Our MDiv makes time for both work and school.
Our Master of Divinity is designed for those seeking a vocation in ordained ministry or preparation for doctoral studies in religion.
It’s About Your Time
With schedules that makes time for both work and school, you will earn your MDiv in three or four years. Our weekday, 3-year program holds classes on Tuesdays through Fridays until 3:10pm. Our weekend, 4-year program holds classes on Fridays from 6:30-9:30pm and on Saturdays until Noon.
It’s About Contemporary Realities
Our courses are timely and relevant, driven by questions the church and the world are asking. Combined with the deep learning at the heart of our rich academic heritage, you will be prepared for the challenges of contemporary religious engagement.
It’s More Than A Degree
Because learning doesn’t end at commencement, the Lancaster Seminary MDiv gives you two advanced courses after graduation at no extra charge, providing additional support and perspective on your career journey.
It’s A Clear Path To Graduation
Our focused curriculum, predictable schedule, and annual rate tuition take the guesswork out of planning so you can earn your degree in four years.
Plus…
TECHNOLOGY that supplements but never replaces face-to-face interpersonal experiences, hallmarks of a well-rounded education.
CAMPUS HOUSING featuring hotel-style rooms for overnights and one- and two-bedroom full-time residential apartments.
Getting Started
Two key courses appear at the beginning of the curriculum to help you understand what it means to engage theological education in a diverse community. The courses are: Theological Education and the Spiritual Journey, and Interpreting the Bible.
Academic Trimesters
Three 10-week semesters start start in August and end in early May. June and July are open for Clinical Pastoral Education, courses in Hebrew and Greek, and personal time.
More Focused, Relevant Courses
You will take the required credit hours to meet national accreditation standards for the degree in a fewer number of courses that will be deeper and more focused. Foundational courses remain (like Introduction to Church History, New Testament) while adding “question-driven” integrative courses that begin with a current church or societal need and draw from the resources of the tradition and current knowledge.
Distinguished Resident Faculty
Student-focused faculty teach our courses unlike institutions with satellite campus staff distant from the institution’s core community.
Ecumenical Commitment
At Lancaster Seminary, we’re committed to engaging the differences among people as a resource for learning and faith. We seek to help you learn from the diversity of God’s people without insisting on particular doctrines or a single theological perspective.
Our Innovative Curriculum
Two key courses appear at the beginning of the curriculum to help you understand what it means to engage theological education in a diverse community. The courses are:
Theological Education and the Spiritual Journey, and Interpreting the Bible.
Devoted to traditional theological disciplines, these courses you appreciate the distinctive contributions that particular texts, modes of thought, and religious traditions can make to contemporary thought and community building. Examples include:
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Ethics
- Theology
- Pastoral Theology
- Religious Education
- Church History
Key required courses start with the questions and concerns of the church and the world and then turn to a variety of disciplines for resources and inspiration. Examples include:
- Making Disciples
- The Church and Social Change
- Christianity and the Arts
- Interpreting in Context
Elective offerings allow you to pursue your interests and to complete specializations in chaplaincy or spiritual direction.
Some examples of electives include:
- Technologies, Information, and Ministry
- Who is Jesus?
- Addiction and Recovery
- Womanist and Feminist Theory and Practice
Deepen practices of ministry through focused skill development in courses devoted to congregational life and beyond. Examples include Preaching, Worship, Developing Leaders.
In order to experience lived theology, you will complete two years of field education with trained supervisors, and embark on a Cross-Cultural Immersion Experience, traveling to a culture different from your own.
Lancaster Theological Seminary has a 50-year history of helping students engage global realities.
Lancaster Theological Seminary is committed to helping you develop a life-long commitment to individual and communal spiritual practices, rooted in faith, hope, love, and justice. This commitment is reflected in the ways that we teach and you learn. Examples include Ministerial Formation Seminars, Boundary Training, Knowing God, Ministerial Ethics.
Scheduled after graduation and at no additional cost, these courses allow you to continue your education in community.
Formation: A Vital Part of our MDiv
The process of becoming a spiritual leader in our world requires paying attention to our lives. Here you will actively engage in integrating all aspects of your life - spiritual, emotional, academic, ministerial, relational, financial, and physical - in order to discover a wider and deeper way of living. You will be introduced to different ways to shape a life of faith, service, and leadership through supervised ministry experiences, focused discussions with colleagues, a guided, international seminar, and interactions with a diverse student population.
Five elements of Ministerial Formation
Field Education
Field education, a two-year requirement, offers formative experiences in ministry outside the classroom in locations including churches, hospitals, retirement homes, university campuses, social service agencies, and local urban shelters.
Ministry Seminars
Ministry Seminars integrate faith, theological studies, spiritual practices, relationships, and ministry by exploring the challenges of shaping lives of faith, ministry, and leadership.
Comprehensive Vocational Review
The Comprehensive Vocation Review is a key requirement in the Master of Divinity program. You will receive feedback concerning your participation in the program and your readiness and suitability for your chosen vocation.
International Cross-Cultural Seminar
The International Cross-Cultural Seminar is a two-week encounter in a setting outside of the United States. Lancaster Seminary proudly pioneered this global educational experience more than 50 years ago!
Boundary Training
Boundary Training helps promotes healthy relationships in ministry.
Lancaster Theological Seminary has partnered with Baltimore’s St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute to create a path to a Master of Divinity.
Students take the first 36 credits of their MDiv coursework from the Ecumenical Institute.
The courses (11 required and one elective) must be completed within four years.
For details or to schedule an appointment, email the Ecumenical Institute, ei@stmarys.edu.
Students then take the final 39 credits at Lancaster Seminary over four years in the MDiv weekend program. This innovative program offers classes on Friday nights and Saturday mornings, making it possible to pursue an advanced degree while holding a job.
Lancaster Seminary offers affordable on-campus lodging for commuting students.
For information about Lancaster Seminary, please email our Admissions Team at admissions@lancasterseminary.edu.
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