Through the institute, the university offers graduate programs that prepare individuals for professional careers in academics and church work. Begun in 1987, the institute is named in honor of Lucille Russell, SCN, president of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth from 1960 to 1972, under whose direction the community expanded its vision of ministry and invigorated its commitment to social justice. All programs in the institute have a Catholic foundation and an ecumenical implementation. Mission The Russell Institute of Religion and Ministry oversees diverse programs offered by Spalding University in religious studies and ministry studies. It is dedicated to the education and training of persons for a variety of ministries within the Catholic Church as well as within other Christian churches and denominations, and to the education of persons engaged in the academic study of religion.
All programs require admission to the graduate school.
Students may enter a program at any point in the academic year. Courses are offered days and evenings, and on weekends all year round. Financial aid is available. The two degree programs require that incoming students have a knowledge base of 18 semester hours in undergraduate religion courses or their equivalent in continuing education or professional experience. The certificate program does not have this requirement.