Academic Programs

Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is designed to prepare priests who can be sure and effective witnesses to the Church's teachings and can serve as effective teachers and preachers of the Gospel. The degree is pastorally oriented and ecumenically sensitive.

Program Outcomes
Students will be able to:

Articulate an understanding of the biblical, historical and dogmatic origins of the faith; Assess critically theological texts and materials; Articulate the social teachings of the Church for justice, peace and the integrity of human life; Demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to liturgical norms and the needs of the worshiping community in leading public prayer; Identify and analyze the issues involved in effectively communicating the Catholic faith in today's world; Demonstrate the skills needed to be an effective teacher, preacher and evangelizer; Understand and demonstrate the dynamics of working collaboratively in ministry.

Admission Requirements
To begin studies toward the MDiv degree, a student must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (2.5 cumulative GPA). In addition, a student must have a minimum of 24 hours of undergraduate philosophy and 12 hours of theology.
 

MDiv Program Options

The academic programs at Saint Meinrad School of Theology encourage academic excellence, intellectual integrity and personal appropriation of the insights of theology. The curriculum of each program builds systematically; thus seminarians develop a well-grounded understanding of the disciplines of theology, while linking their classroom study with their personal experience of ministry. A flexible program allows for a variety of expectations in priesthood formation.

The Four-year Program
Candidates who enter the School of Theology with the Program of Priestly Formation (4th Edition) requisite—24 hours of undergraduate philosophy and 12 hours of undergraduate theology—can finish the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program requirements in four years. Because of their undergraduate background, they are able to move directly into a higher level of study. A yearlong internship can be added to this program so that the student may gain valuable experience in the practice of theology.

The Five-year Program
Candidates who do not fulfill the Program of Priestly Formation (4th Edition) requirements for hours in philosophy and theology can finish the priesthood formation program in five years, and have the option of obtaining both the Master of Arts (Catholic Thought and Life) and the MDiv degrees. This program provides a solid foundation of spiritual and academic formation. A yearlong internship can be added to the program of studies.

The Six-year Program
While most students enroll in the four- or five-year program, depending on their academic background, a six-year program also is available at Saint Meinrad. The six-year program offers more time for formation and discernment. The program of studies could include a yearlong parish internship. A more flexible six-year program can be designed to meet the unique needs and interests of the student.

Ministry and Orders
Priesthood students usually receive ministries and orders at the following time during their studies at Saint Meinrad:

	Ministry of Lector	February of First Year
	Ministry of Acolyte	February of Third Year
	Candidacy	November of Fourth Year
	Order of Deacon	October of Fifth Year
	Order of Priesthood	Following Fifth Year