Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program prepares students for professional pastoral ministry in Canada and around the world. This degree is the standard for those preparing for a credentialed ministry position in many denominational settings because it provides both depth and breadth in biblical studies, theology and pastoral studies. The MDiv program at Ambrose focuses on spiritual and professional pastoral formation. The goal is to produce graduates who can think and reflect biblically and theologically on the practices of leadership for Christian ministry.

Education for theological reflection includes acquiring knowledge, skills and dispositions. It requires a depth of knowledge of the scriptures and the Christian theological tradition as a foundation from which to reflect on the witness and service of the people of God. It includes the formation of pastoral skills through active engagement in the classroom with current theories on the practice of ministry alongside participation in ministry in context. It includes a focus on spiritual and personal formation and offers two ministry streams: Intercultural Ministries and Pastoral Ministries. All these aspects are part of the MDiv experience at Ambrose Seminary.

All MDiv students without professional ministry experience complete a (minimum) three-month full-time internship in a ministry context. Students with ministry experience may propose a ministry project with a mentor instead of an internship. Students may use a Clinical Pastoral Education experience as an internship.

All MDiv students are required to compile a Personal Growth Portfolio (PGP) during their program. The PGP assists them in tracking and integrating personal development in conversation with an academic advisor.

Master of Divinity Program Requirements (90 credits)

Biblical Languages (12 credits)
BL 511 The Language of the Old Testament
BL 512 Introduction to Hebrew Exegesis
BL 521 The Language of the New Testament
BL 522 Introduction to Greek Exegesis

Biblical Studies (12 credits)
NT 502 Synoptic Gospels
OT 502 Pentateuch
New Testament elective
Old Testament elective 

Open Biblical Theology/Theology elective (3 credits)
One course in BT or THEO 

Church History (6 credits)
CH 501 History of Global Christianity
One CH elective: CH 601, CH 610, CH 611, CH 612, CH 613, CH 614, CH 615-CL, CH 620, CH 645, CH 665, CH 745, CH 750, THEO 669 

Theological Studies (12 credits)
THEO 501 The Christian Confession
One systematic and historical theology elective: THEO 611, 622, 640, 641, 650, 663, 669, 674, 702
One constructive theology elective: THEO 610, 623, 624, 651, 667, 704, 708
One open theology elective (THEO)

Personal and Professional Formation (12 credits)
PT 501 Personal Formation and Development
MI 502 Intercultural Competence
IND 501 Introduction to the Personal Growth Portfolio (1 credit)
IND 740 The Personal Growth Portfolio (2 credits)
PT 712/PT 720/MI 712/MI 720 Ministry Internship or Ministry Coaching or SPC 715 Clinical Education in Spiritual Care

Pastoral Ministry Focus (33 credits)
LE 503 Leadership and Leadership Formation
LE 505 Management for Churches and Non-Profit Organizations
PR 510 Introduction to Preaching & Communication
PT 601 Theology and Practice of Worship
PT 610 Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care OR SPC 501 Foundations of Spiritual Care
MI 503 Mission in Global Perspective
ED 506 Discipleship Practices for the Church
4 ministry electives – from CC, CS, ED, LE, MI, PT, PV, PR, or SPC

Intercultural Ministries Focus (33 credits)
MI 501 Personal and Corporate Outreach
MI 503 Mission in Global Perspective
MI 511 Cultural Anthropology for Intercultural Ministry
MI 613 Third Millennium Trends and Issues in Missions
MI 635 Establishing Communities of Faith in a Multicultural World
MI 705 Mentoring for Intercultural Effectiveness
LE 505 Management for Churches & Non-Profit Organizations
4 electives: from CC, CS, ED, LE, MI, PT, PV, PR, or SPC