“The Archdiocese of Chicago's principal seminary, forming Catholic priests and ministry leaders since 1844.”
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake (USML), also known as Mundelein Seminary, is a private Catholic institution in Mundelein, Illinois, serving as the principal seminary and school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Originally chartered by the Illinois General Assembly in 1844, the university was re-established in its current location in 1921 under Cardinal George Mundelein, whose name the surrounding village bears. Situated on a 600-acre campus along a private lake in the northern Chicago suburbs, USML combines the academic rigor of a pontifical university with the pastoral formation mission of priestly preparation. USML encompasses three academic units: Mundelein Seminary, the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, and the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization (SPLE). Mundelein Seminary prepares Catholic men for ordination as parish priests through a fully residential graduate formation program integrating academic theology, spiritual development, and pastoral ministry. The Pontifical Faculty of Theology grants pontifical degrees (STB, STL, STD) recognized by the Holy See, and is one of a small number of such faculties in the United States. The SPLE serves lay ministers, deacons, and parish leaders through graduate-level theological education. USML's campus is one of the most architecturally distinctive religious campuses in the United States, featuring neo-Georgian and Italianate buildings, a private lake, and a renowned conference center. The institution is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Enrollment is intentionally small—approximately 200 students—reflecting USML's focused mission of priestly and ecclesial formation rather than broad undergraduate education.
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Official SourceMundelein Seminary (Fall)
Seminarians must be sponsored by a diocese or religious community before applying. Contact your local diocesan vocations director for deadlines.
SPLE Graduate Programs
Contact the School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization directly for current application deadlines.
This university does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions.
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Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$34,000 – $36,000
/yr
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Full-time residential graduate school for Catholic men preparing for priestly ordination in the Archdiocese of Chicago and other dioceses.
Grants pontifical degrees recognized by the Holy See; one of few pontifical faculties in the United States.
Serves lay ministers, deacons, and parish leaders; offers graduate theology and ministry leadership programs.
Prepares candidates for the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
4 years
Primary formation degree for priestly ordination; integrates academic theology with pastoral internships and spiritual direction.
2 years
Pontifical degree recognized by the Holy See; required for teaching theology in Catholic institutions worldwide.
3 years
Advanced professional degree for ordained and lay ministers deepening theological reflection and ministerial leadership.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
