Master of Divinity

Studies leading to the Master of Divinity degree are designed to prepare men and women for the various ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and other denominations. It is a fundamental assumption of the Master of Divinity program that preparation for the ministry cannot be separated from engagement in ministry itself. Thus, the Master of Divinity curriculum is designed to integrate theological studies and the work of ministry so that theory and practice, academy and parish, become complementary components in the educational process.

One hundred and eleven (111) term hours are required for the Master of Divinity degree. When followed on a full-time basis, the program is normally completed in three academic years. Student pastors are encouraged to spread their degree work over four academic years. One biblical language is required for graduation with the Master of Divinity degree. Some denominations, including Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), require a year of Hebrew and Greek.

In preparing for Christian ministry, the development of a broad spectrum of knowledge along with a competence in basic pastoral abilities is required. At Pittsburgh Theological Seminary it is understood that this basic professional competency includes:

  • The ability to understand and make use of the basic documents of faith, i.e., Scripture, creeds and traditions of the church.
  • The ability to think theologically through familiarity with methods and content of Christian thought.
  • The ability to communicate clearly through preaching, teaching, and writing, and to provide leadership and counsel in the service of the church.
  • The ability to understand in theological terms the sociological, ideological, and political aspects of the cultures in which the church ministers.
  • The ability to practice ministry in an appropriate professional style.

Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Arts and the Master of Divinity program are required to have completed their bachelor's at the time of enrollment. This undergraduate work should include a substantial foundation in the liberal arts (history, English, philosophy). It is normally required that an applicant achieved a 2.7 cumulative grade point on a 4.0 scale as an undergraduate or in the last degree program attempted.

Applications from those just completing their bachelor's will be considered after the student's junior year, with a transcript reflecting work to that point. Prior to enrollment the student must produce a final official undergraduate transcript reflecting the earned degree.

Those applying for Term I (Fall) should apply before Feb. 1 to be considered for Honors Scholarships. Applications will be accepted until six weeks before the beginning of the term in which a student wishes to enroll. All correspondence concerning admission to the Seminary should be addressed to the Director of Admissions.

Course Load

Student pastors and persons employed full-time are ordinarily required by the Seminary to extend their program to more than three years, taking no more than nine credits per term instead of the normal 12, to compensate for the amount of time required by their other work.

 

Internships

 

Internships in a wide variety of settings are available. Summer internships include pastorates, youth assistantships, and placements in summer camps, parks, and secular agencies. Full-time internships of nine to 15 months in congregations or specialized settings also provide excellent learning opportunities and can be taken for credit to fulfill the Field Education requirement. Such internships, usually taken between the middler and senior years, are required by some denominations.

 

United Methodist Studies

 

Candidates for full Conference membership and ordination as elders in the United Methodist Church must complete courses dealing specifically with United Methodism, which include three credit hours each in history, doctrine, and polity. Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers the following courses to meet this requirement: CH42 History of Methodism, TH49 United Methodist Doctrine, and AD29 United Methodist Polity. These courses are certified by the Division of Ordained Ministry, Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the United Methodist Church. Several elective courses also enhance the studies of United Methodist studies.

 

Thesis Option

 

At the completion of 60 hours of course work, a student with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 can petition the dean to be admitted to the Thesis Option, using the Thesis Option Petition Form available in the Dean's Office. Admission to the Thesis Option is by vote of the Faculty upon recommendation by the dean. The dean negotiates the assignment of members of the faculty as advisors. Once admitted to the Thesis Option, a student registers for three consecutive terms totaling nine credit hours for thesis research. A letter grade is given for each term for the appropriate amount of work done as determined by the advisor.

 

Placement for Graduating Seniors

 

The Placement Office exists to assist graduating seniors in locating appropriate situations of service in ministry. Senior Seminars on dossier writing, interview skills, and candidacy requirements are held, culminating in an early spring face-to-face event during which Presbyterian seniors interview with Pastor Nominating Committees. The Office also distributes seniors' Personal Information Form to all presbyteries in the denomination. The Placement Resource Center houses an inventory of church information forms, opportunity lists and audio-visual equipment for sermon critique and distribution to interested committees. The Placement Office also coordinates visits to the Seminary by church officials, pastors, and Pastor Nominating Committees through the year. Contacts for students of other denominations are made according to their particular needs. When possible, the Seminary also assists alumnae/i who are seeking new challenges in ministry. For further information about the Seminary's Placement Program, please contact the Placement Director.

 

The Admissions Process

 

Applications are considered by the Admissions and Standings Committee upon submission of the following materials:

  • A formal application including names and addresses of references.

  • Official transcripts of all college and university work attempted.

  • A 500-1,000 word statement describing the applicant's religious background, sense of call, and reasons for seeking theological education.

  • A personal interview with the director of admissions or person designated by the director.

  • A letter of reference from the applicant's local church.

  • A non-refundable $35 application fee.

At the discretion of the Committee, an applicant may be required to undergo a battery of psychological and/or mental capacity tests. Such testing is utilized only when it is believed that the results will clarify ambiguities in the student's academic record or in the applicant's fitness for ministry.

 

After admission is granted, a student is required to submit an Intent to Enroll Form and $50 fee within 30 days. This assures a student's place in the next entering class. This fee is non-refundable but is credited to the student's account upon enrollment. Click here to request an application packet.