Conclusion: Mount Angel Seminary’s theological curricula and formation programs provide an excellent basis for ministry.
Mount Angel Seminary Statement of Educational Effectiveness
Long-Term Ministry: Mount Angel Seminary considers the long-term active ministry of its graduates a clear indicator of the fulfillment of its mission. In the five-year period 2016-2020, 98% of those who completed a graduate theology degree at the seminary, i.e., the Master of Divinity and/or the Master of Arts (Theology), are still in active ministry, defined as serving in ordained, religious, professional or volunteer ministry positions, or continuing in advanced studies.
Undergraduate seminarians earn a Bachelor of Arts degree while discerning continuation in seminary formation. Accordingly, the expected rate of continuation in ministry is lower for undergraduates; nonetheless, 84% of those who completed the BA in the same five-year period are still in active ministry, meaning continuing in a program of priestly formation or serving in ministry assignments. 1
Five Year Graduation and Employment Rates: In graduation years 2018-2022, 48 seminarians earned the Master of Divinity degree, of those 14 (29%) also received the Master of Arts (Theology) qualification within the expected term for completion. Of those 48 seminarians, 100% obtained positions or began advanced studies related to their degrees within a year of graduation. Additionally, in those same five years, 10 non-seminarians completed the MA (Theology) degree and, of those seeking positions related to their degrees, 90% maintained or obtained a position within a year of graduation.
| Master of Divinity (Graduation Years 2021 and 2022) | |
|---|---|
| Number of Degree Completions | 15 |
| Time to Completion Range | 2-5 years |
| 1 yr. Placement Rate for Graduates | 100% |
| Graduation Rate (Fall 2015, Fall 2016 cohorts) 2 | 51% |
| Master of Arts (Theology) (Graduation Years 2021 and 2022) | |
| Number of Degree Completions | 10 |
| Time to Completion Range 3 | 1-6 years |
| 1 yr. Placement Rate for Graduates | 100% |
| Graduation Rate (Fall 2017, Fall 2018 cohorts) 4 | 67% |
| Master of Arts (Philosophy) (Graduation Years 2021 and 2022) | |
| Number of Degree Completions | 5 |
| Time to Completion Range | 2-3 years |
| 1 yr. Placement Rate for Graduates 5 | 100% |
| Graduation Rate (Fall 2017, Fall 2018 cohorts) 6 | 42% |
| Bachelor of Arts (Graduation Years 2021 and 2022) | |
| Number of Completions | 14 |
| Time to Completion Range | 2-4 years |
| 1 yr. Placement Rate for Graduates 7 | 90% |
| Graduation Rate (Fall 2017, Fall 2018 cohorts) 8 | 54% |
| Doctor of Ministry (Graduation Year 2021 and 2022) | |
| Number of Completions | 7 |
| Time to Completion Range | 3-4 years |
| 1 yr. Placement Rate for Graduates 9 | 100% |
| Graduation Rate (Summer 2017, 2018 cohorts) 10 | 57% |
1 Continuation in ministry rates are from a comprehensive study completed in November 2021.
2 Graduation Rate for the Master of Divinity degree is calculated according to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) standard, i.e., for the cohort beginning Theology 1 through completion up to six years later. This accounts for those who graduated, discerned out, or transferred to other programs.
3 The MA (Theology) degree is earned by both seminarian and by non-seminarian students who may take courses either part-time or full-time, hence the extended range of time for completion.
4 Graduation Rate for the Master of Arts (Theology) degree is calculated according to the ATS standard, i.e., for the cohort beginning the program and completing it within a 4-year period. The graduation rate is for non-seminarian students only.
5 Placement Rate is defined as placement in a program of priestly formation within 1 year of MA (Philosophy) completion.
6 Graduation Rate for the Master of Arts (Philosophy) degree is calculated according to the ATS standard, i.e., for the cohort beginning the program and completing it within a 4-year period. Students who switch from the MA to certificate program are excluded.
7 Placement Rate is defined as placement in a program of priestly or religious formation within 1 year of BA completion.
8 Graduation Rate is calculated from the cohort beginning in College 1 and completing the degree within 4 years. This accounts for those who graduated, discerned out, or transferred to other programs.
9 All Doctor of Ministry graduates continued in ministry placements.
10 The first cohort of the Doctor of Ministry started in Summer of 2016.
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Testimonials
The seminary continues to enjoy the support of the Bishops, Religious Superiors and Vocation Directors who entrust seminarians to us for their theological education and priestly formation. In the 2013 survey conducted of the Episcopal Council, their overall satisfaction with the seminary’s formation program received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 (88 percent).
In addition, several Bishops have provided statements of support for the seminary and our programs:
“One of my greatest joys on learning that I was to become the next Archbishop of Portland was the realization that Mount Angel Seminary would be within the scope of my pastoral care of this local Church. This wonderful place of formation for the future priests of our Church, infused with the Benedictine spirit, is a true blessing and gift to the archdioceses, dioceses and religious communities that send students there. The Rector, faculty and staff have my full confidence as they move Mount Angel Seminary forward to even greater heights. It is always an inspiration to me whenever I have the chance to be on ‘the hilltop’.”
– Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, Archbishop of Portland in Oregon
“Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, calls for priests who are steeped in the authentic teachings and traditions of our Catholic Faith – priests who journey with the faithful as humble, compassionate pastors. Mount Angel Seminary faithfully responds to that call. The very rhythm of Benedictine life, the excellent faculty and the pastoral formation program make Mount Angel the very fine seminary I am pleased to support.”
– Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe (NM)
“Mount Angel Seminary has trained and formed many of the priests who serve in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. Those who have received their formation at Mount Angel witness to a well-rounded program of human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation and education. Parishioners from the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings have benefitted greatly by the time our priests have spent at Mount Angel.”
– Most Rev. Michael W. Warfel, Bishop of Great Falls-Billings (MT)
“Since I was appointed as Bishop of Orange, I have had the chance to visit Mount Angel seminary on a number of occasions and celebrations. I have been impressed with the good spirit of the seminarians there, and I know personally that the seminarians of Orange who have studied there have been very grateful for the opportunity to engage the ‘Four Pillars’ of seminary formation within the context of the Benedictine life and love for the Sacred Liturgy. In addition, the beauty of the area gives a unique opportunity for reflection and prayer. The academic, pastoral, spiritual and human formation provided at the seminary has certainly formed zealous priests of Jesus Christ for the building up of His Church in the Western United States. I am very grateful to the Lord to be part of the Mount Angel family as one of the newer Bishops on the West Coast.”
– Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange (CA)