The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is primarily, though not exclusively, for people pursuing ordained ministry. It combines academic learning with experiential learning through three years of study.
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is designed to establish a theological foundation for life or work in society or in the church, and also to provide a basis for further theological study. This degree involves the equivalent of two full years of study.
The normal admission requirement for both the MDiv and the MTS is an undergraduate degree from a recognized university or its educational equivalent. Applicants to the MDiv program intending to seek ordination in the United Church of Canada also need to become a candidate for ordination. Applicants to the MDiv or MTS programs belonging to other denominational traditions are also welcome!
The MDiv and MTS degrees of each of the three colleges are now achieved through the completion of an STU program delivered by an STU Common Faculty.
These two programs are ecumenical, interdisciplinary, and contextual in design and delivery. Most courses in both programs are offered as intensives (in which class time is completed in 1-2 weeks), and most are also available in a blended delivery format (where students can participate in-person or through a video conferencing platform by distance).
As each of the three participating colleges continue to have some differences in requirements and commitments for academic programming, and as each member of the STU Common Faculty is also a member of the faculty for one of the three colleges, the MDiv program in particular includes some College-specific requirements for students in each respective college; and, the college affiliation of each faculty member means that the course delivery for courses in which they are primary instructor is shaped by different circumstances and commitments. All these details are made clear in the program handbook, in academic policies, and in the course descriptions and syllabi for specific offerings. At present, students are admitted through one of the three STU Colleges, and questions about specific program requirements or any details not covered in the handbook should be directed to the Registrar’s Office of one of the Colleges.