School of Theology Catalog 2021

St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute, Graduation 2021.
St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute(EI) is a division
of St. Mary’s Seminary & University
which offers accredited ecumenical theological
education at the Master of Arts and
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) levels to qualified
men and women in the greater Baltimore
area. The EI provides opportunities for personal
or professional enrichment; preparation
for voluntary or professional leadership in a
church, school, or community organization;
and a basic theological foundation for ministry.
Classes are offered in-person and online.
The initial idea of an ecumenical program in
theology in Baltimore for men and women of
all faiths began in 1967. A small group of clergy
and laity from a number of denominations
was exploring the possibility of establishing a
graduate theological program in the city.
Based on these discussions, St. Mary’s
Seminary & University agreed to offer to the
public a graduate evening program in theology.
The Seminary saw this as an important
way to serve the Baltimore community as part
of its response to the decrees of the Second
Vatican Council (1962-1965). St. Mary’s
Seminary & University began the Ecumenical
Institute of Theology in the fall of 1968.
Today the EI’s student body is both interdenominational
and interracial. Many of the
women and men who attend classes are
enrolled in one of the two masters degree
programs (Master of Arts in Theology or
Master of Arts in Christian Ministries) or the
fully accredited doctoral (D.Min.) program.
Some students are enrolled in an M. Div.
partnership program, studying at the EI as
part of their work towards a Master of
Divinity through Lancaster Theological
Seminary. Some are pursuing graduate certificate
programs, including post-Masters
Certificate of Advanced Studies; CONNECT:
Faith, Health & Medicine; or certificates in
Biblical Studies or Spirituality. Other students
are pursuing courses for credit or as auditors
for personal enrichment. In a typical year,
there are slightly more women than men.
About one-third of the student body is
African-American. The student body also
includes Asian, Hispanic, and other minority
students. With respect to religious tradition,
the largest group of students is Roman
Catholic. Over the years, many students from
the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian/
Anglican, non-denominational, Presbyterian,
Lutheran, and Orthodox traditions,
Pentecostals, Disciples of Christ,
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