Course Sequencing and Ideal Degree Schedules
(This information is also outlined in the Student Advising Handbook, distributed to all new students at STM's annual academic orientations.)
The sequencing of courses is important, particularly for part-time students.
In general, for MAPS and MDIV
- The best academic theology sequence for students is (in order of enrollment) Christian Anthropology, Christology, Christian Ethics, and Theology in an Ecumenical Context.
- Hebrew Scriptures is a prerequisite for Christian Scriptures.
- Pastoral Care Skills and Ministry in a Multicultural Context (in that order!) are prerequisites for Fostering Communities of Faith. This entire three-course sequence is a prerequisite for Ministerial and Theological Integration.
- Combination of academic/pastoral - The most preferred schedule combines academic core, pastoral skills, and formation courses.
The Preferred Beginning Sequences
- The ideal part-time MDIV first Fall quarter is Christian Anthropology and Pastoral Care Skills. The ideal first Winter quarter is Christology and Ministry in a Multicultural Context.
- MDIV students who begin in the Summer are advised into Pastoral Care Skills.
- MAPS or MATS students who begin in Summer are encouraged to register for Christian Anthropology or Pastoral Care Skills in their first year.
- MAPC students begin in Summer quarter. Students must register for Christian Anthropology and Pastoral Care Skills their first quarter, with Hebrew Scriptures taken in the following Fall quarter. If they adjust their start time, they risk elongating the time it takes to complete their degree.
The Ideal Schedules for each degree program are attached below on the following links:
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS)
Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership (MATL)Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality (MATS)
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MAPC)
Post Master's Certificates: Pastoral Counseling / Pastoral Theology (PMC PC/PT)
Master of Divinity (MDIV)