The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the foundational degree for ministry and is required for ordination in many Christian traditions. An M.Div. degree prepares students for ordination or for other professional ministries for which advanced leadership skills are essential. These ministries may include congregational pastor, chaplaincy, campus ministry, spiritual direction, counseling, not-for-profit work, and other community-based ministries.
Critical thinking, pluralism, and spirituality are central to our M.Div. program, preparing you to bridge theological, cultural, and political divides. We combine a framework of academic disciplines—Biblical studies, theology, history, homiletics, liturgics, counseling, and Christian spirituality—with practical ministry experience through required field education. Elements of spiritual, pastoral, and professional development are woven throughout the academic program.
*100% online pending WSCUC approval.
What does ministry look like today? Progressive ministry takes many forms across many professions, from social services to business entrepreneurship. Bundle your theological degree with other University of Redlands classes or certificates—in Business, Counseling, Music, Marketing and more—to gain the skills for your ministry context. Customize your academic pathway, with possibilities such as:
SFTS is a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, CA—America’s largest consortium of interfaith and interdisciplinary religious thought, study, and practice from around the world. Students have access to classes and resources from institutions ranging from the Institute for Buddhist Studies to the University of California, Berkeley.
