Master of Divinity
The M.Div. at PTS
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is a professional program that prepares individuals for ordained ministry and general pastoral and religious leadership in congregations and other settings. Our flexible M.Div. program can be taken on a full-time or part-time schedule through day or evening courses.
Our Master of Divinity coursework offers deep integration between classical theological disciplines and the missional nature of ministry. Throughout this seminary degree program, we encourage students to engage in deep theological reflection that considers historical and current contexts.
The program provides opportunities and tools for vocational discernment and nurtures spiritual formation in the Christian tradition.
CAREERS WITH AN M.DIV. DEGREE
A seminary degree can lead to a variety of careers, and our M.Div. graduates are well-prepared to serve God in many ways!
- Ordained pastoral ministry in new and historic congregations
- Further graduate studies at seminaries or universities
- Lay ministry service
- Denominational leadership
- Mission worker
- Chaplaincy (military, hospital, hospice, prison)
- Non-profit management
- Church planting
- Entrepreneurial work
M.DIV. CERTIFICATES, CONCENTRATION, AND JOINT DEGREES
Alongside their M.Div. courses, students have the opportunity to customize their seminary degree in an area of interest like church planting, urban ministry, or Episcopal/Anglican Studies. With our joint degree programs, students could combine the M.Div. degree with another professional degree in the areas of social work and law.
- Master of Divinity with Forming New Faith Communities
- Master of Divinity with Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry
- Master of Divinity with Concentration in Episcopal/Anglican Studies
- Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work Joint Degree with University of Pittsburgh
- Master of Divinity/Juris Doctor Joint Degree with Duquesne University
M.DIV. DEGREE SEQUENCE
Master of Divinity courses are generally three credit hours. When followed on a full-time basis (12-13.5 credits/semester, plus required J-Terms), the M.Div. program is completed in three academic years. Student pastors are encouraged to spread their seminary degree work over four academic years. The three- and four-year outlines in this PDF.
M.Div. Student Learning Outcomes
The purpose of the M.Div. program at PTS is to form theologically reflective leaders with the habits, skills, and knowledge to lead Christian communities as they participate in the gracious life and mission of the Triune God.
OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Bible and a capacity to interpret it as Christian Scripture.
- Demonstrate a capacity to integrate Scripture, Christian history, and theology in relation to the life of the church in the world.
- Demonstrate a capacity to exegete and interpret the Church’s various contexts as the location of God’s mission.
- Demonstrate an awareness of how socio-cultural context shapes interpretations of tradition, thought, and practice.
- Demonstrate growth in self-understanding, vocational discernment, and a life of prayer and worship.
- Demonstrate a capacity to perform the tasks of Christian leadership, including leading communities in discerning participation in the mission of God.
- Demonstrate the ability to participate in God’s work of enacting racial justice by describing and resisting the sin of racism.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PITTSBURGH SEMINARY’S M.DIV. PROGRAM
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity degree prepares students to serve in various Christian ministry roles, including congregational ordained ministry. Our seminary coursework is a dynamic combination of theological study, spiritual formation, and career-ready skillbuilding.
