College Programs

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The professional graduate degree for full clergy formation and pastoral ministry within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church—rooted in doctrine, Scripture, worship, spiritual discipline, and practical ministry.

Overview Formation Curriculum Admission

Program Overview

The M.Div. equips students for pastoral service through advanced Orthodox theology, biblical studies, liturgy, homiletics, pastoral care, spiritual direction, and supervised ministry practice. It is designed for clergy-track formation and serious ministry leadership.

Total Credits

81 credits

Length

6 semesters (3 years)

Format

In-person / hybrid

Best For

Clergy-track & pastoral ministry

Purpose:

To form faithful Orthodox pastors and ministers who can teach sound doctrine, lead worship, shepherd souls, and serve the Church with humility and discipline.

Clergy Formation Components

Doctrinal Formation: Orthodox dogmatics, Christology, Trinity, sacraments
Scriptural Formation: advanced biblical study and Orthodox interpretation
Liturgical Formation: liturgy, sacraments, rubrics, church service practice
Pastoral Formation: counseling, visitation, funerals, marriage preparation
Homiletics: preaching and teaching for parish life
Spiritual Formation: prayer rule, fasting discipline, repentance, ethics

Supervised Ministry

Students complete supervised service in parish life (teaching, assisting, pastoral care, administration), under guidance of clergy and faculty.

Practicum Examples

Teaching • catechesis • hospital visits • liturgical preparation • youth ministry • community outreach

Curriculum (81 Credits)

Semester-by-semester outline (approximately 13–14 credits per semester). Course sequencing may be adjusted.

Semester 1 (13–14 credits)

TH 501 — Advanced Orthodox Dogmatics I (3)
BI 501 — Biblical Theology & Interpretation I (3)
LI 501 — Liturgical Theology I (3)
SF 501 — Spiritual Formation for Clergy I (2)
MI 501 — Ministry Practicum I (2–3)

Semester 2 (13–14 credits)

TH 502 — Advanced Orthodox Dogmatics II (3)
BI 502 — Biblical Theology & Interpretation II (3)
LI 502 — Liturgical Theology II (3)
PA 502 — Pastoral Care & Counseling I (2)
MI 502 — Ministry Practicum II (2–3)

Semester 3 (13–14 credits)

CH 511 — Church History & Councils (3)
PT 511 — Patristics & Fathers (3)
HM 511 — Homiletics & Teaching Ministry (3)
PA 511 — Pastoral Care & Counseling II (2)
MI 511 — Ministry Practicum III (2–3)

Semester 4 (13–14 credits)

CL 521 — Canon Law & Church Order (3)
SA 521 — Sacraments & Pastoral Practice (3)
ET 521 — Orthodox Ethics & Christian Life (3)
SF 521 — Spiritual Formation for Clergy II (2)
MI 521 — Ministry Practicum IV (2–3)

Semester 5 (13–14 credits)

MS 531 — Mission & Evangelism (3)
AD 531 — Church Administration & Leadership (3)
PR 531 — Preaching Practicum (2)
RS 531 — Research & Writing for Ministry (2)
MI 531 — Ministry Practicum V (3–4)

Semester 6 (13–14 credits)

HP 541 — Hymnody / Church Chant (as applicable) (3)
PA 541 — Pastoral Theology (Life Events) (3)
AP 541 — Apologetics & Contemporary Challenges (3)
CP 541 — Capstone Project / Thesis (2–3)
MI 541 — Ministry Practicum VI (2)

Assessment:

Participation • Reading • Sermons • Pastoral case studies • Papers • Exams • Practicum evaluations • Capstone project

Admission Requirements

B.Th. (or equivalent) required, or approved placement
Completed application form
Statement of calling and purpose (for clergy track)
Parish priest recommendation (required for clergy track)
Interview/assessment (as requested)

Clergy Track Note

Ordination decisions belong to Church authority. The M.Div. provides formation and preparation for service, under ecclesiastical guidance.

Degree Awarded

Graduates receive the Master of Divinity (M.Div.).

Religious Degree Statement

This is a religious degree intended for ministry, theology, and ecclesiastical study.

Apply to the M.Div. Program

Prepare for faithful pastoral ministry through Orthodox theological study, worship formation, and supervised service.

Admissions College Contact