Master of Divinity

108 credits, 3-4 years

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree prepares students for leadership roles in congregations, faith-based communities, and ministerial settings. Students develop skills to interpret scripture, foster theological reflection, and draw upon a rich theological heritage to sustain an effective pastoral practice. As reflective practitioners, students integrate classroom studies and interpersonal learning with meaningful internship experiences throughout the greater Seattle area.

The School of Theology and Ministry has signed formal partnership agreements with 14 Christian denominations and works with more than 24 interfaith collaborators. This provides a dynamic context for studying about faith community leadership.

Degree Options 

Chaplaincy Specialization: The MDiv Chaplaincy specialization prepares individuals to serve as a certified chaplain in hospitals, hospice, military, correctional facilities, social service agencies and more.

MDIV + Post-Master's Certificate in one of the following: 

 Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, MDIV students will be able to:

  • Apply a method of theological reflection informed by central themes of the Christian tradition.
  • Utilize scriptural and liturgical resources with sensitivity to diversity in ecclesial practice.
  • Demonstrate responsive and discerning listening skills while remaining grounded in self-understanding.
  • Address social and ethical challenges utilizing moral and spiritual wisdoms.
  • Demonstrate competence to lead a Christian community or other organization in its mission in a pluralistic, intercultural, and ecumenical social context.

MDIV Chaplaincy students will give evidence of: 

  • Ability to reflect theologically on the central themes of the Christian Tradition.
  • Knowledge of the interaction of religious/spiritual experience and culture in their ecumenical and multicultural dimensions.
  • Ability to articulate a personal and ecclesial theology of ministry.
  • Ability to inform ecclesial leadership with theology.
  • Ability to read scriptural texts critically.
  • Awareness of their own social location/ assumptions/ hermeneutics as they engage the text in their own lives, their communities, and the larger world.
  • Ability to use biblical tools and resources as a way to inform their own exegesis for the purpose of doing their ministry.
  • Knowledge of the tradition in relation to sacramental theology, liturgical method, worship elements and structure, and the ability to engage them in an ecumenical diversity of praxis.
  • Ability to draw critically and constructively on Christian moral traditions to lead toward a more just and sustainable world.
  • Ability to support, promote and encourage ethical decision-making and care.
  • Ability to discern and nurture spiritual experience in relation to self and others.
  • Ability to articulate one’s relationship with God, as it is informed by theological reflection in one’s social context.
  • Ability to articulate and live from an understanding of self as human, minister, and leader.
  • Ability to be a responsive, discerning listener who can enter another’s worldview.
  • Ability to guide and direct a Christian community (i.e. a congregation, parish, pastoral care unit, etc.) in its mission.
  • Ability to triage and manage crises in the practice of pastoral care.
  • Ability to engage the community with the larger social context and to articulate and communicate the mission that guides the community.

 

Unique Components 

The School of Theology and Ministry has signed formal partnership agreements with fourteen Christian denominations and over twenty-four interfaith collaborators. The School's relationship with these partners assist students in their denominational requirements for ordination and provides a dynamic context for studying about faith community leadership.

Questions? 

Please reach out to Carolyn M. Dougherty, Assistant Director of Admissions & Student Services at dougher6@seattleu.edu or 206-296-5333.

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