Master of Divinity

Program Description
The goal of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is to provide the academic grounding and pastoral skills necessary to minister as a Roman Catholic priest in a multicultural Church.

The School of Theology confers the MDiv degree on students who successfully complete the four-year academic program. The curriculum incorporates classroom study and integrated field placements.

The student entering the program will spend eight semesters in approved course work, participate in four January Interterm sessions and spend one summer in a Clinical Pastoral Education program. After the fourth semester, students take a yearlong pastoral internship or a summer pastoral internship.

Program Outcomes
Successful completion of the MDiv degree requirements results in a graduate who is able to:

• understand and communicate the biblical, historical and doctrinal dimensions of Catholic belief and practice;
• read and interpret theological texts and materials critically;
• analyze issues of contemporary life theologically;
• explain the content of the Christian moral life and model it;
• communicate faithfully the social teachings of the Church for justice, peace and the integrity of human life;
• understand the liturgical rites and norms of the Church;
• preside at Eucharist and celebrate the other sacraments as one formed by the Benedictine tradition;
• preach the Word of God;
• provide pastoral care and counsel;
• lead and administer parish communities in collaboration with others.

Admission Requirements
To begin studies toward the MDiv degree, a student must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (2.5 GPA). In addition, a student must have acquired a minimum of 30 hours of philosophy and 12 hours of theology.

A student for whom English is a second language must have a score of 550 or higher on the written Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or its equivalent.

Formation for Hispanic Ministry
Saint Meinrad School of Theology offers options for formation in Hispanic ministry within the MDiv degree. These options are designed to educate bilingual, bicultural ministers for the Church. Students interested in participating should meet with the Director of Hispanic Ministry. Click here for more information.