Master of Divinity for Seminarians
Overview
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional degree designed for men preparing to be ordained to the Catholic Priesthood or permanent Diaconate. Successful completion of the Master of Divinity program attests to the recipient’s competency for exercising priestly ministry gained from a thorough grounding in Sacred Scripture, Dogmatic and Moral Theology, Spiritual and Pastoral Theology, Canon Law, Liturgy, Homiletics and Church History.
Some students who apply at a later age and do not have a Bachelor’s degree may, with the permission of their diocese or religious society, earn a Certificate of Preparation for Ordination for the Priesthood upon the satisfactory completion of four years of theology.
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“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– St. John Marie Vianney –
Life On Campus
Seminarians will:
- Live in Christian Community
- Participate in a full time on-campus academic program
- Receive Spiritual Direction
- Join in communal prayer, formation, and recreational activities
Admissions to the Program
Applicants for MDiv – Priestly Formation Option or MDiv – Advanced Priestly Formation Option of the Seminary M.Div. program should follow the Seminary Division Admissions Procedures, as defined in the Academic Catalog.
Before being admitted to MDiv – Priestly Formation Option or MDiv – Advanced Priestly Formation Option of the Seminary M.Div. program, applicants must have completed the prior stages: the Propaedeutic Stage and the Discipleship Stage.
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university and 24 credits in 8 pre-requisite philosophy courses as given in the Theology program requirements.
In cases where an applicant has been a seminarian in another accredited theologate, 60 graduate credits with at least a “C” grade may be transferred toward the Seminary M.Div. degree.
More Information
LOCATION
Holy Apostles College and Seminary campus, 33 Prospect Hill Road, Cromwell, CT 06416
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Master of Divinity – Non-Seminarians Option of the Seminary M.Div. program must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Applicants for the Master of Divinity – Priestly Formation Option or Master of Divinity – Advanced Priestly Formation Option of the Seminary M.Div. program should follow the Seminary Division Admissions Procedures, as defined in this catalog.
Before being admitted to Option 2 or 3 of the Seminary M.Div. program, applicants must have completed the prior stages: the Propaedeutic Stage and the Discipleship Stage. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university and 24 credits in 8 pre-requisite philosophy courses as given in the Theology program requirements.
In cases where an applicant has been a seminarian in another accredited theologate, 60 graduate credits with at least a “C” grade may be transferred toward the Seminary M.Div. degree.
Degree requirements
There are three options for the on-campus M.Div. Each option has a different number of credits based on the goal for that option, as follows:
- The first option is for non-seminarians (90 cr.).
- The second option is the ordinary option for most seminarians (96 cr.).
- The third option is more academically rigorous and needs the permission from the seminarian’s Ordinary that is to be sent directly to the Vice-Rector (105 cr.).
Graduate theology credits must include:
DTH 731 One and Triune God
DTH 751 Christology
MTH 611 Fundamental Moral Theology I
SAS 716 Gospels
A minimum of nine credits must be earned in each of the areas of Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture, Dogmatic Theology, Pastoral Theology and Church History
For specific details of the different degree requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.
MDIV Degree Plans for Seminarians
Master of Arts Degree in Theology for Seminarians
With the permission of the Academic Faculty, and his ecclesiastical or religious superior, an exceptional student may be allowed to enroll in the Master of Arts degree in Theology after completing the requirements for the seminary M.Div. degree.
The Master of Arts degree in Theology requires 36 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the M.Div. requirements. All students must complete four core courses and complete a summative evaluation of either the Comprehensive Exam or Master’s Thesis as described in the Master of Arts degree section of the Academic Catalog..
The degree concentration may be in one of the following areas: Bioethics, Dogmatic Theology, General Studies, Moral Theology, Sacred Scripture, or Thomistic Studies. Please see the Master of Arts degree in Theology section of the Academic Catalog for details of the Master of Arts degree program.
Students in the Seminary Program should consult the Academic Calendar for registration dates.
Will I be assigned a Spiritual Director?
Yes, you will be provided with a spiritual director to assist you with the discernment process and answer any discernment questions you may have.
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Admissions Phone :
860-632-3000
Admissions Email:
[email protected]
Contact Information