Martin Luther University College  Martin Luther University College  Master of Arts in Theology / Master of Divinity 

Master of Arts in Theology / Master of Divinity

The combined MA/MDiv degree program will integrate the curricula of both the MA and MDiv programs in such a way that a student can fulfill the program requirements in three years (9 consecutive terms), or equivalent part-time study, and graduate with a double degree. This program is particularly valuable for those who are preparing for chaplaincy or congregational ministry and who desire a strong theological foundation to augment the coursework necessary to pursue professional accreditation with external accrediting bodies once both academic and other criterion required by the accrediting bodies are completed. The student is responsible to manage their course selection and application for accreditation. This program provides academic preparation but not professional certification. This program is also of value to those who desire to augment their MDiv degree with a MA, so as to better prepare for further academic studies or bi-vocational ministry.  

Additional Information
 
Admission Requirements

The MA/MDiv program commences in September annually. Applicants are assessed on the basis of the application materials submitted (including official transcripts, references, writing sample and personal statement). These materials will not be returned to the applicant. The applicant may be invited for a personal interview.

The requirements for admission include a Bachelor's degree (normally with a minimum grade point average of B) from a recognized accredited university or university college and admission into the MA/MDiv program.

All applicants will be required to complete a computer-based test (CASPerTM) as part of the selection process. There is a fee to the student for taking this test.

 
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Program Requirements

The MA/MDiv degree program normally involves three years of full-time studies or its equivalent in part-time studies. Each student is required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 31 half-credit courses or their equivalent.    

MDiv Course Requirements for the double degree:

TH502A - Critical Analysis of Biblical Texts: Introduction
TH502B - Critical Analysis of Biblical Texts: Advanced
TH503A - Survey of the Hebrew Scriptures
TH503B - Themes of the Hebrew Scriptures
TH503C - Survey of the New Testament
TH503D - Themes of the New Testament
TH530A - Introduction to God and Theological Reflection
TH530B - Introduction to Jesus and Salvation
TH530C - Introduction to the Spirit and Community
TH530D - Introduction to Discipleship and Ethics
TH560A - Introduction to Worship
TH560B - Introduction to Spiritual Care
TH560C - Introduction to Preaching
TH560D - Introduction to Nurturing Faith
TH652A* - Supervised Pastoral Education: SPE I 
TH621E - Issues in Church History: Study of the Lutheran Confessions
TH640H - Cross-Cultural Encounter
TH663A - Grief

4 electives in theology or biblical studies

MA Course Requirements for the double degree: Public Faith and Spirituality field

In addition to required MDiv courses, students in the Public Faith and Spirituality field must take

  • TH664I - Qualitative Research
  • 7 electives, one of which may be TH680E - Senior Research Project: MA Advanced Research Project: MA Advanced Research Project. These should be selected in consultation with the Student Advisor.

MA Course Requirements for the double degree: Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy field 

In addition to required courses, students in the Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy field must take 8 courses in the following areas:

Counselling Theory: Take 1 of

TH663M - Family Therapy Overview
TH663Z - Theory of Change 
TH664O - The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy
TH663E - Individual Theories

Human Development: 

TH663V - Human Development

Take all of the following:

TH663Y - Assessment
TH664H - Professional Studies and Ethics
TH664I - Qualitative Research
TH664L - Pre-Practicum 

Take 1 of the following counselling theory courses:

TH663C - Cognitive and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy 
TH663E - Individual Theories
TH663I - Family of Origin
TH663K - Group Process and Leadership
TH663M - Family Therapy Overview
TH663P - Peace Within, Peace Between, Peace Among
TH663S - Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy
TH663W - Couple Therapy: Intervention from an Emotionally Focused Perspective
TH663Z - Theory of Change
TH664D - Post-Modern Family Therapy
TH664J - Contextual Issues in Couple and Family Therapy
TH664N - Counselling and Recovery in Addictions
TH664O - The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy
TH664P - Mindfulness and Psychotherapy

Take 1 elective counselling course. 

 Contextual Option:

The Contextual Option is for students who are preparing for professional ministry and whose judicatories require more extensive contextual placements. Such students are required to obtain, before the end of their first term, endorsement as acceptable ministry candidates by the church of which they are members. Continuance in the contextual component of the MDiv program after the first term is contingent upon the maintenance of such an endorsement. 

Students enrolled in the contextual option are required to be involved in field placements concurrent with their contextual coursework (TH560A, TH560B, TH560C, and TH560D). Placements are arranged through the supervisor of contextual education. 

They must also complete an internship (1.0 credit) and two concurrent internship Seminars (0.5 credits each) that are normally taken after the completion of other coursework. The credits for the Internship (TH681*) and Seminars (TH665F and TH665I) are taken in lieu of four - .5 credit electives regardless of the field of study in which they are enrolled.

 Coursework Option:

The Coursework Option is for students whom are either already working in a ministerial setting, preparing for non-congregational ministry, or members of a faith community that does not require contextual placements. This option does not include the Contextual Education placements, Internship, or the Internship Seminars that are required under the Contextual Option.

 
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