The intensive Master of Divinity graduate program prepares both men and women for a life of ordained or lay ministry. Graduate students learn to exemplify and to articulate the Orthodox tradition in its pastoral, liturgical, biblical, patristic, dogmatic, canonical, ethical, and missionary aspects. MDiv candidates develop knowledge, sensitivity, and faithfulness to the Church’s liturgical life through daily worship.
Directed formation opportunities and supervised field education connect classroom learning to real-life experience. MDiv graduates become priests, deacons, theologians, chaplains, religious educators, youth ministers, or pursue further graduate studies in a variety of disciplines.
The Field Education Program rests upon the conviction that theological studies cannot be separated from or unrelated to church life. All students in the MDiv degree program are required to complete six semesters of supervised field education in several of the following fields:
Master of Divinity candidates interested in pursuing ordination to the holy priesthood may apply for the Seminarian Program.
Although required of students preparing for ordination in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, this program of study is strongly recommended for those preparing for ordination in other Orthodox jurisdictions as well. In addition to regular admission requirements, MDiv applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
Applicants seeking ordination who have recently embraced the Orthodox faith must have spent at least two years actively involved in an Orthodox parish community.
Women and men who are not seeking ordination but wish to pursue lay ministry in the Orthodox Church are also eligible to apply.