Villanova University

What you'll study

This programme blends doctrinal and civil legal perspectives with practical management training tailored to religious institutions. Core topics typically include:

• Canonical and Comparative Church Law — foundations of canon law, its application in institutional contexts, and comparison with other religious legal systems.
• Non‑profit and Religious Organisation Law — corporate form, tax status, charitable regulation, property and trust issues affecting congregations and faith‑based entities.
• Governance and Board Management — structures of oversight, fiduciary duties, policy development and accountability mechanisms for parishes, dioceses and faith‑based NGOs.
• Risk Management, Compliance and Safeguarding — safeguarding policies, mandatory reporting, compliance systems and crisis response planning.
• Financial Management for Religious Institutions — budgeting, endowment stewardship, audit principles and ethical fundraising practices.
• Employment, Human Resources and Labour Law — clergy and lay staff employment issues, benefits, accommodation, and dispute resolution in religious settings.
• Ethics, Pastoral Care and Leadership — ethical frameworks, pastoral considerations in decision making, conflict mediation and servant leadership grounded in Augustinian values.
• Practicum or Capstone Project — applied project or placement with a diocese, parish, religious order or faith‑based organisation addressing a substantive legal or administrative challenge.

The programme is typically delivered through a mix of seminars, case studies, guest lectures from practitioners (including clergy, canonists and civil lawyers), and experiential placements. Elective options often allow deeper focus on areas such as property law, international religious freedom issues, or specialised compliance topics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Admissions favour candidates with professional experience in ministry, parish administration, non‑profit management or legal practice, but applicants from diverse academic backgrounds who demonstrate relevant experience and a clear vocational or professional purpose are considered.

• Official transcripts from prior study.
• A personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing this specific degree.
• References (professional and/or academic).
• Relevant work experience is strongly recommended and may be required for mature‑entry routes.

Applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency. Some applicants may be encouraged to meet with programme staff to discuss how their background aligns with the interdisciplinary curriculum.

Career prospects

Graduates work in leadership, advisory and compliance roles across religious and related sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Parish or diocesan administrator and finance officer.
• Legal advisor or in‑house counsel for religious organisations or faith‑based charities.
• Compliance and safeguarding officer responsible for policy implementation and training.
• Executive roles in non‑profit management, development and governance.
• Consultant on property, employment or tax issues affecting churches and religious orders.
• Roles in ecumenical agencies, interfaith organisations, chaplaincy administration or public policy where religious legal knowledge is required.

The integration of legal, managerial and pastoral training helps graduates bridge the gap between canonical requirements, civil obligations and community needs, making them valuable to dioceses, religious orders, independent churches and secular charities with faith affiliations.

Why study at Villanova University

Villanova is an Augustinian Catholic university with a tradition of combining rigorous scholarship with a commitment to ethics and service. The programme benefits from Villanova’s interdisciplinary strengths: close collaboration with law, business and theology faculty provides students with legal rigour, management skills and pastoral awareness.

Located within reach of Philadelphia’s legal, non‑profit and religious communities, students have access to local placements, practitioner speakers and internship opportunities. Small cohort sizes support close faculty mentorship and peer learning, while Villanova’s alumni network and campus resources — including career services and research centres — offer ongoing professional support for graduates working in religious institution administration and law.