The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) 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 St. Patrick's Seminary & University, the MDiv Program corresponds to the Configuration Stage of priestly formation, in accordance with The Program of Priestly Formation, #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.