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Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree

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Description

 

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional-level degree program for individuals planning to enter or continue careers in ministry. A major element of this program provides students with extensive studies in the biblical text and thorough preparation in theology (systematic and liturgical theology, church history, etc.) and various areas of practical ministry. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to conduct their ministry at the highest level of professional competence, communicate in a manner that is intellectually articulate, and relate to others in a way that is spiritually mature and morally sensitive.

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Objectives

 

Upon completion of the Master of Divinity program, graduates will have:

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  • Acquired a deeper knowledge of the Bible to function more effectively in various roles in a church setting;

  • Developed skills in studying and expounding the biblical text;

  • Formed a sound foundation for continuing scholarly biblical studies, such as a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.); and

  • Prepared for career opportunities as a minister or in various professional fields in theology.

 

Degree Requirements

 

  1. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of the date of acceptance into the program with an extension approved by the Dean of Students and Academics.

  2. All assignments and exams for online courses/webinars must be submitted at the end of each semester as listed on the school calendar. Assignments for residential courses/ seminars must be submitted 90 days after the completion of on-site instruction, unless otherwise stipulated in the course syllabus. 

  3. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). If a student’s CGPA falls below 3.0 then oral examinations might be necessary for graduation.  

  4. Successful completion of the parish ministries practicum (project/ministry development).

  5. Students must contact their mentor at least once per quarter to remain in good academic standing.

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Prerequisites

 

Standard admission application process. Potential students will soon be able to apply online.

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  • An earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Theology degree or equivalent. Special status can be obtained if a student has completed 107 credits of undergraduate study, possesses 15 years of pastoral/ministerial experience, and is at least 35 years of age. Advanced placement of up to 24 semester hours can be obtained if a student has completed a graduate level major in religious or theological studies and received a grade of 2.7 (B-) in the courses under consideration with the remaining semester credits taken at St. Anthony’s for complete fulfillment of degree requirements.

  • Selection of a proctor who will be responsible for exams. A mentor will be provided by St. Anthony.

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Overall Credits - Estimated Cost of Degree

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129 semester credits - estimated cost of tuition and registration fees: approx. $4,700, excluding books, other resources, and other applicable fees (certification, professional, etc.).

Areas of Study and Total Number of Credits

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Areas of Study

 

Sacred Scripture

  • Introduction to OT Literature and Theology

  • Introduction to NT Literature and Theology

  • Biblical Languages Survey and Resources

  • Hermeneutics and Methods

  • Pentateuch

  • Historical Literature

  • Prophetic Literature

  • Psalms and Wisdom Literature 

  • Synoptic Gospels and Acts

  • Johannine Literature

  • Pauline Epistles

  • Catholic or General Epistles

  • Extra-canonical Writings: Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha 

 

Total Credits: 39

 

Moral and Spiritual Theology

  • Spiritual Theology

  • Moral Theology

  • Social Ethics

  • Marriage

 

Total Credits: 12

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Systematic and Liturgical Theology

  • Liturgical Theology

  • Sacramental Theology with Practicum

  • Theology of Ministry with Practicum

  • Doctrine of God

  • Christology/Soteriology/Atonement

  • Eschatology

  • Pneumatology

  • Ecclesiology and Missiology

  • Patristic Theology

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Total Credits: 27 

Church History

  • Church History 1

  • Church History 2

  • Church History 3

  • Elective: Denominational History 

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Total Credits: 12

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Pastoral Theology

  • Pastor as Catechist and Evangelist

  • Survey of Canon Law

  • Pastoral Counseling, Ethics, and Care

  • Family Counseling and Life Issues

  • Crisis Intervention Ministries

  • Preaching from the Lectionary 

  • Homiletics and Effective Preaching

  • Pastoral Ministry: Ecumenical/Interfaith

  • Pastoral Administration and Leadership

 

Total Credits: 27

 

Parish Ministries Practicum (Project/Ministry Development)

 

Depending on the area of concentration, the balance of the program will consist of a one-year church project or a thesis consisting of at least 20,000 words according to the standards in A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (6th ed.) by Kate L. Turabian. The church project should be proctored by a local priest, church elder, rabbi, or qualified ecclesiastical authority and approved by St. Anthony’s. Other lab arenas, such as the mission field, counseling centers, and homeless shelters, can be used in lieu of a church project provided these venues are consistent with the student’s concentration in ministry service.

 

180 hours depending on track; blended instruction

 

Total Credits: 12

 

Total Credits: 129

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