Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Rigorous and comprehensive, the three-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional degree program that combines broad study of theology with supervised ministry and spiritual formation. It is the program best suited for students preparing for full-time lay ecclesial ministry or the ordained priesthood. Women and men, lay and religious, work and study collaboratively as they prepare for leadership roles in today's Church.
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Overview
Year One: Foundation for Ministry
The focus of the first year is to establish a theological and professional foundation and to help students begin to form an approach to ministry. The goal is a mastery of basic courses in History of Christianity, Bible, Christian Ethics, and Systematic Theology.
Year Two: Theological and Professional Competencies
The second year focuses on developing theological and professional competencies. The goals are to deepen students’ familiarity with scripture and prepare them for effective preaching; to increase their understanding of the Church’s moral and theological teaching; and to further the formation of their ministerial identity and personal spirituality.
Year Three: Collaborative Theology of Ministry
The primary aim of the third year is to own and articulate an integrated, collaborative theology of ministry. The goals are to further and enhance integrative studies through advanced course work, seminars, and ministerial experience; to demonstrate competency in preaching, liturgical presiding, and prayer leadership; and to identify and acquire other pastoral skills for collaboration in team ministry.
Why Our M.Div.?
Meet with your academic advisor and director of spiritual formation throughout the program.
Gather with your cohort every semester for conversation, prayer, and a meal.
Lay M.Div. students across all years gather once per month around a particular theme.
Access ongoing spiritual direction over the course of your program.
Receive funding to participate in spiritual direction and the guided retreat of your choice.
Gain two semesters of experience in liturgical ministry at CSTM or in a local parish.
Conduct meaningful service in collaboration with local communities around Greater Boston.
Observe and explore ministerial work, deepen your skills, and examine how ministry relates to theological study.
Our Students and Alumni
Our diverse community represents a range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Explore some of their stories.
Curriculum
Typically completed in three years of full-time study, this 82-credit program provides students with a thorough grounding in Scripture, Church history, historical-systematic-practical theology, moral theology, and pastoral studies. Under the guidance of a mentor, students also complete an extensive Spiritual Formation Plan.
Pastoral Studies
18 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Pastoral Care and Counseling (TMPS 7093) | 3 |
| Canon Law | 3 |
| Liturgy | 3 |
| Pastoral Studies Elective | 3 |
| Supervised Ministry Practicum (TMPS8023) | 3 |
| Supervised Ministry Practicum (TMPS8023) | 3 |
Biblical Studies
12 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Core Narrative: Genesis to Kings (TMOT7014) or Synoptic Gospels (TMNT7005) | 3 |
| Old Testament Elective | 3 |
| New Testament Gospels (TMNT7210) or Synoptic Gospels (TMNT7005) | 3 |
| New Testament Elective | 3 |
Systematic Theology
18 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fundamental Theology (TMST7009) | 3 |
| Christology (TMST7024) | 3 |
| The Church (TMST7020) | 3 |
| Ecclesial Ministry (TMST8017) | 3 |
| Sacraments | 3 |
| Systematic Theology Elective | 3 |
History of Christianity
6 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Narrative Church History Survey Course | 3 |
| History of Christianity Elective | 3 |
Christian Ethics
6 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fundamental Moral: Theological Ethics (TMCE8002) | 3 |
| Christian Ethics Elective | 3 |
Modules
4 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| M.Div. Spiritual Formation (TMPS7187) | 1 |
| Module Elective | 1 |
| Module Elective | 1 |
| Module Elective | 1 |
In addition to courses indicated above, students take six elective courses in their area of interest.
MDiv students are required to pass a theological synthesis exam before they graduate. This exam is taken in the last semester of coursework (in January, a few days before the new semester begins) and consists of both a written and oral portion.
These outcomes reflect the five commitments of CSTM (gracious leadership; discernment; Catholicity; integration; and rigor across formation) and the four pillars of formation (intellectual; spiritual; human; and pastoral) outlined in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord and the Program of Priestly Formation.
Upon completion of the M.Div. Program, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic theological tradition.
This involves:
- Knowledge of the historical development of the tradition;
- Integration of various elements of doctrine and theology (e.g., scripture, ethics, and liturgy);
- Appreciation of the relationship between the development of the theological tradition and the cultural context from which it emerges.
2. Bring the insights of the Catholic theological tradition into dialogue with contemporary social and religious issues.
This involves:
- Awareness of the shape of contemporary culture, in its global and local context;
- Respect for the spiritual, theological, pastoral, and human implications of the global and local context.
