The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are designed to help answer various questions about the Murray Institute. Click on the highlighted text below for further information.

What is a cohort?
How long in the Master of Arts program?
Why is the program so long?
What is the purpose of adding the theology component to the Murray programs?
Can I break away from the cohort and complete my degree more quickly?
How much does it cost to participate in a Murray Institute Program?
Do I have any obligations once I complete my degree through the Murray Institute?

Do I need a teacher's license to participate in a Murray Institute program?
Does the Murray Institute offer a Minnesota administrator's license?
Does the Murray Institute offer a Minnesota teacher's license?

Why are the Murray Institute programs unique?

Why are students in the Educational Specialist program and Master of Arts in Religious Education program in the same cohort if these are different degree programs?
What is the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program?
Why are there two tracks in the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership?

Will Murray Institute continue to fund projects?

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of students (typically 25-30 students) who study together for the length of the degree program. Since 1990 cohorts 1-12 have graduated and cohorts 13-15 are currently pursuing degrees. The Murray Institute has offered the following programs within a cohort model: Master of Arts programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Religious Education, Educational Administration and Educational Leadership as well as the Educational Specialist degree including administrative licensure.

How long is the Master of Arts program?

A typical Murray Institute degree program is three years long. Students attend class one night a week during the academic year and take two courses during a six-week period in the summer. Occasionally a Saturday course will be scheduled on one Saturday a month throughout the academic year.

Why is the program so long?

Murray Institute degree programs include a substantial theology component, which can range from nine to fifteen credits beyond the traditional degree program.

What is the purpose of adding the theology component to the Murray programs?

Administrators, faculty and staff in Catholic schools and parishes are now 93% lay people. Catholic institutions are no longer predominantly staffed by priests and religious communities who were deeply trained in faith formation. If Catholic identity, including faith and tradition, is to continue to define Catholic institutions, those in leadership positions need to be educated in faith formation.

Can I break away from the cohort and complete my degree more quickly?

No. Students accepted into the Murray programs are expected to study with the cohort for the entire program.

Can I take a leave of absence from the program?

No, generally speaking. The Murray programs are designed as a cohort-learning experience. Students are encouraged, at the time of application, to consider the commitment they will need to make in order to study with a cohort over the three years of a Murray program. Leaves have been granted for illness, pregnancy complications, maternity/paternity leave and parental leaves.

How much does it cost to participate in a Murray Institute program?

The degree programs run through the University of St. Thomas are tuition-free for Catholic educators. There is a significant time commitment since the programs are graduate programs. Students are responsible for an application fee ($25) and books ($100-$150 per course). If the applicant needs to take the Miller Analogy Test, there is a $45 fee.

Do I have any obligations once I complete my degree through the Murray Institute?

Yes. You are expected to remain employed within a Catholic school or parish at least three years after graduation.

Do I need a teacher's license to participate in a Murray Institute program?

No. If, however, a student is in the Educational Specialist program and wishes to obtain a Minnesota administrator's license, s/he must have a teacher's license.

Does the Murray Institute offer a Minnesota administrator's license?

Yes. The Educational Specialist degree includes the administrator's licensure. In order to be licensed as an administrator in Minnesota, the candidate must have a teacher's license.

Does the Murray Institute offer a Minnesota teacher's license?

No. Teacher licensure is not part of any of our degree programs.

Why are the Murray Institute programs unique?

The Murray Institute programs are funded by an endowment which serves Catholic educators. The endowment is funded by both the University of St. Thomas (an Archdiocesan university) and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Participants must be full-time employees in either a Catholic school or parish within the Archdiocese. There is a significant theology component built in to each degree program over and above the traditional degree requirements. The theology component addresses the need of faith formation for the 93% lay administrators and faculty in Catholic schools and parishes.

Why are students in the Educational Specialist program and Master of Arts in Religious Education program in the same cohort if these are different degree programs?

First of all, many of the core degree requirements are the same. More importantly, the principal in a Catholic school and the Director of Religious Education in the parish need to work together. Having these Catholic leaders study together can dispel the "we/they" model in a school/parish setting. Systemic change is always a goal for the Murray Institute.

What is the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program?

This program combines a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree with both spiritual and theological development for those engaged in educational ministry within the Archdiocese. Among the Murray Institute's purposes is the intention of deepening an understanding of the Church's educational mission within and among those engaged in that work and assisting those carrying out this mission through educational formation opportunities. The core courses focus on leadership, at various levels, and theology.

Why are there two tracks in the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program?

Leadership training is needed in both schools and parishes. Many of the courses address leadership in either the school or pastoral setting. There are some disciplines, however, which need to be applied specifically to either the school or the parish. Therefore, the cohort is divided occasionally into the school track or pastoral track to address these specific issues and topics.

Will Murray Institute projects continue to be funded?

As the endowment continues to increase, it is very probable that more proposals for funding will be granted. Criteria, which reflect the mission of the Murray Institute, will need to be met as always.