MASTER OF DIVINITY (MDiv)

The master of divinity (MDiv) is the classic ministerial degree, preparing people to assume leadership positions in the church. It develops the pastoral minister’s capacity to interpret scripture, foster theological reflection, and draw upon the theological heritage of the religious community with pastoral sensitivity.

Catholics with a master of divinity degree often assume leadership positions in parishes, dioceses, hospitals or social service agencies.

Protestants on an ordination track work closely with their churches regarding ordination requirements. Appropriate adaptations of the MDiv program have been developed for the following denominations: Episcopal, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Presbyterian (USA), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, American Baptist, Disciples of Christ, and Church of the Brethren.

Degree Requirements

I. Scripture

Fifteen credits:

STMM 526 Hebrew Scripture (3)

STMM 527 Christian Scriptures (3)

Elective in Hebrew Scripture (3)

Elective in Christian Scripture (3)

Elective in Scripture (3)

II. Systematic and Historical Theology

Twenty-four credits:

STMM 500 Christian Anthropology (3)

STMM 501 Christology (3)

STMM 503 Theology in an Ecumenical Context (3)

STMA 500 Hermeneutics (3)

STMA 504 God, Creation, and Trinity (3)

Elective in Systematic Theology (3)

STMA 516 History of Ancient Christianity, or

STMA 517 History of Medieval Christianity (3)

Elective in Historical Theology (3)

III. Spirituality, Ethics, and Justice

Eighteen credits:

STMM 504 Christian Ethics (3)

STMM 547 Christian Sexuality (3)

STMM 560 Ministry in a Multicultural Context (3)

STMM 561 Contemporary Christian Spirituality and Prayer (3)

STMA 570 Spiritual Discernment (3)

Elective in Ethics or Justice (3)

IV. Pastoral Skills and Ministerial Formation

Twenty-seven credits:

STMM 553 Pastoral Care Skills (3)

STMM 554 Fostering Communities of Faith (3)

STMM 557 Ministerial and Theological Integration I (3)

STMM 558 Ministerial and Theological Integration II (3)

STMM 559 Ministerial and Theological Integration III (3)

STMA 546 Theology of Pastoral Leadership I (3)

STMA 555 Theology of Pastoral Leadership II (3)

STMA 557 MDiv Synthesis I (3)

Elective in Religious Education (3)

V. Worship and Liturgy

Six credits:

STMM 505 Sacramental and Liturgical Theology, or

STMM 510 Theology and Practice of Worship (3)

Elective in Worship/Liturgy (3)

VI. Electives (27)

MINIMUM CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE..................117