What You Need to Know
Ordination
Ordination is governed and bestowed by specific religious bodies and not by the Seminary. Getting your MDiv does not guarantee ordination. Approval as a candidate for ordination is a separate and parallel track to the admissions process at MTS. Be sure to consult your denominational authorities about your specific ordination requirements, and we will work closely with you to help you stay on top of those requirements.
Distance Learning
You can take many of our courses via distance learning. Some of these might be intensive classes or "hybrid" classes in which at least 50% of the course is held with all students on campus. The Seminary does not currently offer a completely online degree program. To obtain the MDiv degree, students must complete at least one year of full-time academic study or its equivalent on campus in Bethlehem, PA.
Supervised Ministry
Supervised Ministry orientation takes place over 2 semesters. Supervised Ministry 1 and Supervised Ministry 2 provide an overview of the elements and requirements of the two-year Supervised Ministry placement, including learning covenants, supervision, and evaluation. Taken during the first semester, Supervised Ministry 1 enables you to experience worship and parish life in a number of different congregations. In Supervised Ministry 2, you shadow two pastors, learning more fully about their congregations with an eye toward identifying a potential Supervised Ministry placement site.
Typically, you carry out your Supervised Ministry placement at one setting for four semesters. You participate in all areas of their ministry setting, including worship leadership, pastoral care and counseling, program development, and administrative leadership. Supervisors provide evaluations every semester. You also complete assignments from several courses at their Supervised Ministry placement, integrating learning through practical application.
You complete Portfolio 1 during the first semester of Supervised Ministry placement and Portfolio 2 during the last of the four semesters of Supervised Ministry. Portfolio courses guide your learning covenant development at the beginning of the semester and examine Supervisor evaluations at the end of the semester. You’ll also cover topics such as pastoral identity and authority, the history and life of the congregation, and ministry procedures. Projects, final assessments, and capstone sermons demonstrate your developing pastoral identity and ability to do theological reflection.
Intercultural Immersion Experiences
As an MDiv student, you are required to take a three-credit cultural immersion course. Cultural immersion experiences could be local or could involve travel in the US or internationally. These courses include preparation, processing the experience as you engage in it, debriefing, and discerning ways to incorporate the learnings in your vocation.
Continuing Education Requirement
Each MDiv student is required to participate in at least 6 continuing education programs. You get to choose which ones you attend—and there are lots to choose from.
Adding a Concentration or Graduate Certificate
You can focus your electives on Biblical studies, contemplative practices, or spiritual formation and obtain a 12-credit Concentration (Formative Spirituality, Biblical Studies) or dive deeper with a Graduate Certificate (Spiritual Direction, Formative Spirituality, Biblical Studies).