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Ministry is the art of arts. The minister needs a foundation in all branches of theology and a learned, humane approach to ministering in human affairs. Nowhere are such leaders, pastors, and teachers needed more than in today’s complex world.

To meet this need, the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (STM) has designed a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program grounded in the Jesuit tradition to form those providing care and leadership for the future. This three-year degree prepares students both for priesthood and lay ecclesial ministry. The program requires proficiency in all aspects of theology while allowing the flexibility to focus on individual areas of interest, letting the student, both lay and religious, follow his or her call within a time-tested structure.

The Jesuits have provided formation for ministers for over 400 years, forming men for ordained ministry and laity for lay ecclesial ministry. U.S. Bishops have identified that lay ecclesial ministers are women and men whose ecclesial service is characterized by: authorization to serve publicly in the local church; leadership; close mutual collaboration with the clergy; and preparation and formation appropriate to the level of responsibilities that are assigned to them.

ACADEMIC FORMATION:
Central to the M.Div. program is a rigorous course of study providing academic formation through comprehensive theological study. All students are empowered with critical skills to interpret the meaning and relevance of Christian revelation and the Church’s tradition for today’s world. They learn how to engage theological study with other disciplines and important issues facing the world.

The content of academic life at STM is collaborative study creating a foundation in the major areas of theology, including Biblical Studies, Church History, Historical-Systematic Theology, and Moral Theology. There are also electives so that each student can explore additional theological areas.

Ministry today requires partnership between women and men, religious and secular, and ordained and lay. For this reason, the M.Div. program is entirely integrated. Those studying for ordained ministry study side by side with Jesuits, vowed religious, and lay students. Both in and outside of class, life is shared among all students, making STM a unique and exciting setting for theological study.

The Master of Divinity requires the completion of 81 credit hours, with a GPA of at least a 3.0. This can be accomplished full-time in three years but may not take more than six years. Part-time students are welcomed and prospective students can apply for either fall or spring admission.

MINISTERIAL FORMATION:
The heart of the M.Div. program is forming ministers to work in the world. Formation in the skill and art of ministry, then, is the main goal of each student.

Academic offerings provide students with the academic background and hands-on experience necessary to practice ministry. Practica in spiritual direction and professional ministry, and classes in liturgical rites and preaching, give students the chance to combine what they learn in class with practical application. Special liturgical and professional workshops are also offered throughout the year to supplement these resources.

Daily life at STM also provides opportunities for ministerial development. Daily liturgies, including a larger community liturgy once a week, are led and designed by students. Student organizations, such as the Social Justice Forum, are resources for students who want to participate in ministries conscious of the need for social reform.

The Lay Formation program, overseen by a lay formation coordinating committee, seeks to integrate the standards approved by the U.S. bishops: personal and spiritual maturity; lay ecclesial ministry identity; Catholic theology; pastoral praxis; and professional praxis.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION:
Personal religious maturity is indispensable for leaders in ministry. STM provides an ethos where students develop meaningful habits of personal and communal prayer, regular spiritual direction and directed Ignatian retreats. Students are required to participate in a process of spiritual formation throughout the program. More.

CREDITS AND COURSE DISTRIBUTION:

• Total credit hours – 81 credit hours
• Biblical Studies – 15 credit hours
• Church History – six credit hours
• Historical-Systematic Theology – 15 credit hours
• Moral Theology – six credit hours
• Pastoral Studies – 12 credit hours
• Ministry Practicum- six credit hours
• Word and Worship – six credit hours
• Electives – 18 credit hours
• Closure Seminar – three credit hours
• Handbook
• Curriculum worksheet (Lay students)
• Curriculum worksheet (Jesuit students)

PREREQUISITES FOR ENROLLMENT:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• One year of full-time lay ecclesial ministry or equivalent after college.
• 12 credit hours – four courses – in previous philosophy coursework. (Candidates that do not meet this criteria should contact the assistant dean of admissions)
• One-third of undergraduate studies in liberal arts coursework.

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