Master of Divinity < Seton Hall University, New Jersey
2025-2026 Edition
In particular and exceptional cases, with the approval of the Rector/Dean, qualified students who are not seeking ordination are admitted to the M.Div. program.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the aforementioned general admission requirements for all ICSST programs, M.Div. applicants:
must undertake psychological testing, according to
protocols issued by the Office of the Rector/Dean;
must have a personal interview with the Rector/Dean and/or
the appropriate Associate Dean. Scheduling for such
interviews is initiated by ICSST; and
should have earned at least 15 undergraduate hours in
religious studies/theology and at least 30 undergraduate hours in philosophy as part of their undergraduate education, corresponding to the themes required by the
Program of Priestly Formation
(Sixth Edition, 2022). Further preparation will be provided through the Pre-Theology program at ICSST.
Matriculation Requirements
M.Div. students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The M.Div. program should be completed within six years (exclusive of any Philosophy or Pre-Theology requirements) unless extension of time is granted upon petition to the ICSST Educational Policy Committee due to extenuating circumstances.
Degree Requirements
The M.Div. degree program is normally four academic years of full-time study for students who have completed all prerequisite courses. The M.Div. degree program is normally six academic years of full-time study for students who must complete prerequisite courses.
I. Coursework and Field Education (90 credits)
Students must complete coursework according to the following distribution:
Course List
Code
Title
Hours
Biblical Studies
Select 12 credits of BIBL courses, for example:
12
BIBL 6501
Synoptic Gospels (or specific study of a Gospel)
BIBL 6505
Pauline & General Epistles
BIBL 6201
Pentateuch
BIBL 6203
The Former and Latter Prophets
BIBL 6205
Wisdom Literature-Psalms
Historical Studies
Select 6 credits of HSTD courses, for example:
HSTD 6340
From Church Fathers to 1500
Any other HSTD course
Moral Theology
Select 6 credits of CETH courses, for example:
CETH 6105
Fundamental Moral Theology
CETH 6201
Fundamental Moral Theology II
Pastoral Theology
Select 21 credits of PTHO courses, for example:
21
PTHO 6109
Intro to Preaching
PTHO 6112
Preaching Pract I
PTHO 6113
Preaching Pract II
PTHO 6203
Pastoral Psych. and Counseling
PTHO 6401
General Canon Law
PTHO 6405
Canon Law Marriage
PTHO 6601
Pastoral Ministry - Intro
PTHO 6726
History of Spirituality
PTHO 6939
Parish Administration
Spirituality Course
Systematic Theology
Select 27 credits of STHO courses, for example:
27
STHO 6022
Graduate Research Seminar
STHO 6202
Revelation and Faith
STHO 6203
Christology
STHO 6204
The Trinity
STHO 6205
Christian Anthropology
STHO 6207
Ecclesiology
STHO 6503
Sacraments of Initiation
STHO 6501
Worship of the Church
or
STHO 6505
Eucharist
M.A. Seminar
Field Education
12
Total Hours
90
II. Spiritual Formation
In addition to coursework and field education requirements noted above, non-ordination track M.Div. students must complete a "Foundational Spiritual Experience," meet with a spiritual director, and complete an annual retreat.
The "Foundational Spiritual Experience" is a cognitive and experiential introduction to the spiritual life. This year-long program explores movements in the spiritual life. Liturgy, instruction, faith-sharing, and communal prayer are some of the elements.
A list of recommended spiritual directors, persons associated in some way with the School who are familiar with the program and its goals, is available from the Associate Dean.
A retreat of several days must be made annually during the course of studies. When the retreat has been completed, the student should inform the Associate Dean.
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