Reorient your life to one of prayer, study, and service.

We are committed to the formation of leaders who are learned, skilled, informed by the Word of God, and committed to the mission of Christ’s church. The School of Theology’s academic preparation and world-wide cross-cultural and contextual education programs will equip you for the challenges of 21st-century ministry.

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) curriculum is designed to provide students with the spiritual formation, knowledge, and skills required to become committed, effective ordained clergy. To this end, the curriculum includes study of Scripture, the Christian tradition, ministerial skills, and modern cultural contexts, with a view to the reasoned practice of the ministry of Word and Sacrament in both its historical context and its contemporary setting.

As an Episcopal seminary we're committed to forming devout, learned, and useful leaders for the Episcopal Church.

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What do our students say?

Andrew Sloan

At the toll of a bell Christians have been called to prayer for centuries. At Sewanee, our chapel bell helps us to keep our daily rhythm of prayer and Eucharist. Firmly rooted in the soul of the Anglican tradition, our worship has something for everyone. Each week our community is enhanced by participation in Rite II, Rite I, and EOW services. This steady cadence familiarizes us with the depth and breadth of the worship of The Episcopal Church. From my own experience, this regular participation in the Eucharist and Daily Office has anchored me in the tradition and mission of our Anglican faith.

Malcolm McLaurin, Diocese of Olympia

When choosing seminaries, a colleague told me that I should choose a place that would be the best place for me to focus on myself and my family, and that was having the conversation that I wanted to be a part of. This is why I chose the University of the South. The community here not only supports me but has supported my whole family. I felt called to be at Sewanee because I wanted to be at the table when this place had the hard conversations around its founding and history, becoming a more diverse student body, and the role of social justice in ministry while also getting entrenched in liturgics, pastoral care, and preaching. At the halfway point, Sewanee has not disappointed. I know I have made the right decision for me and family.

Ashley Simpson, Diocese of East Carolina

When I was touring different seminaries, I was always asked, “What are you looking for in a seminary?” My answer to that question was: community. When visiting the School of Theology, I instantly felt the warmth and inclusion that I was looking for in a seminary community. When you attend seminary in a small town atop a mountain, community is essential. I do not know what I would do without the love and support of my fellow classmates and seminarians. We come from all over the country and range in age from 22 to 72. Whenever one of us has a birthday, we go to Shenanigans or the Sewanee Inn together to celebrate. When someone has extra food to share, they invite classmates over. Whenever someone is going through a difficult time, we do our best to support that person any way we can. The School of Theology is a loving and close-knit community.

Christopher Schwenk, Diocese of Pennsylvania

I would characterize academics at the School of Theology as generously rigorous. Everyone, whether they have a Ph.D. or haven't been in school for 20 years, is challenged to expand their intellectual and pastoral limits. At the same time, our professors are approachable, accessible, and are always willing to provide extra resources and attention when we need it. Having come from a graduate program in Religious Ethics myself, I have been challenged in unexpected ways and I've greatly appreciated the expertise, collegiality, and wisdom of this community.

Meghan Mazur, Diocese of Texas

Anyone contemplating starting seminary with family obligations knows that your choice impacts not just yourself, but your entire family. I knew that the School of Theology was the place for us when we drove to visit campus with the whole family, and my eldest son, who is normally extremely reserved, shouted, “Everyone who wants to live here, raise your hand!”. Needless to say, every hand in the car shot up, and the sentiment remains the same today. Our family of five has been warmly welcomed by the university and the surrounding community. We’ve loved having the opportunity to hike, ride bikes with friends, and truly live in a community of friends and neighbors. I’ve been challenged and strengthened both spiritually and educationally, and know that this has only been possible with the knowledge that my family is also in a place where they can thrive.

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The Sewanee Experience

Academics

The School of Theology is first and foremost a residential graduate school with a rigorous academic focus. Lectures and seminars are important, but it’s the way that one engages with one’s coursework that really counts. We expect seminarians to read, to think, and to write while here.

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Contextual Education

Contextual Education is the broad term used at the School of Theology for the numerous ways students apply academic knowledge and classroom experience to ministry opportunities in a variety of settings.

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Spiritual Life

It is important that our students develop a rich and reliable prayer life. This means providing the opportunity to pray in community day in and day out, year after year.

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Community Life

Living in a residential setting has a profound impact on formation. Not only does it take you out of your comfort zone, but it places you in a community with which you engage every day.

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Ministry Opportunities

Ministry doesn’t stop once you enter seminary. Opportunities for formal and informal ministry are varied, instructive, relevant to your future, and impactful to the diverse community around us.

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