Degree Programs

MASTER OF DIVINITY (MDIV)
  Admission
  Curriculum Requirements
  MDiv Curriculum
MASTER OF DIVINITY, SPECIALIZED CURRICULUM (MDIV)
  Curriculum Requirements
  Requesting Admission to the Specialized Curriculum
MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (MTS)
  Admission
  MTS Curriculum Requirements
MASTER OF SACRED MUSIC (MSM)
  Admission
  MSM Curriculum
ORDINATION AS A DEACON
MASTER OF SACRED THEOLOGY (STM)
  Admission
  Curriculum Requirements
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMIN) and Dual Degree in Social Work
  Specific Course Requirements
  Plans of Study
  Other Plans of Study
  Academic Requirements
DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (THD)
  Admission
  Curriculum Requirements
DUAL DEGREE IN THEOLOGY AND MUSIC MINISTRY (MDIV/MSM)
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS IN THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK (MDIV/MSW) (MTS/MSW) (DMIN/MSW)
MASTER OF ARTS AND DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
  Master of Arts
  Postbaccalaureate Doctor of Philosophy (MA/PhD in sequence)
  Post-master's Doctor of Philosophy
NONDEGREE STUDENTS
Special Students

The School of Theology is a graduate professional school offering an array of programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. These programs lead to the following degrees:

First-Level Professional Degrees

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

Master of Sacred Music (MSM)

Second-Level Professional Degrees

Master of Sacred Theology (STM)

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Doctor of Theology (ThD)

The Division of Religious and Theological Studies of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) offers degree programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.

The School of Theology offers a dual degree program in theology and music ministry leading to the Master of Sacred Music (MSM) degree and the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree.

The School also participates in a dual degree program with the School of Social Work. In this program, students work toward the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree while completing requirements for either the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, or the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree.

Curriculum Areas

The following lists the areas of study covered in the School’s curriculum, with the two-letter code for each discipline:

Area A: Biblical and Historical Studies

TH Church History

TM Mission Studies

TN New Testament

TO Hebrew Scripture

Area B: Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics

TS Ethics

TT Philosophy and Systematic Theology

Area C: Religion, Culture, and Personality

TR Sociology of Religion

TY Pastoral Psychology and Psychology of Religion

TZ Research and Methods

Area D: Ministry in Church and Society

TA Church Music and the Arts

TC Preaching, Worship, Administration, Evangelism, and Spirituality

TE Religious Education

TJ Practical Theology

TOP OF PAGE

MASTER OF DIVINITY (MDIV)

Admission

Applicants for the Master of Divinity degree must have graduated with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from an accredited college and are often candidates for the Christian ministry. Besides the ability to write and speak English with clarity, applicants should have a broad understanding of the humanities and social sciences, and have some competence in the natural sciences. Also helpful is general knowledge of theological subjects and foreign language experience.

Curriculum Requirements

Rationale The MDiv program is designed to prepare candidates for various forms of pastoral ministry.  Although not all students in the program intend to seek ordination, the program aims to prepare students to be candidates for ordination. It includes courses ranging from practical arts of ministry to academic studies in which students lacking pastoral interests are as welcome as ministerial candidates. However, all the courses are designed to cohere in the preparation for pastoral ministry.

The students in the MDiv program at the Boston University School of Theology represent an extraordinary variety of cultural and personal backgrounds, personalities, strengths, vocations, and goals. The School itself has a unique history and character among institutions of theological education, and thus takes very seriously its responsibility for its particular future; it should leave its special mark on all who pass through its program. There is no single mold for its students, and no single set of techniques for success in some hypothetical typical first parish. Rather, our mark is a strong intellectual, moral, and spiritual foundation for long-term development and for leadership in whatever vocation or setting the individual serves. Building on Boston’s roots of excellence in comparative religious cultures, the American theology of personalism, pastoral care, and social ethics, the curriculum is focused on developing a deep understanding of Christianity in its worldwide and multicultural contexts. This understanding is intended to be historical, theological, and personal. It should be an informed wisdom in practice for the choices and judgments that Christian leaders may be called upon to make.

Accordingly, the curriculum for the Master of Divinity degree at Boston University School of Theology is grounded in the recognition that Christianity is a world religion; that it is, and has been at all times, embodied in diverse cultures; and that some informed appreciation of its diverse histories and expressions is required for a grasp of its identity and unity. In recognition of the special role the School has played in preparation of leaders of the church, the purpose of the degree is to prepare such leaders for various ministries in North America and abroad through reflective and practical understanding of this transcultural character of Christianity. For instance, students can obtain a certificate through the BTI in Religion and Conflict Transformation. (See the BTI section of Policy and Procedures on this website for list.)

Three dimensions of this understanding manifest themselves in courses in all areas of the curriculum.

The first is the history of Christianity and of all the cultures in which it has developed. History is broadly understood to include biblical studies; the history of the church’s expansions and contractions, including the history of those other religions that have shaped the cultures with which Christianity has engaged; and the history of the development of the church in each of its major traditions around the world. The study of history is both descriptive and critical, and attends to the church’s failures and perversions of the Gospel as well as to its successes and graceful extensions.

The second dimension, the evangelical, consists of the various theologies of contemporary engagement such as those arising from dialogue with other religions, feminist theologies, African American theologies, minjung theology, and other liberation theologies. In each of these cases, as it acts to shape culture and itself, Christianity is interpreting conditions of experience that it has not adequately encountered and interpreted before, including its own mainline traditions of interpretation. To engage these conditions in light of the Gospel is both to appreciate them in a new way and to discover new dimensions of the Gospel. The double development of the Gospel, reaching into new conditions and acquiring new meaning of its own, is true evangelical theology as first exhibited by Saint Paul. The history of Christianity is the history of such evangelical extensions and enrichments, as well as their frustrations and limitations.

The third dimension, systematic theology, attempts to provide an integrating interpretation of both the historical and evangelical dimensions in terms that allow them to better engage the intellectual and practical conditions of the present environment, both worldwide and locally, for each student. Systematic theology is the endeavor to articulate the questions and answers concerning the truth of the Gospel in the present world and to give them coherent, publicly assessable expressions.

The three dimensions need to be interrelated closely in a curriculum for pastoral ministry. Systematic theology cannot operate in a historical and evangelical vacuum, divorced from the concrete embodiments of Christianity. The historical dimension cannot remain simply descriptive, but must reflect the critical self-consciousness of both systematic methodologies and the living experiences of the evangelical theologies. Evangelical theologies in turn need to remember that every historical embodiment of the Gospel has resulted in its “cultural captivity” to some significant degree. An important evangelical task is to guard against this by systematic criticism and circumspection, as well as an alertness to historical successes, failures, and accommodations.

These historical, evangelical, and systematic dimensions permeate all courses in the curriculum and guide the distribution of subjects in the core. They are as significant in pastoral care, religious education, worship, and church administration as in scripture studies, mission history, philosophy of religion, and ethics. The education of ministers of the universal church, whose parish is a local church, requires the breadth and focus of the historical, evangelical, and systematic dimensions of theological study.

The program requires a minimum of six semesters of full-time study for a total of 24 semester courses (96 semester credits). Some of the courses are in a sequence with prerequisites; in certain instances two or more courses are designed to be taken concurrently if possible, although it is recognized that some students proceed on a part-time basis. The residency requirement is two semesters with a minimum of 24 credits. The time limit for the degree program is five years. The curriculum consists of core requirements (CR), core electives (CE), and electives (E). In the case of core electives, a choice must be made among a set of options, paying attention to prerequisites.

TOP OF PAGE

Master of Divinity Curriculum

The Master of Divinity degree consists of a series of courses in three categories: core requirements (46 credit hours), core electives (32 credit hours), and free electives (18 credit hours).

Core Requirements are taken in sequence to ensure that the student builds on previous knowledge and must be taken at the School of Theology. Exceptions are rarely approved, and then only in cases of emergency. No grade of C– or lower is acceptable for use in satisfying core requirements for the Master of Divinity degree. Students seeking advanced standing in one or more of these core requirements must consult the associate dean for academic affairs and/or relevant faculty for approval by petition.

Core Electives presuppose previous knowledge on the part of the student in the fields they represent; students may, therefore, not take advanced courses before completing introductory courses. It is expected that the Core Electives will be satisfied by registering in the prescribed courses at the School of Theology. Substitutions for core electives by registration in another School of Theology course, another Boston University school, or at a BTI school can be made by petition to the School of Theology. Consult the School of Theology director of registration and financial aid for substitution procedures. Students seeking advanced standing in their degree program through transfer credit from other institutions must consult the associate dean for academic and administrative affairs for approval.

No grade of C– or lower is acceptable for use in satisfying core elective requirements for the Master of Divinity degree. The director of registration and financial aid will distribute a list of approved School of Theology courses that satisfies each core elective requirement. Students may not satisfy the Church History II requirement with STH TH 821 History and Doctrine of the United Methodist Church. Master of Divinity students may complete the Hebrew Bible II or New Testament II core elective requirement by studying a biblical language. Students who wish to complete this option must register for two semesters of 4-credit courses covering basic vocabulary, grammar, and translation study and complete at least one 2-credit reading course in the biblical language.

Free Electives The core requirement and elective portions of the Master of Divinity degree program consist of a total of 78 credit hours. To earn the required 96 credit hours, students register for a total of 18 free elective credits to be chosen according to interests, denominational requirements, or advice of advisor. Free electives may be selected from any related graduate-level course open to School of Theology students. No more than one free elective course can be taken as an online course.

Testing All matriculants are required to participate in a psychological testing program in the first semester of their studies. Oral communication skills will also be evaluated prior to taking a required preaching course.

Pastoral and Spiritual Formation All students must complete STH TC 703 Pastoral and Spiritual Formation (1 credit) in the first semester of the MDiv program and STH TC 704 Pastoral and Spiritual Formation II (1 credit) in the second semester. All MDiv students must complete, normally in their second year, a minimum of 8 credits of supervised field education and pastoral formation in a parish setting.

Preaching Competency All candidates are required to demonstrate a proficiency in preaching before graduation. This requires the successful completion of STH TC 715 Introduction to Preaching.

Field Education Program requirements and guidelines are stated in the Field Education Handbook. Students may elect to register for additional supervised field education, not to exceed a combined total of 16 credits.

TOP OF PAGE

MASTER OF DVINITY, SPECIALIZED CURRICULUM (MDIV)

Curriculum Requirements

Students who have vocations or goals other than parish ministry may propose a specialized field of study of six to eight courses. These courses substitute for the free electives and up to four core electives of the traditional MDiv curriculum. (Core requirements and all additional expectations of the MDiv program apply to those pursuing the specialized curriculum.)

It is the stated policy of the School of Theology that

1. the courses and rubrics currently listed as components of the MDiv curriculum reflect the faculty’s best judgment of the appropriate curriculum for prospective pastors,
2. the School does not claim or suggest that a specialized track will qualify as adequate preparation for ordination. Those who receive approval to pursue this option have sole responsibility for conferring with their appropriate ecclesiastical bodies concerning the acceptability of their proposed curricula for purposes of ordination, and
3. the academic transcript of a student pursuing or completing the MDiv degree with a specialization shall be annotated to indicate that the student has pursued an optional specialized track.

Requesting Admission to the Specialized Curriculum

Students who are in the Master of Divinity degree program and who are in good academic standing may request permission to move from the Master of Divinity curriculum to a specialized curriculum. Requests of this sort should be made no later than the third semester of study—preferably in the second semester.

Documentation supporting this move to a specialized curriculum includes: (1) a School of Theology Petition Form, which serves as a cover sheet and provides space for the required approval signatures; (2) a Specialized Curriculum Application Plan of Study; and (3) a coherent rationale which outlines the reasons for the request. The rationale includes a statement of vocational goals and it must discuss the reasons why certain regular curricular requirements should be set aside in light of those vocational goals. It also should list the Core Electives that are chosen for the revised curriculum, the Core Electives that have been eliminated, and the courses that will make up the curriculum. These documents make up the Proposal for the Specialized Curriculum.

Students are advised to request a review of the Proposal by the Registrar prior to submitting it to the Associate Dean for Academic and Administrative Affairs. The Registrar will then advise the student concerning the viability of the Proposal.

Each Proposal will be reviewed by a faculty member in the proposed specialization and by faculty representatives from the Academic Practice and Policy Committee. This Committee has the responsibility of approving the Proposal as submitted, returning it to the student unapproved for revisions, or approving the Proposal pending minor revisions.

TOP OF PAGE

MASTER THEOLOGICAL 
STUDIES (MTS)

Admission

Applicants must have graduated with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from an accredited college and have a broad liberal arts background with a general knowledge of theological subjects. They should speak and write English with clarity and have some proficiency in languages. Refer to page 20 for specific application information.

Master of Theological Studies Curriculum Requirements

Rationale The MTS degree program is designed for those who wish to prepare themselves for diaconal ministry or other public religious leadership, for further graduate work, or for personal enrichment, but for whom the professional degree (Master of Divinity) is not entirely appropriate. The program is structured so that students attain a survey knowledge of and interdisciplinary perspective on the various theological disciplines and a focused knowledge of a specific field.

The Master of Theological Studies degree consists of a series of courses in three categories: core requirements (24 credit hours), core electives (20–32 credit hours), and free electives (8–20 credit hours). The successful completion of 64 credit hours is required for the degree.

Core Requirements are taken in sequence to ensure that the student builds on previous knowledge and must be taken at the School of Theology. Exceptions are rarely approved, and then only in cases of emergency. No grade of C– or lower is acceptable for use in satisfying core requirements for the Master of Theological Studies degree. Students seeking advanced standing in one or more of these core requirements must consult the associate dean for academic affairs and/or relevant faculty for approval by petition.

Concentration The Master of Theological Studies candidate selects a concentration during the first semester of registration. The concentration can be in a major area (e.g., Biblical and Historical Studies) or in a discipline (e.g., New Testament). Normally, the student accumulates five to eight courses (20–32 credit hours) in the concentration. Courses acceptable for the concentration may be selected from any course open to School of Theology students. Students seeking advanced standing in their degree program through transfer credit from other institutions must consult the associate dean for academic and administrative affairs for approval. Also, students can obtain various certificates through the BTI (See the BTI section of Policy and Procedures on this website for list.).

Students with concentrations in either Hebrew Bible or New Testament are required to complete two courses in the canon that is not their primary concern. Competence in a biblical language must be demonstrated by either examination or registration in introductory biblical language courses and one reading and exegesis course (10 credits total). If competence in biblical language is demonstrated through registration in language courses, a total of 10–12 credit hours will be earned before competence is acknowledged.

No grade lower than B– is acceptable for use in concentration requirements for the Master of Theological Studies degree.

Candidates wishing to write a thesis may register for a directed study with their advisor during the last semester of the degree program. The content of the directed study will center on the thesis.

Free Electives Master of Theological Studies candidates may register for free electives to complement the core requirement and concentration components of the degree program. Courses acceptable for free electives may be selected from any course open to School of Theology students. Modern foreign language courses are counted as one-half the total credit hours offered. For example, a 4-credit foreign language course will count for 2 credits for the Master of Theological Studies free elective section.

Comprehensive Examination All candidates for the Master of Theological Studies degree will undertake a comprehensive examination in the period between midterm examinations and the penultimate week of coursework in the final semester of registration. The comprehensive examination cannot be substituted by a thesis; it is usually an oral examination, and two faculty members are required (one is normally the advisor).

TOP OF PAGE

MASTER OF SACRED MUSIC (MSM)

The Master of Sacred Music program at Boston University is at the forefront of professional training in sacred music. Students are prepared for leadership roles in communities of faith, and as performers, scholars, and teachers using the incomparable resources of the Boston University School of Music and School of Theology. For example, Boston University houses the headquarters of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, the editorial office of Studia Liturgica (the journal of the international and ecumenical Societas Liturgica), the American Guild of Organists’ organ library, and one of the finest hymnological collections in North America.

The Master of Sacred Music degree is offered jointly through the School of Theology and the School of Music and administered by the School of Theology. Since the MSM is essentially professional training for employment as a church musician, the program is offered with two concentrations: organ and choral conducting.

Admission

Applicants for the Master of Sacred Music degree must hold a BA or its equivalent, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and have a general academic background represented by at least 20 semester credits in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, applicants must have basic skills in music, including courses in theory, music history, and choral conducting or organ. The degree program may exceed two years (four semesters) if remedial work is required in any aspect of the program.

Audition requirements An audition at Boston University College of Fine Arts, School of Music, is expected for MSM applicants. The School of Theology Office of Admissions will assist the applicant in arranging for the audition. The audition, with the appropriate applied music faculty in the School of Music, will determine the level of musical proficiency. Applicants must demonstrate talent and ability in performance, scholarship, or composition sufficient to promise superior accomplishment at the graduate level. In addition, candidates must demonstrate prior interest in sacred music and a desire to pursue such study at the graduate level. Candidates whose primary language is not English need a TOEFL score of at least 230 (computer-based test) or 570 (paper-based test) or 89 (internet-based test) to be admitted to the program.

Degree and residency requirements The MSM is granted upon successful completion of a prescribed program of study and terminal projects appropriate to the candidate’s field of specialization. Students must complete a minimum of 48 (choral conducting) and 45 (organ) semester credits, usually in two years, earning grades no lower than B – in all graduate-level coursework. All degree requirements must be completed within five years from the date of matriculation. In addition, students may be required to take prerequisite courses. This requirement is determined by results of proficiency examinations, which are required of all matriculating students. Students who are required to make up a deficiency in any area of music must complete designated prerequisite courses with grades no lower than B. Credit for a course taken to remedy a deficiency will not count toward the completion of degree requirements.

Master of Sacred Music Curriculum

The Master of Sacred Music degree consists of a series of required courses in three categories: theology, music, and the ministry of music. The successful completion of these courses and a final project is required for the degree. Proficiency in music theory, history, keyboard proficiency, and choral conducting is required. MSM students must pass diagnostic examinations in these areas upon entrance into the program. The examination schedule will be provided by the School of Theology Office of Admissions in the summer. All MSM students are advised by the Director of the Sacred Music Program, and the head of the applied music field in which they entered. A plan of study is prepared in the first semester, in consultation with both advisors. It is revised, as needed, during the duration of the program.

Theology requirements Theology requirements are taken in sequence to ensure that the student builds on previous knowledge and must be taken at the School of Theology. Exceptions are rarely approved, and then only in cases of emergency. The proposed sequence is as follows: Fall 1 History (4 cr), Spring 1 Bible (4 cr), Fall 2 Worship (4 cr), Spring 2 Theology (4 cr). No grade lower than B – is acceptable for use in satisfying theology requirements for the Master of Sacred Music degree. Students seeking advanced standing in one or more of these theology requirements must consult the associate dean for academic affairs and/or relevant faculty for approval.

Music requirements In addition to applied lessons in organ or choral conducting, and their respective seminars, students must take classes in analytical techniques and music history. Substitutions for music requirements are approved only by petition and require the approval of the Director of the MSM program and the head of the respective department at CFA. Students who pass out of requirements in history and theory may substitute other courses subject to the approval of his or her advisor. No grade lower than B – is acceptable for use in satisfying music requirements for the Master of Sacred Music degree. Participation in a Boston University music organization (including the Seminary Singers, Chapel Choir, and Symphonic Chorus) is recommended.

Ministry of Music requirements The Sacred Music Practicum is offered in the spring on a two-year rotation and is mandatory for successful completion of this degree. The course covers topics in practical church music. It will include, for example:

• Handbell choirs (technique, training, recruitment, repertoire)
• Children’s choirs (training, recruitment, motivation, repertoire)
• Conflict resolution, problem management, ethics, professional concerns
• Organ pedagogy
• The art of accompaniment (including hymns, services, choirs, and large groups)
• Site visits to local churches with significant music programs
• Vocal technique
• Repertoire for the liturgical season (organ and choral)
• Church music resources (including online information)
• Composing and arranging for the church
• Improvisation
• Organ building and maintenance (including possible visits to local builders)
• Ensemble/orchestral conducting and conducting from the console

In addition, students will be required to participate in a wide variety of occasional events on subjects related to the degree program, such as master classes and lectures. It is expected that all students will be involved in some professional church music activity in the area that will be an informal addition to their program of study.

Recital requirements All Master of Sacred Music candidates are required to perform two recitals during the program. These should demonstrate a wide repertoire of styles and technique.

Keyboard proficiency Non-keyboard majors are required to pass a keyboard proficiency exam in their final semester. Details of the requirement are given at the start of the program.

Program content The key to the program is flexibility so that each student can design a program suited to his/her strengths and weaknesses. Rather than being over-prescriptive, the program aims to offer a wide range of choices depending on the candidate’s prior training and experience and his/her interests. Good advising is an important part of the process.

Suggested Programs of Study for the MSM Choral Conducting Degree or the Organ Degree can be viewed at the School of Theology website.

TOP OF PAGE

ORDINATION AS A DEACON

The Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church

The Order of Deacon was established in 1996 to provide ordained clergy for service ministry in the United Methodist Church. The deacon has a special ministry in the context of the “local church,” in leading that body in its own ministries of service.

The academic preparation of the deacon can be accomplished in one of three ways. The first is a program of study in an approved seminary leading to a theological degree (MDiv, MTS, MSM). The second is a master’s degree in a specialized area such as counseling, social work, or administration, augmented by a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate theological studies which include the history and governance of the United Methodist Church. The third, for persons 35 and older, is professional certification, including eight semester hours of graduate credit in the area of specialization, 24 semester hours of basic graduate theological studies which include the history and governance of the United Methodist Church. The program of theological study is shown below.

Those who answer the call to ministry 
as a deacon in the United Methodist Church are invited to pursue the educational requirements for ordination at the School of Theology.

Candidates can meet the educational requirements in the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Sacred Music degree programs. Candidates who already hold a specialized master’s degree and wish to take the graduate-level theological studies can take the following courses to meet the educational requirements for ordination:

Theology

STH TT 704 Theology I: History of Christian Theology or

STH TT 810 Theology II: Contemporary Christian Theology

Old Testament

STH TO 704 Hebrew Bible I

New Testament

STH TN 721 New Testament Introduction

Missions

STH TM 815 The Debate over Modern Mission

Church History

STH TH 718 Church History I: Survey

Worship/Liturgy

STH TC 817 Introduction to Christian Worship or

STH TC 861 Christian Worship

Evangelism

STH TC 885 Evangelism and Contemporary Cultures

UM History

STH TH 821 History and Doctrine of the United Methodist Church

UM Polity

STH TC 723 United Methodist Discipline

TOP OF PAGE

MASTER OF SCARED THEOLOGY (STM)

Admission

The STM degree is a second-level graduate professional degree for those who wish to pursue a year of more advanced coursework focusing on a particular discipline. The degree is not normally considered probationary for the doctorate. STM candidates withdrawing from the STM program to enter a doctoral program may not transfer STM credit if they were deemed ineligible for admission to the doctoral program at the time of their initial STM application. Only 900-level courses will be considered for transfer.

Applicants must hold a first-level graduate professional degree and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Refer to the Admission section of this website for specific application information.

Curriculum Requirements

The program requires eight semester courses or 32 credits. A minimum of five semester courses are required in the major discipline. The remaining elective courses are selected under faculty advisement, to complement the major area of study.

All STM students are required either to write a thesis or to pass a written, two-hour comprehensive examination. Students choosing the thesis option may count it as equivalent to one course (4 credits) if they register for a directed study with the major advisor/professor. The thesis is graded; a minimum grade of B– is required. The thesis must be submitted to the STH Library in approved format. Please refer to the “Timelines” section for imposed deadlines.

Further courses may be required for certain disciplines. For example, candidates in biblical studies may be expected to have at least one year of Hebrew or Greek before admission or to include it in their course of study and receive one-half the credit for the number of hours.

TOP OF PAGE

DOCTORY OF MINISTRY (DMIN) AND DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM IN DOCTOR OF MINISTRY AND SOCIAL WORK (DMIN/MSW)

Description/Admission

The Doctor of Ministry Program is designed to assist religious professionals to deepen their understanding of and commitment to ministry, by providing a context in which to update and refine their theological knowledge, sharpen old skills, and learn new ones. The aim is to help students to bring together their experience with additional academic studies to create a fresh synthesis of theory and practice.

Applicants must have the MDiv or equivalent degree from an accredited seminary with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Applicants also must have completed a minimum of three years of full-time professional ministry or its equivalent.

Coursework may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time students could expect to complete the program in two and a half to three years. All students must complete the program in no more than six years.

The DMin/MSW program will require three and a half to four years of study to complete, with a maximum of six years allowed. Students will use the Plan of Study established for Pastoral Counseling. The second year of Field Education internship for the MSW replaces the Supervised Ministry requirement of the DMin Pastoral Counseling degree.

Specific Course Requirements

The student is required to take ten courses (40 credits minimum):

• five courses from the Plan of Study
• one elective from another area that is related to the student’s area of interest
• two Supervised Ministries
• one theology course
• the Project Thesis course

Theology Course Because theological reflection about the practice of ministry is a critical area of the DMin program and the Project Thesis, all students will be required to take one course that explicitly focuses on the theological aspects of their Plan and is chosen in collaboration with the student’s advisor.

Supervised Ministry Students will register for two semesters of supervised ministry in settings related to their Plan of Study. In consultation with the Advisor and Associate Director of Professional Education, the candidate is responsible for selecting an appropriate setting and arranging for a qualified supervisor. Options for settings are detailed in the DMin Handbook. The candidate and proposed supervisor of the Supervised Ministry must complete the Proposal for Supervised Ministry and submit it for approval to the ASC. Upon approval, the candidate may begin the supervised experience. At mid-semester the supervisor is expected to complete the Process/Progress Report. At the end of each unit, the candidate and supervisor both must complete evaluations using the Guidelines for Evaluation in the DMin Handbook.

All courses taken in the DMin Program will be at the 800 or 900 level or equivalent courses designed for doctoral study. Directed studies will seldom be allowed and then only by petition to the Advisor and ASC. Four of the seven courses must be completed at Boston University. If, in a semester, a student is taking a course in the BTI, an equivalent number of units need to be taken at the School of Theology.

Plans of Study

It is important that students have a coherent Plan of Study to integrate a solid academic foundation with practical work in the field. For this reason, we have developed several Plans of Study that a student may take.

Plan of Study: Pastoral Counseling

The student must choose at least one from each of the following sections for a total of five courses:

Psychology and Religion

TY 803 Psychology of Religion


TY 842 Psychology of Healing


TY 801 Religion and Mental Health

Theories of Personality

TY 809 Personality Theory for Pastoral Relationships I


TY 864 Pastoral Psychology: The Self


TY 806 Life Span: Human Learning and Faith Development


TY 911 Object Relations and the Study of Religion

Integration of Theory and Practice

TY 948 Pastoral Psychotherapy


TY 830 Pastoral Care in the Community


TY 956 Pastoral Psychology and Theology

Application of Theory: Special Interests

TY 807 Pastoral Psychology of Women


TY 826 Psychodynamics of Marriage and the Family

Plan of Study: Spirituality

All DMin students must take TC 912 Classics in Christian Spirituality.

The student must choose four courses from among the following:

Additional courses may be available upon consultation with advisor.

The student must choose four courses from among the following:

Also required is one course, pre-approved by petition to the ASC, from those courses in Mission Studies designated by the letters “TM,” for example, TM 815 The Debate over Modern Mission, TM 825 Emergence of the Modern Church in Third World Perspective.

Plan of Study: Liturgical Studies

4 courses from Plan of Study

TZ 954 Proseminar in Liturgical Bibliography

1 elective from related area

2 Supervised Ministries

1 theology course; TT 940 (Ecclesiology) recomm.

Project Thesis course

If no introductory worship course has been taken, TC 817 should be audited.

Plan of Study

1 course from Liturgical History and 2 from Liturgical Theology; or

2 courses from Liturgical History and 1 from Liturgical Theology

Liturgical History

TO/TC 821 Book of Psalms

TA 810 Hymns and Their Music

TC 862 Liturgical Year— History and Arts

TC 863 Pastoral Offices [includes ritual studies, feminist liturgy]

TC/TH 868 Worship in the Wesleyan (and Anglican) Tradition

TC 846 Liturgical Environment [arts/architecture]

TC/TH 933 Liturgical Traditions of North America

Liturgical Theology

TC 825 Prayer and Social Engagement

TC 851 Preaching and Worship in the African-American Traditions

TC 861 Theologies of Church Music [liturgy/culture]

TC 863 Pastoral Offices (if not counted as History)

TC 833 Doxology and Doctrine: The Trinity in Hymns

TC/TT 919 Sacramental Theology

Congregational Studies/Practical Theology (1 course)

TR 802 Sociology of Religion other 800–900 level TR courses as appropriate

TJ 876/976 Church and Theology in the Contemporary World

SED RS 652, 752 Qualitative Research Methods

TOP OF PAGE

Other Plans of Study

Consult with the Associate Director of Professional Education and the Director of Admissions for additional Plans of Study that may be offered. Occasionally, substitutions will be permitted in the Plans of Study upon approval of a petition by the Advisor and its acceptance by the Advanced Studies Committee and Academic Dean.

Academic Requirements

No grade less than B– is acceptable to meet the Plan of Study. Two grades lower than B– lead to dismissal of the student except by petition to the faculty of the Boston University School of Theology and a decision by the faculty to continue the student.

DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (THD)

Admission

The ThD degree program is offered to students wishing to enhance their knowledge and ministerial skills or teaching competence in certain advanced areas of theology and ministry. It has a stronger academic specialization than the DMin, but also differs from the PhD in its integrative character and clear connection to the church.

The degree program has an interdisciplinary design based on one major discipline (eight courses) and one minor discipline (four courses). The major and minor disciplines are integrated in a particular theme or program; an adequate rationale in terms of the applicant’s vocation must be included in the personal statement of the application. Admission, when granted, is to the disciplines specified in the application. A subsequent request to change a major or minor will be treated as a reapplication. The student’s selection of major and minor must be sufficiently distinct so that the proposed integration can be significant. The following disciplines are eligible for majors:

ThD Majors by Area

Area A: Biblical and Historical Studies

Church History

Mission Studies

New Testament

Hebrew Scripture

Social and Theological Ethics

Theology

Pastoral Psychology

Practical Theology

Liturgical Studies


(Applicants can pair these minors with any of the majors above.)

Area A: Biblical and Historical Studies

Church History

Mission Studies

New Testament

Hebrew Scripture

Social and Theological Ethics

Theology

Religious Education

Pastoral Psychology

Sociology of Religion

Spirituality

Evangelism

Pastoral Theology

Homiletics

Liturgical Studies

Sacred Music

List of Concentrations within Practical Theology, Area D, As the major discipline


(Applicants to the Practical Theology major discipline must choose one of these nine as a concentration.)

Major—Practical Theology

Congregation and Community

Ethics

Mission Studies

Evangelism

Mission and Evangelism

Homiletics

Liturgical Studies

Pastoral Theology

Spirituality

The following disciplines are eligible only for a minor: religious education, spirituality, evangelism, and psychology of religion. Students majoring in liturgical studies may not choose religious education or evangelism as a minor. Individual disciplines may have special requirements.

Applicants must have the MDiv or an equivalent degree. Applicants holding the MRE, MTS, or an equivalent two-year degree may be admitted contingent upon the completion of specified prerequisites. Graduate academic work with a GPA of at least 3.3 is required.

Those who wish to be considered must complete the application by January 15 for admission the following fall, and by October 1 for admission the following spring.

Refer to the Admission section of this website for specific application information.

Curriculum Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 12 courses, including eight in a major discipline and four in a minor discipline, for a total of 48 credits. At least three courses in the major and one in the minor must be at the 900 level. Of the eight-course major at least five courses must be taken at the School of Theology or in related departments of the University; of the four-course minor at least three courses must be taken at the School of Theology or in related University departments. You must be registered as a full-time student (12 or more credits) to be charged STH tuition rates; part-time students pay the tuition rate of the School in which the course originates.

In addition to the required major and minor courses, all first-year students must take STH TZ 800 Introduction to Theological Research.

Assignment of Major and Minor Professors Each candidate shall have two advisors: one professor in the major discipline and one professor in the minor.

TOP OF PAGE

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM IN THEOLOGY AND MUSIC MINISTRY (MIDIV/MSM)

The Dual Degree Program in Theology and Music Ministry is designed for those preparing to be church musicians who wish to engage in a full range of theological studies and preparation for ordination. The program also allows students to develop their musical gifts to a professional level. It is based on a perception that the integrity of worship comprises both word and music. The program prepares candidates for a dual ministry in areas such as church music and pastoral counseling, on a large staff, or for a comprehensive ministry as pastor and church musician in a small church.

The four-year, full-time program leads to the Master of Sacred Music (MSM) and the Master of Divinity (MDiv).

To be admitted to the dual degree program, a student must meet the entrance requirements for each individual degree program. An application, with an appropriate statement of intent and rationale, may be submitted before admission to either degree, or during the first year of study for one of the degrees.

The two degrees, on the recommendation of the faculty, will be conferred simultaneously.

DUAL DEGREE IN THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK (MDIV/MSW) (MTS/MSW) (DMIN/MSQ)

The dual degree programs of the School of Theology and the School of Social Work are designed for students who wish to combine the knowledge and disciplines of theology and ministry with those of social work.

To be admitted to one of the dual degree programs, a student must meet the entrance requirements of each School. MDiv/MSW and MTS/MSW require a 3.0 GPA and a minimum score of 50 on the MAT. DMin/MSW requires a Master of Divinity degree with a minimum 3.3 GPA and the results of either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). An application expressing the clear intent to engage in the dual degree program may be submitted to both Schools at the same time. If the student is already enrolled in one of the Schools, he or she must obtain permission from the “parent” School—in the School of Social Work, see the assistant dean; in the School of Theology, see the registrar and the director of admissions. A maximum of five persons will be admitted to each dual degree program each year.

Normally, it takes three years (full-time) and one summer to complete the requirements for the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS). Four years (full-time) and one summer are required to complete the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Master of Divinity (MDiv). The DMin/MSW will require three and a half to four years of study to complete, with a maximum of six years allowed.

Normally the student registers in an equal number of semesters in each School. Students should begin their program with one full year at the School of  Theology. Students pay the tuition of the School in which they are registered. Given the substantial difference in the cost of tuition at the two Schools, a student from the School of Theology should anticipate significantly higher costs for those semesters when the majority of credits are from the School of Social Work.

Advanced credit or advanced standing will not be granted for this program. Work taken at another graduate institution before admission to the dual degree program will not count toward completion of a degree.

MASTER OF ARTS AND DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Students with appropriate qualifications may be admitted into one of three degree programs: the Master of Arts, the postbachelor’s Doctor of Philosophy, or the post-master’s Doctor of Philosophy. These programs are administered through the Division of Religious and Theological Studies of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Most members of the School of Theology faculty are also members of the division. The division’s membership, however, extends to those working in cognate fields in other Colleges and Schools of the University, including The University Professors and the College of Arts and Sciences departments of anthropology, art history, classical studies, English, history, modern foreign languages and literatures, philosophy, physics, psychology, religion, and sociology. Students may apply through the Secretary of Admissions, Boston University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 705 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

Fields of Specialization

Students may concentrate in any of the following fields:

Church History

History and Literature of Ancient Israel

Islamic Studies

Medieval Studies

New Testament and Christian Origins

Pastoral Psychology

Philosophy of Religion

Psychology of Religion

Religion and Culture in Modern Society

Religion and Literature

Science, Philosophy, and Religion

Social Ethics

Theology

Information about these fields of specialization may be obtained from the Division of Religious and Theological Studies, 145 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-3060.

Master of Arts

Admission is based on a BA or equivalent. The program is intended for students pursuing interdisciplinary interests, seeking preparation for teaching at a junior college level, or desiring to continue to a PhD program at a later date.

Students must be in residence for not less than three academic semesters. Requirements include the following:

1. eight to twelve courses, depending upon the field of specialization
2. language (as specified by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and by the individual field of concentration)
3. comprehensive examination or thesis, which may be based on a supervised project

Postbaccalaureate Doctor of Philosophy (MA/PhD in sequence)

Admission is based on a BA degree or equivalent. Students must complete from 16 to 25 courses, depending upon the field of specialization. The following are noncredit requirements:

1. language competence
2. qualifying examinations
3. dissertation

Post-master’s Doctor of Philosophy

Admission is based upon an accredited MDiv or MA or equivalent degree, the degree program to have included at least four courses in the proposed specialization. Students complete from eight to sixteen courses, depending upon the field of specialization. For additional requirements, see “Postbaccalaureate Doctor of Philosophy” section above.

TOP OF PAGE

NONDEGREE STUDENTS

Special Students

Special students include college graduates interested in religious work but not a theological degree, spouses of students desiring to enroll in particular courses, and persons who have completed the equivalent of 90 semester credits of college work and who can show they are capable of graduate work. All special students are enrolled in courses for credit unless they receive permission to audit, and must reapply each semester before registration day to renew their special student status. Graduate students of other schools may not enroll as special students unless they have the permission of their respective schools.

TOP OF PAGE

Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Sherborn Street
Boston, MA 02215

30 November 2007
Boston University
Questions
Credits