THE SEMINARY DEGREE PROGRAMS
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) curriculum of the School of Theology is designed to provide students with the spiritual formation, knowledge, and skills required to become committed, effective ordained clergy. Throughout the three years students have an opportunity to explore their pastoral vocation and to be formed in Christ’s own priesthood given to the church and expressed in a variety of ministries. To this end there is study of Scripture, tradition, and culture, with a view to the reasoned practice of the ministry of Word and Sacrament in both its historical context and its contemporary setting.
Master of Arts in Theology
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A.) program of the School of Theology is designed as a general academic degree for people who wish to begin advanced study of theological disciplines in a church-related setting. It is a research degree and involves a two-year course of study. A thesis is required. Advanced standing may be granted to those who come with previous work in the theological disciplines. It also may be the appropriate degree for some ordained American and international students with previous theological study. On its own, this degree does not satisfy the canonical requirements for ordination.
Anglican Studies Program
Anglican Studies is a special program that examines Anglican theology, history, spirituality, liturgy, preaching, and polity. This program is designed primarily for those who already have a divinity degree and have transferred from the ministry of other communions to ministry in the Episcopal Church. Students are introduced to the Anglican ethos through study of the common heritage and present identity of churches comprising the Anglican Communion, and through study of the development of Anglicanism.
Certificate of Theological Studies
The Certificate of Theological Studies is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate theological education without earning a degree. The program is especially appropriate for persons who want some structured theological education, but are unable to enroll in a degree program. The Certificate of Theological Studies program is shaped to meet the needs of the individual student.
ADVANCED DEGREES PROGRAM
The following two programs are offered primarily during the summer months. In order to enroll, both programs normally require master level degrees in theology. More information about these programs is available from the School of Theology.
Master of Sacred Theology
The Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) program is an academic research degree, based primarily on courses taken in the summer at the School of Theology, although S.T.M. students may also take courses at other accredited seminaries and electives during the academic year at the School of Theology. The student has a major area of concentration and writes a thesis with the approval of the advanced degrees committee
Doctor of Ministry
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program is offered by the School of Theology during the summer months. The focus of the program is the relationship between the practice of ministry and biblical, historical, and theological knowledge. It combines high academic standards with commitment to the church and to effective ministry today. Emphasis also is placed on reflecting theologically on one’s ministry in the context of the Christian tradition. The program requires both the completion of a first professional degree in theology and experience in a field of ministry. The primary focus of the program is the practice of ministry and the development of skills, attitudes, and knowledge which are essential to ministry.
Required Training
The canons of the Episcopal Church require ordinands to furnish evidence of training regarding:
1. Prevention of sexual misconduct. This training refers to issues relating to both conduct between adults, and conduct with children. This training is generally divided into two courses, one for adults and one for issues relating to children.
2. Civil requirements for reporting and pastoral opportunities for responding to evidence of abuse. This training also refers to issues relating to both conduct between adults, and conduct with children. It is included with the respective training workshops on sexual abuse and misconduct.
3. The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, particularly Title IV.
4. Training regarding the Church's teaching on racism.
The School of Theology offers annual workshops that fulfill these canonical requirements.
All degree-seeking and full-time students must complete the workshops on preventing sexual misconduct and anti-racism.
Episcopal students seeking ordination must complete the workshop on the Constitution and Canons to meet requirements for ordination, but it is not a requirement for the M.Div. degree. They may be required to attend other workshops, as determined by the Dean and faculty to be necessary or beneficial to the formation of clergy.
For further information please consult Canon III. 8.5(h), Canons & Constitution of The Episcopal Church 2006, or contact the Associate Dean for Community Life, who is responsible for the coordination of these workshops.
Those students who need to prepare for the General Ordination Exams are encouraged to consider entering in January of the year before the examinations; therefore, obtaining a full calendar year of preparation.
ACCREDITATION
The University is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. To contact the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, write to 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1110, or visit the Web site at www.ats.edu, or call 412.788.6505. To contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, write to 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, or visit the Web site at ww.sacscoc.org, or call 404.679.4500.
