The University of Dallas School of Ministry began in 1987 as the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies (IRPS), offering master's degrees in theological studies (MTS) and religious education (MRE). The founders of the School of Ministry envisaged an institute dedicated to training ministers who could respond to pastoral needs in their local Church communities. As such, the School has adopted a “practitioner” model program so as to integrate preparation for practical ministry with study of the more abstract elements of theology. IRPS was renamed the School of Ministry in April, 2007. The University of Dallas School of Ministry is one of the few Catholic universities in the U.S. that offer a comprehensive, four-year Catholic Biblical School (CBS) certification program. This program, which covers every book of the Bible, is also offered online and in both English and Spanish. The CBS is the largest program of its kind among all Catholic universities in the U.S. based on 2007 enrollment numbers. The School of Ministry offers the nation's only Rome study program that is fully integrated into its master's degree programs. Courses are taught at the University's campus in Rome by members of the School's faculty and other top theological scholars. The University of Dallas’ School of Ministry is the only Catholic school in the country to offer its entire Master of Theological Studies degree program and CBS program online, as well as selected courses in its other master's degree programs. Graduate programs The School of Ministry offers a variety of master's degrees and graduate certificates. Graduate students can pursue master's degrees in: Theological Studies (MTS), Religious Education (MRE), Catholic School Leadership (MCSL), Catholic School Teaching (MCST), and Pastoral Ministry (MPM). Graduate Certificates are also available in the same fields. Masters classes are offered onsite at the University of Dallas main campus at Irving (Texas), and at Frisco (Texas), Shreveport (Louisiana) as well as online. Onsite Classes are offered weekdays, weeknights and weekends. Online classes can be taken at any time during the week. Biblical school The School of Ministry Catholic Biblical School is a four-year program of intensive study covering the entire Bible. Online education Students can pursue a master's degree or the Biblical School online. The School of Ministry is a leading innovator in online theological education. The advanced technologies used by the School of Ministry mean it is one of the very few Catholic master's degrees in theology