In 2004, the Villanova School of Business established the Center for the Study of Church Management—the first of its kind in the nation. The center was created to serve the Catholic Church in the United States through education and research. It offers educational programs and conducts research in the areas of administration, professional financial management, and human resource management as they apply to the Catholic Church and its institutions.

Its constituents include all individuals in church leadership and administrative roles who are seeking to become better stewards of church resources by improving their business and management skills.

Educational Programs

The center provides educational programs emphasizing the practical, everyday management issues that church managers at all levels face. These offerings include our innovative Master of Science in Church Management program—delivered in a convenient part-time online format; one-day workshops on selected topics; and specialized one-week on-campus programs leading to a Certificate in Church Management.

Scholarship and Research

Through its university affiliation, the center is committed to both scholarly and applied research. Programs include a working paper series, reports based on funded research, the sponsorship of scholarly conferences, and publications. The center also sponsors a distinguished speaker series that brings renowned writers and lecturers to Villanova University.