The Master of Divinity (MDiv) provides students with an extensive and dynamic combination of theological and ministerial formation, which prepares them to offer an engaging, well-formed witness to the world usually through professional ministry.
The MDiv is well-designed for those who wish to serve the Church in professional ministry and leadership roles, as well as those who seek to be formed comprehensively in the theological and pastoral vision of the Church.
The MDiv features the most comprehensive core curriculum offered at St. Bernard’s, drawing from all areas of theology (Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, and Pastoral Theology) and calling students forth into the community through extensive Pastoral Field Education placements. Several electives are crucial for students to explore additional coursework that pertains to their interests or their mission in the Church. Those preparing for ecclesial ministry and looking to complete a Master of Divinity degree online or on campus will wish to explore this program.
A student who completes the Master of Divinity degree can expect:
1. To demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition (Religious heritage)
2. To evaluate contemporary beliefs, assumptions, and societal issues in light of the Catholic intellectual tradition (cultural context)
3. To integrate theological reflection, spiritual development, and ministerial practice (personal and spiritual formation)
4. To evidence skills conducive to effective professional ministry and pastoral leadership (religious and public leadership)
Curriculum:
24 courses (72 credits)
- C215 – Introduction to Theological Studies
- D214 – Spiritual Formation
General Elective I
General Elective II
A205 – Introduction to Biblical Studies
A202 – Old Testament
A203 – New Testament
A-Area Elective – Old Testament
A-Area Elective – New Testament
B301 – The History of the Church
B-Area Elective
C216 – Grace, Nature, and Christian Anthropology
C217 – Fundamental Moral Theology
C226 – Liturgical and Sacramental Theology
C228 – Ecclesiology and the Theology of Ministry
C302 – Christology and Trinitarian Theology
B/C310 – Catholic Social Teaching
C/D333 – Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life OR C/D334 – Catholic Bioethics at the End of Lifev
D207 – Canon Law and Ministerial Leadership
D217 – Pastoral Care
D218 – Issues in Pastoral Care
D302 – Pastoral Field Education I
D303 – Pastoral Field Education II
D-Area Elective
To explore further the courses available as electives in the MDiv program, click here to view our Course Catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is a Master of Divinity degree, and how does it relate to the Master of Arts in Theological Studies and the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies?
The MDiv degree program is best known in Catholic contexts as the typical intellectual formation program for priestly formation. The MDiv plays this role because of the comprehensive formation it provides across various areas of theological and ministerial study. Over the past decades, however, the MDiv degree program has been a great blessing for lay men and women as well, as they likewise pursue comprehensive formation for their unique roles in the Church. The MDiv at St. Bernard’s is designed exclusively to form lay men and women for professional ministry and leadership roles in the Church, especially when such leadership responsibilities require a rigorous combination of leadership skills, theological expertise, spiritual grounding, and pastoral sensitivity. The MDiv degree program uniquely provides a comprehensive curriculum to form a student for professional ministry and leadership roles in the Church that require the above combination of flexibility and deft application of human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral principles. The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies provides a similar dynamic combination of theological and ministerial formation as preparation for lay ecclesial ministry, though this formation is not as extensively and comprehensively engaged. Finally, the Master of Arts in Theological Studies provides a distinctive emphasis on theology formation as preparation for teaching, catechetical leadership, and the communication of the Gospel. -
What are some examples of professional ministry that the Master of Divinity would uniquely prepare me for?
Some examples of professional ministry include positions of leadership or coordination in diocesan administration, positions of leadership or coordination in parishes or families of parishes, and positions of leadership or coordination in Catholic organizations, ministries, or other non-profit institutions. -
What are the prerequisites for a Master of Divinity?
The prerequisites for the MDiv program at St. Bernard's include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. The bachelor’s degree does not need to be in theology, and no GRE test score is required. More information on prerequisites and the admissions process can be found here. -
Can I study for my Master of Divinity Degree online?
Yes, St. Bernard's offers the MDiv degree online through live, synchronous coursework that fosters community among students and personal engagement with faculty. For those in difficult time zones, asynchronous delivery (recorded sessions engaged at your own pace) is also available. Pastoral Field Education placements would take place in your region; your faculty advisor would assist in identifying a placement location that makes sense for your region and for your interests. More information about studying online at St. Bernard’s can be found here. -
How long does it take to get a Master of Divinity degree?
The MDiv at St. Bernard's can be completed in 3 years when pursued on a full-time basis, and completed in 6 years when pursued on a part-time basis. Our programs are flexible and can be completed at a pace that works for you! There is no ‘locked-in’ pacing or cohort structure, so you are free to discern what is best for your schedule during any given semester. -
How many credits in a Master of Divinity Program?
St. Bernard's MDiv program amounts to 72 credits. See above for our full program overview.
