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.
Master of Divinity (MDiv) Program Overview
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program equips individuals for diverse forms of ministry, including ordained ministry within The United Church of Canada and other denominations. Graduates are also prepared for roles in pastoral care, counseling, non-profit organizations, Christian education, and chaplaincy. Additionally, the program offers a pathway for those pursuing advanced degree studies, with an option to complete a thesis as part of the academic curriculum.
Certification Opportunities
Graduates of the MDiv program are eligible for certification with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC), qualifying them to serve as pastoral care providers, community-based pastoral workers, chaplains, and pastoral counselors.
Program delivery options
The MDiv program consists of 30 credits, offered in two flexible delivery formats:
1. In-person MDiv
- Complete all 30 credits in person.
- Option to take up to one-third of the program (10 credits) online.
2. Hybrid MDiv
- Complete a minimum of 10 credits in person.
- Option to take up to two-thirds of the program (20 credits) online.
Both formats can be completed:
- Full-time in three years.
- Part-time over a maximum of eight years.
Funding support
Students enrolled full-time in the United Church of Canada’s Candidacy Pathway for ordination are eligible for 100% MDiv Tuition Support through the John W. Billes Grant.
Combined degree options
Students can pursue a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) concurrently, completing both programs within four years of full-time study. This combined program includes the MPS, Certificate in Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy, meeting the educational requirements for registration as a Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
This comprehensive program is designed to provide both flexibility and robust academic and professional preparation for various ministry and counselling roles.
Learning Outcomes
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.