Master of Divinity
In particular and exceptional cases, with the approval of the Rector/Dean, qualified students who are not seeking ordination are admitted to the M.Div. program.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the aforementioned general admission requirements for all ICSST programs, M.Div. applicants:
- must undertake psychological testing, according to protocols issued by the Office of the Rector/Dean;
- must have a personal interview with the Rector/Dean and/or the appropriate Associate Dean. Scheduling for such interviews is initiated by ICSST; and
- should have earned at least 15 undergraduate hours in religious studies/theology and at least 30 undergraduate hours in philosophy as part of their undergraduate education, corresponding to the themes required by the Program of Priestly Formation (Sixth Edition, 2022). Further preparation will be provided through the Pre-Theology program at ICSST.
Matriculation Requirements
M.Div. students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The M.Div. program should be completed within six years (exclusive of any Philosophy or Pre-Theology requirements) unless extension of time is granted upon petition to the ICSST Educational Policy Committee due to extenuating circumstances.
Degree Requirements
The M.Div. degree program is normally four academic years of full-time study for students who have completed all prerequisite courses. The M.Div. degree program is normally six academic years of full-time study for students who must complete prerequisite courses.
I. Coursework and Field Education (87 credits)
Students must complete coursework according to the following distribution:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies | ||
| Select 12 credits of BIBL courses, for example: | 12 | |
| Synoptic Gospels (or specific study of a Gospel) | ||
| Pauline Literature | ||
| Pentateuch | ||
| Prophetic Literature | ||
| Wisdom Literature-Psalms | ||
| Historical Studies | ||
| Select 6 credits of HSTD courses, for example: | 6 | |
| From Church Fathers to 1500 | ||
Any other HSTD course | ||
| Moral Theology | ||
| Select 6 credits of CETH courses, for example: | 6 | |
| Fundamental Moral Theology | ||
| Fundamental Moral Theology II | ||
| Pastoral Theology | ||
| Select 21 credits of STHO courses, for example: | 21 | |
| Intro to Preaching | ||
| Preaching Pract I | ||
| Preaching Pract II | ||
| Pastoral Psych. and Counseling | ||
| General Canon Law | ||
| Canon Law Marriage | ||
| Pastoral Ministry - Intro | ||
| History of Spirituality | ||
| Parish Administration | ||
| Spirituality Course | 3 | |
| Systematic Theology | ||
| Select 27 credits of PTHO courses, for example: | 27 | |
| Graduate Research Seminar | ||
| Revelation and Faith | ||
| Christology | ||
| The Trinity | ||
| Christian Anthropology | ||
| Ecclesiology | ||
| Sacraments of Initiation | ||
| Worship of the Church | ||
or STHO 6505 | Eucharist | |
| M.A. Seminar | 3 | |
| Field Education | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 90 | |
II. Spiritual Formation
In addition to coursework and field education requirements noted above, non-ordination track M.Div. students must complete a "Foundational Spiritual Experience," meet with a spiritual director, and complete an annual retreat.
The "Foundational Spiritual Experience" is a cognitive and experiential introduction to the spiritual life. This year-long program explores movements in the spiritual life. Liturgy, instruction, faith-sharing, and communal prayer are some of the elements.
A list of recommended spiritual directors, persons associated in some way with the School who are familiar with the program and its goals, is available from the Associate Dean.
A retreat of several days must be made annually during the course of studies. When the retreat has been completed, the student should inform the Associate Dean.
Apply to Seton Hall
Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Seton Hall has reached new heights in academic excellence, faculty research and student success. Ready to take the next steps on your academic or career path?
