster’s MDiv is fully accredited and is approved for United Methodists pursuing ordination. Please contact us for details or to schedule an appointment.
I have been challenged and my ministry has been enriched by the diversity of traditions and theological perspectives held by my fellow students and faculty. Derek Miller, MACM, MAT ’19