Students may choose from two tracks for this degree.
The " MA in John Paul II Studies" is a focused deep-dive into the thought of John Paul II.
The "MA in John Paul II and Leadership" is a concentration track combining John Paul II Studies and Ethical Leadership Training.
Please note: This is an online program and international students cannot maintain or obtain F-1 student visa status or I-20 form through this program.
Core Course Requirements
Both Tracks Complete all of the following courses.
Additional Requirements
Students who are pursuing the standard degree plan will complete all of the following (Please see below this section for the Leadership Concentration requirements).
Optional Leadership Concentration
The Master of Arts in John Paul II and Leadership Concentration is designed to form professionally capable, ethical, intellectually grounded leaders through the study of the life, thought, and leadership vision of St. John Paul II. Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and informed by philosophy, theology, ethics, history, culture, and leadership studies, it prepares students to apply principles of human dignity, ethical decision-making, personal responsibility, and servant leadership within professional and organizational settings.
The program examines St. John Paul II not only as a theologian and philosopher, but also as one of the most influential global leaders of the modern era. Students explore his contributions to leadership, human work, culture, freedom, solidarity, social responsibility, and the development of the human person while engaging contemporary challenges facing business, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, public service, and civic life.
Designed for graduate students, professionals, executives, educators, ministry leaders, and individuals seeking advanced leadership formation, the program combines rigorous academic study with applied professional experience. In addition to core graduate coursework in John Paul II Studies, students complete specialized leadership courses in collaboration with UST's Leadership Institute Director Dr. Timothy Furlan including:
- John Paul II and Foundations of Leadership
- John Paul II as a Model for Ethical Leadership
- Seminar with Leaders
- Professional Leadership Immersion
- Leadership Capstone/Final Project
The program’s Professional Leadership Immersion provides students with supervised engagement alongside executives, business professionals, nonprofit leaders, educators, or approved partner organizations in the United States or abroad. Students integrate the thought of St. John Paul II with contemporary leadership practice, organizational culture, consulting, ethics, and strategic decision-making.
As a culminating experience, students complete a Capstone/Final Project demonstrating the integration of theory and practice through applied research, organizational analysis, consulting initiatives, leadership development projects, or other professionally oriented work under faculty supervision.
Offered in a flexible online format with opportunities for international collaboration and optional study experiences in Poland, the concentration is designed to serve top tier executives, aspiring executives, traditional graduate students and working professionals seeking leadership formation grounded in established leadership principles, faith, reason, ethics, and the enduring human vision of St. John Paul II.
Leadership Concentration Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses.
Leadership Concentration Elective Courses
Complete three of the following courses.
Leadership Concentration Capstone
Complete the following course.