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Preparing Faithful Leaders

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program shapes students through immersion in many facets of the Christian tradition.

  • Empowering Vocation: Develop skills for effective leadership, including preaching, public worship, pastoral care, religious education and spiritual disciplines.
  • Exploring Scripture: Understand the historical, social and literary contexts that formed scripture, as well as a variety of interpretive strategies.
  • Deepening Faith: Gain insight into changing emphases, interpretations and Christian practices over time and in differing cultural contexts.
  • Asking Questions: Bring scripture and theology into conversation with contemporary experience.
  • Engaging the World: Explore the complex issues facing contemporary Canadian society through placements in diverse community settings.
  • Going Deeper: Write a thesis to pursue research interests or prepare to study at the graduate level.

MDiv More Info

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program aims to prepare individuals for ordained ministry within The United Church of Canada and various other denominations, along with other forms of ministry, including pastoral care, counselling, roles in the non-profit sector, Christian education, and chaplaincy. Additionally, this program can serve as a pathway to further advanced degree studies. Consequently, MDiv students are offered the choice to pursue thesis writing as part of their academic journey.

Graduates of the MDiv are eligible to be certified with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care as pastoral care providers, community-based pastoral care workers, chaplains and pastoral counsellors.

Delivery Options

The MDiv consists of 30 credits which can be completed through two delivery formats:

In Person MDiv

The in-person MDiv program allows for all 30 credits to be taken in person, and up to one-third of the program (10 of the 30 credits) may be completed online. 

Hybrid MDiv

The Hybrid MDiv program also allows for all 30 credits to be taken in person, but up to two-thirds of the program (20 credits) may be completed online.

Either delivery methods may be completed full-time in three years, or on a part-time basis. Students are allowed up to eight years to complete the degree

Funding

Full-time students engaged in the United Church of Canada's Candidacy Pathway program towards ordination are eligible for 100 per cent MDiv Tuition Support through the John W. Billes Grant.

Combined Degree Options

The Master of Divinity and Master of Pastoral Studies degree programs can be completed together within four years of full-time study. Within this combination program, students can also pursue the MPS, Certificate in Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy.

This program meets the educational requirements for registration as a Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). 

Video about the Master of Divinity Program

 

Preparing for a Master of Divinity at Emmanuel College - Video Series
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Divinity program will be able to demonstrate 

  • Knowledge of Christian scripture, history, ethics, and theology (systematic, constructive, contextual, and pastoral) that is substantial and relevant for particular diverse ministries.
  • Comprehension of intercultural and contextual issues bearing upon ministry and leadership in diverse communities.
  • Formation and clarity of vocation in relation to appropriate church bodies or religious institutions.
  • Skills, gifts and practices of ministry appropriate for leadership in communities of faith.
MDiv Student and Graduate Spotlights