Program Details: The first year of the MDiv requires the completion of 10 courses (30 credits). Among these are the following 8 required courses. There are two additional complementary courses to be taken. If a student must take Greek to fulfill denominational requirements, these are taken in the Classics Department (offered collaboratively with Religious Studies). Students should always consult with the Academic Dean for course selection.
| Literature of Ancient Israel 1 (RELG 302) |
An introduction to the literature of Ancient Israel in English translation. Reading and interpreting representative sections. |
| Literature of Ancient Israel 2 (RELG 303) |
Approaches to historical-critical scholarship and to the historical background of the literature of Ancient Israel in English translation. |
| Formation of the New Testament (RELG 311) |
An introduction to the formation and interpretation of the New Testament apart from the Gospels. |
| The Gospels (RELG 312) | An introduction to the critical study of the Gospels. |
| Church and Empire to 1300 (RELG 322) |
A survey of major developments in the history of Christianity from the end of the apostolic age to 1300. |
| Church and State from 1300 (RELG 323) |
Significant events and persons in the history of western Christianity from 1300 to the present. |
| Principles of Theology (RELG 333) |
A survey of major developments in the history of Christianity from the end of the apostolic age to 1300. |
| Intro - Phil. of Religion (RELG 341) |
Introduces essential sources in western philosophy and theology and their arguments; attends also to historical development of ideas. |
| Elective | Introduction to Greek if required (CLAS 220) |
| Elective | Introduction to Greek if required (CLAS 222) |
The second year of the MDiv requires the completion of 10 courses (30 credits). Among these are the following 8 required courses. There are two additional complementary courses to be taken. If a student must take Greek to fulfill denominational requirements, these are taken in the Classics Department (offered collaboratively with Religious Studies). Students should always consult with the Academic Dean for course selection.
| Canadian Church History (RELG 301) |
A survey of the major Christian traditions in Canada from European settlement in New France (colonial period) to the present. |
| Christianity in Global Perspective (RELG 479) |
An exploration of global theological and ecclesial expressions of Christianity including with attention to the history of Christian mission. |
| Advanced Theology (RELG 434) |
Examination of the nature of theology, and particular theological loci, through readings in major theologians. |
| Theological Ethics (RELG 470) | Examines ancient and modern sources of Christian moral thought against a backdrop of contemporary alternatives. |
| Advanced Greek (RELG 381) or Elective |
A review of grammar and syntax with an emphasis on rapid reading of sections chosen from different parts of the New Testament. |
| Exegesis (RELG 411 or 481 or 410) |
Students who require Greek will enrol in either RELG 481 or RELG 410. Non-Greek students take 410. |
| Bible, Complementary (RELG 407 or 408) |
A complementary course in the Hebrew Bible area - either looking at the Prophets or the Writings. |
| Other Tradition, Complementary (RELG 252, 253, 352, or 354) | A complementary course in a religious tradition other than Christianity. |
| Theology, Complementary (RELG 330, 336, 399, 423) |
A complementary course in the Christian theology area. |
| Elective | Taken within the Faculty of Arts |
The third year of the Master of Divinity requires the completion of course requirements (30 credits) and also non-credit requirements. These courses and requirements are for the most part taken together with students of other colleges in MST, with two courses (6 credits) taken as denomination- specific courses.
| Supervised Field Placement (MST 500 - 12 credits) |
The placement takes place over the full academic year and represents 40% of MDiv 3. Students participate in typical ministry activities in a congregation or community organization and the regular practice of theological reflection. Also includes requirements for Field Placement Groups and the Integrative Paper. |
| Congregational Mission (MST 561 - 3 credits) |
An exploration of the mission of the church, with particular reference to local congregations and competencies for missional leadership. |
| Principles of Preaching (MST 531 - 3 credits) |
Explores the fundamentals of sermon preparation, exegesis for preaching, developing a message, and sermon structure. Also includes a preaching tutorial. |
| Pastoral Care (MST 511 - 2 credits) |
Introduction to the basic skills of pastoral care, and exploration of the particular gifts and challenges the student brings to this ministry. |
| Education and Formation (MST 541 - 2 credits) |
Examines educational theory, theology and practice, and develops skills and knowledge for ministerial leadership in faith formation and education |
| Congregational Leadership (MST 562 - 2 credits) |
Provides students with lenses to study the congregation, and explores the various dynamics of leadership, particularly in the context of ordained ministry |
| Presbyterian History, Polity and Worship (PC 522 - 3 credits) |
This course explores the life of the Presbyterian Church in Canada in terms of its history, its worship practices, and its government. |
| Reformed Confessions and Ecclesiology (PC 582 - 3 credits) | Explores the Reformed theological tradition through the lens of its Confessional History – considering the themes of church, ministry, sacraments, and the themes of creation and salvation. |
| Intercultural Experience (MST 390) |
An intercultural learning experience which in recent years has taken the form of a one-week study tour in Cuba, learning from and with partner organizations in Cuba. |
| Preaching Workshop | A preaching workshop is held in the Fall term. |
| Pastoral Care Workshop | A pastoral care workshop, on a specific theme in pastoral care, held in the Winter term. |
| Conflict Management Workshop | A conflict management workshop, held in the Winter term. |