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Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the foundational degree for ministry and is required for ordination in many Christian traditions. An M.Div. degree prepares students for ordination or for other professional ministries for which advanced leadership skills are essential. These ministries may include congregational pastor, chaplaincy, campus ministry, spiritual direction, counseling, not-for-profit work, and other community-based ministries.
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
Program Types
Graduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
School / College
San Francisco Theological SeminaryWhy get an M.Div. from San Francisco Theological Seminary?
Our program combines classroom learning with immersion in practical ministry, preparing you to bridge theological, cultural, and political divides. We combine a framework of academic disciplines—Biblical studies, theology, history, homiletics, liturgics, counseling, and Christian spirituality—with practical ministry experience through required field education. Elements of spiritual, pastoral, and professional development are woven throughout the academic program.
Program information
- Three years full-time (with the option to add a full-year internship); up to six years part-time
- 24 courses; 72 units
- Competence in one Biblical language
- Field education consisting of Clinical Pastoral Education or a ministry internship
- Chaplaincy / Pastoral Care
- Spirituality
- Biblical Studies
- History / Theology
Learn more about concentrations through the university catalog.
Candidates for ordination who already hold a master’s degree in religious education or theological studies and who also have a minimum of three years experience in church work may earn the M.Div. degree in a special 24-credit program, usually completed in one year.
Students should have completed the equivalent of the first two years of the M.Div. program in their MA coursework: at least 48 semester credits, of which 15 should be in biblical studies, 15 in historical and systematic disciplines, and 18 in social and behavioral disciplines and ministry.
Eligibility for the special M.Div. program is determined on the basis of evaluation of the MA transcripts. Applicants are encouraged to submit their transcripts for evaluation before undertaking the application process, which is the same process for the regular M.Div.
As an M.Div. student, field dducation will be an important component of your degree program. You must complete one internship or one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education to meet your minimum field education requirement. Learn more about designing your field education plan.
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15 — Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Spring Term
Priority 1 Deadline: October 1 — Priority 2 Deadline: December 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
What you'll learn
Lead and order services of Christian worship.
Reflect theologically on Christian faith, the Church, and the world.
Provide pastoral care and spiritual formation for individuals and communities.
Equip the churches and communities for mission and ministry in a multicultural and pluralistic context.
What you'll learn
Expand your interfaith education at the GTU
SFTS is a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, CA—America’s largest consortium of interfaith and interdisciplinary religious thought, study, and practice from around the world. Students have access to classes and resources from institutions ranging from the Institute for Buddhist Studies to the University of California, Berkeley.
M.Div. At-A-Glance
Modalities
Offered online and at Marin campus
Field Education
Field education requirement can be completed through either Clinical Pastoral Education or a ministry internship.
Program Length
3-years part-time / 6 years full-time, 72 credits
Upcoming Information Sessions
We’re so glad you’re interested in learning more about graduate programs at University of Redlands. Our graduate admissions team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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