Master of Divinity

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. Wondering what you can do with an M.Div. degree? Read about the ministries of our students and alums.

Students in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program benefit from contextual learning through Field Education and a required cross-cultural experience. During the year-long Field Ed course and ministry placement, students integrate coursework and firsthand experience with the Church’s mission in the world at hospitals, nonprofits, special agencies, and churches in urban, suburban, and rural locations.

The January and Summer Terms offer M.Div. students the flexibility to explore electives, deepen their writing skills, learn more about their own faith tradition and others, plus experience a cross-cultural mission trip. These transformative experiences throughout the seminary degree include two classes in spiritual formation the first year, two semesters of field education during the second year, and up to six electives as a senior. 

About the M.Div. Program 

• Our 81 semester-credit-hour program can be taken either part or full time with day and evening classes available. Full-time students can complete the program in three to four academic years. 
• With the largest theological library in the tri-state area, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers unmatched resources for students to research and explore a variety of theological topics. 
• A low student-to-faculty ratio enables close interaction with dedicated scholars and teachers, encouraging and mentoring students on their journey to a career in Christian ministry. 
• M.Div. degree graduates from Pittsburgh Seminary pursue a wide variety of creative and fulfilling ministries in the Church, at parachurch organizations, and in professional settings.

Careers with an M.Div. Degree 

In addition to ordained pastoral ministry in both new and historic congregations, graduates of our Master of Divinity program have gone on to pursue further graduate study at seminaries or use their degree in lay ministry contexts. Some have become denominational leaders, mission workers, or chaplains in military, hospital, hospice, and prison settings. Still others have managed non-profit organizations, become church planters, and explored other entrepreneurial work. A seminary degree can lead to a variety of careers, and our M.Div. graduates are well-prepared to serve God in many ways! 

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, public policy, 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. Curriculum Requirements 

To complete the Master of Divinity degree at Pittsburgh Seminary, students must: 

• Complete 81 semester credit hours providing coherent progression through the M.Div. curriculum and connections between required courses
• Fulfill denominational requirements for biblical language or English Bible exegesis courses; two biblical languages are required for Presbyterian Church (USA) students
• Experience our year-long Field Education course and placement
• Seek out cross-cultural experiences
• Meet each semester with the seminary’s Vocation Director for vocation discernment and formation

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. 

Request information to learn more about PTS’s M.Div. degree program.