3. Integrate theological thinking and ministerial practice.
This involves:
- Effective application of theological thinking in ministerial practice, and of ministerial practice in the refinement of theological concepts;
- Articulation of how theological thinking and ministerial practice are mutually informative and enriching.
4. Demonstrate capacities conducive to effective ministry.
This involves:
- A mature and active faith life;
- Collaboration;
- Self-reflection;
- Willingness to be accountable;
- Selected competencies articulated in the National Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and/or the Program of Priestly Formation.
Careers
100%
of 2023 M.Div. graduates found a placement within six months of graduation
Recent Placements
Director of Campus Ministry, Chestnut Hill College
Religious Studies Teacher, St. Ignatius College Prep
Chaplain Resident, Stanford Health Care
Assistant Chaplain, Liturgical Ministry and Latinx Outreach, College of the Holy Cross
Ph.D. Student, Boston College Theology Department
Deputy Director, Homelessness Prevention Programs, City Mission Boston
Apply
Application Requirements
PrintDeadlines:
Spring 2025: November 1, 2024
Fall 2025 Priority Scholarship Deadline: January 15, 2025. Applications are still accepted after this date as space allows.
Summer 2025: Rolling Admissions
Application Forms
Please note you can submit your application form once it is completed; you do not need to wait for all of your supplemental materials to arrive. We are able to schedule your interview once we have received your submitted application
On the application form, applicants will have the opportunity to indicate interest in being paired with a CSTM alum from their program of interest to learn more about CSTM and provide support during the discernment process.
Religious & International Applicants
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted.
Payment Options
- Pay by credit or debit card via the web. You can pay the application fee at the same time you submit your application form.
Please note: The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you should not pay the fee when you submit the application form. Fee waivers are granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service or who are Pell Grant-eligible, and current CSTM students. Email the admissions office at cstmapply@bc.edu to request a waiver.
Standardized Tests
The GRE is optional, but preferred. We especially recommend applicants submit scores if 1) they feel their undergraduate transcript is not indicative of their capacity for success in graduate studies, OR 2) they do not have a strong background in the humanities. We review all applications holistically. Applicants who choose not to submit GRE scores will not be penalized in the admissions process.
Applicants who do send GRE scores should have them sent directly from ETS. Our GRE code is 2508.
English Proficiency Exam
All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS test score results. Read more about special instructions for international applicants here. This webpage will also indicate under with criteria a waiver may be granted. Waivers must be approved in writing by the admissions office.
Transcripts
We require transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended. Each transcript should contain a list of all coursework taken, grades/marks received, and, if applicable, degree granted and date of degree confirmation. If your college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to cstmapply@bc.edu. Otherwise, transcripts must be mailed and be contained in a sealed, signed envelope. If the official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application (e.g. your maiden name). Please note that a transcript is only considered official if received directly from the institution issuing it.
Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts. If you send unofficial copies, know that if admitted, you must sent official copies before you begin coursework. In addition, if you are currently finishing a degree, you must send a final, official version of the transcript upon graduating, and before beginning coursework at CSTM.
Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841
Recommendations
M.Div. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system.
At least two recommenders should be familiar with the applicant’s academic background and potential. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's professional competence. One recommender should be familiar with the applicant's ministerial potential and experience.
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons, or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. This is in addition to the other three recommendations. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.
Interview
The admissions office interviews all master's applicants. All interviews take place remotely.
Résumé
The resume must be uploaded as part of the application. It is helpful if you highlight relevant ministry, service, research, teaching, and leadership positions you have held.
Personal Statement
The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application. The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.
Your statement should address the following:
- The academic, professional, and personal development that has motivated you to apply to CSTM. Include a sketch of your educational background and interests, any experience you have in ministry and/or religious education, and any other relevant professional and volunteer experience
- Your understanding of theological education and/or ministry in the context of the Church’s mission, as well as the role and responsibilities of a minister and/or theologian today.
- How you plan to apply your theological education
- Given your experience, how you assess your principal strengths for theological education and/or ministry as well as your areas of needed development
CSTM Opportunities
Chaplaincy
Graduate studies at CSTM offer a unique opportunity to engage in rigorous theological studies for ministry in the context of one of the world's most expansive healthcare settings.
Theology & the Arts
Seeking God in all things, our engagement with artistic mediums like poetry, music, drama, and literature nourishes our imagination, informs our ministry, and enlivens our theology.
Hispanic Ministry
Mindful that nearly 45 percent of all Catholics in the United States identify as Hispanic/Latino, CSTM is at the forefront of the conversation about how to serve the needs of an increasingly Hispanic church.
