Master of Divinity Program

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a first professional degree. It is designed to foster basic theological understanding and develop initial pastoral competence in students preparing for priestly ministry.

At STPSU, the MDiv Program corresponds to the Configuration Stage of priestly formation, in accordance with The Program of Priestly Formation (6th ed.), #291-292. The curriculum, in providing the intellectual foundation of an integral and initial formation program, involves an in-depth study of the Catholic theological tradition and a supervised practice of ministry.

All seminarians who enter into theological studies at STPSU are enrolled in the MDiv Program. Together with MDiv Program Requirements and 12 units of Ordination Requirements, seminarians who successfully complete this course of study will have the intellectual formation necessary for priestly ministry. With STPSU’s comprehensive and integrative theological curriculum, seminarians come to embody the Church’s rich intellectual heritage so that they can communicate it faithfully and convincingly to others. Field experiences integrated with the curriculum equip the seminarians with the administrative and ministerial skills for parish leadership. Courses in Homiletics help form engaging preachers. Our courses on Liturgical Theology and Theological Aesthetics, community liturgies, and Practicum courses expose our seminarians to the beauty of the Liturgy so that they can celebrate the Sacraments reverently.

Prerequisites for Admission

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, have completed 30 semester credits of philosophy in the areas identified in the Program of Priestly Formation (6^th ed.) and 12 semester credits of religious studies. All other admission requirements as outlined in Section IV of the amademic catalog apply.

Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

1. Explain the Catholic Faith as revealed in Sacred Scripture and Tradition and historically developed by the Magisterium.
2. Apply prudently the principles of faith and morals to the lived experiences of the Christian faithful.
3. Preach the Word of God faithfully and effectively.
4. Apply the relevant principles and norms in the reverent celebration of the liturgy and the sacraments.
5. Demonstrate the qualities of spiritual fatherhood in pastoral ministry.
6. Practice responsible and collaborative leadership in parish administration.

Program Requirements

The first sequence of the MDiv curriculum equips seminarians with the necessary Scriptural and Theological foundations. The second sequence, “Pastoral Foundations”, provides students with courses in Pastoral Theology and offers a Pastoral Internship experience. The Pastoral Internship (PI) is a 5-7 month, full immersion, diocesan-based, internship program conducted in the seminarian’s sponsoring diocese, under the direction and administration of STPSU. Normally, the Pastoral Internship takes place after Theology II. After the Pastoral Internship, students return to the Seminary for the completion of their final two years of theological and pastoral training.

The academic courses, which contribute to the achievement of Program Learning Outcomes, cover the following specific areas and number of credits: