{"id":59339,"date":"2025-10-16T16:46:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T20:46:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/?page_id=59339"},"modified":"2026-06-05T15:56:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T19:56:22","slug":"online-master-of-divinity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sth\/academics\/degree-programs\/online-master-of-divinity\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Master of Divinity (OMDiv)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click here to start your OMDiv application! <\/a><\/p>\n

Faithful and forward-thinking leadership is needed now more than ever. Boston University School of Theology\u2019s Online Master of Divinity (OMDiv) equips students to meet that call wherever they are. Designed for those seeking an accessible, affordable, and high-quality theological education online, the program integrates rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and practical ministry experience within a supportive virtual community. Students engage deeply with faculty and peers through online courses while preparing for ordained or lay ministry across diverse faith traditions. The OMDiv embodies the academic excellence and commitment to justice that define our historic School of Theology, now available to students around the world.<\/p>\n

Sign-up for an Online Info Session<\/a><\/p>\n

The OMDiv program offers a focused educational pathway leading to the Master of Divinity degree through fully online course work. The streamlined curriculum builds core competencies in sacred texts and interpretation, practical theology, church history, ethics, spirituality, public leadership, and spiritual care. All OMDiv students deepen their learning through contextual education placements, rooting their ministry training through experiential learning within their local contexts. The program equips students with knowledge, skills, and a network of support that empowers them to serve effectively in the communities where they are already embedded.<\/p>\n

Launching in its inaugural year with one core track in Ecclesial Ministry, the OMDiv program allows students to meet requirements for ordained or endorsed ministry. The Ecclesial Track supports those preparing for ecclesial ministry, and other forms of endorsed religious leadership, by grounding them deeply in their own tradition while equipping them broadly for ministerial practice in alignment with their own ecclesial standards. The Ecclesial Ministry track of the OMDiv is ecumenical in nature while reflecting the School of Theology’s historic roots<\/a> in the Methodist tradition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learning Online at STH<\/p>

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The OMDiv program can be completed entirely online. Instructors post course readings, monitor discussion boards, and deliver interactive learning materials each week. While most coursework is conducted asynchronously, each OMDiv course includes a weekly, synchronous \u201clive classroom,\u201d where you can engage in real-time discussions with your fellow students that are as lively as any found in our residential classrooms. Live classes are held on Zoom and are scheduled during late afternoons and evenings, Eastern US.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Online Spiritual and Community Life<\/p>

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OMDiv students participate in the STH community activities through a variety of formats. OMDiv students can join livestreams of the weekly chapel service held at Marsh Chapel, \u00a0attend hybrid and online lectures, join study groups, and participate in weekly Zoom-based activities with other STH students. Our Office of Community and Spiritual Life and our Student Groups offer additional ways to connect virtually. Join a spiritual reading group, attend our monthly online gathering to celebrate through worship and art-based reflection, or connect with our Spiritual Life Director to discuss support for personalized spiritual direction. For more information contact the Online and Hybrid Programs Director<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Virtual Academic Support<\/p>

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As an OMDiv student at STH, you will have full access to the Boston University libraries to conduct research. Writing coaches and technical support are also available 24\/7! The School of Theology has a dedicated team of academic support staff here to help you navigate registration and financial aid questions, and our award-winning faculty provide academic advising to our online students.<\/span><\/p>\n

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OMDiv Core Curriculum<\/p>

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OMDiv students complete 72 units over the course of their program of study. Typically, Master of Divinity students accomplish these units over a three-year timeframe, but OMDiv students will also have the ability to complete their program in two years of full time study utilizing the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The OMDiv curriculum includes three categories of courses:<\/p>\n

OMDiv Core Courses: <\/strong>(30 Units)<\/p>\n