Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree prepares students for a vocation in ministry. This program provides both the theoretical and practical tools necessary for the rewarding, yet challenging, profession of Christian service. Waterloo Lutheran Seminary welcomes students from a variety of denominations into this program. In preparation for parish, institutional, and administrative ministries, students in the Master of Divinity program take courses in theology, biblical studies, counselling, ethics, church history, liturgics and administration. There are three options available in the Master of Divinity program. See details on each option below.
MDiv Program at a Glance:
Number of courses: 30 courses plus placements for Contextual Stream students
Format: full-time or part-time studies
Tuition: approximately $18,000 for program
Degree conferred by: Wilfrid Laurier University
Available start terms: Fall, Winter or Spring
MDiv-MSW Program at a Glance:
Number of courses: 41 courses plus placements; take a mix of MDiv and MSW courses each term
Format: full-time
Tuition: alternate yearly paying fees to Seminary (approximately $2000 per term) and Faculty of Social Work (approximately $3600 per term)
Degrees conferred jointly by: Wilfrid Laurier University
Start term is Fall
Why choose the MDiv:
Degree covers the Bible, church history, systematics, ethics, counselling, liturgics, practical theology and administration
Contextual and non-contextual streams
Bursaries guaranteed for all full-time students
Flexibility to complete program full or part-time
No thesis requirement
Bachelor degree preferred but not required for admission
Church endorsement not required for admission
All denominations eligible for admission
Can complete degree jointly with a Master of Social Work (see MDiv-MSW program)
Graduates eligible to apply for the Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership or Spiritual Care and Counselling
Career examples for graduates: Ordained minister/pastor, chaplain, religious educator, social service worker, Registered Social Worker (MDiv-MSW graduates)
What our graduates are saying:
My time in the WLS community contributed enormously to my formation as a Christian and a pastor, and I know WLS will be there to help continually expand my knowledge and skills. Thank God for the people and the work of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary; I am proud to be a graduate of this wonderful, Spirit-filled place! --Susan Climo, M.Div.
Returning to school in my mid forties is likely one of the most terrifying things I have ever done, but it has also been one of the most rewarding. WLS provides a safe caring community where I can explore my many questions of faith and life. It is a place where not only am I allowed to ask and explore the tough questions, but it also provides an atmosphere that encourages it. Every day I am amazed at how my knowledge base is expanding, how my skills for ministry are being shaped, and the amount of confidence I am gaining. WLS is providing me with a solid education that will ensure my success as an ordained pastor.
--Stephen Hoffard, M.Div.
For more student testimonials, click here
Program Notes
Students who do not desire a career in congregational ministry may apply for the Master of Arts in Theology: Christian Studies in place of the MDiv (reference to the MA page). Applications for the Master of Divinity are encouraged for the Fall Term but are accepted for admission in all terms (Fall, Winter, or Spring). etc. etc.
Three Program Options
Within the Master of Divinity program, applicants will choose to apply for admission to the contextual option or the non-contextual stream. The MDiv can also be taken in the contextual or non-contextual stream jointly with a Master of Social Work from the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. Applicants should note that admission to one option does not constitute an offer of admission to the other option.
- Admission Requirements
- Contextual Option (4 year MDiv Program)
- Non-Contextual Option (3 Year MDiv Program)
- MDiv-MSW Program (4-5 year Program)
- Course planning for MDiv students
The Master of Divinity is a graduate professional degree that normally requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary institution with a B grade point average as the basis for admission. In addition, students are expected to show aptitude for the practice of ministry prior to graduation. Applicants for the Contextual Stream must be endorsed by their denomination in accordance with the policies of the denomination. The Non-Contextual Stream does not require denominational endorsement.
Students who do not hold an accredited Bachelor's degree may apply for exceptional admission if they present a minimum of 10 undergraduate courses with a minimum grade point average of B along with a record of significant experience and endorsement by a recognized church judicatory. Computer literacy is expected of all WLS students. One year paid or volunteer experience in social services is an asset.
Completion of the program includes three years of course work, as well as a one year internship normally in the fourth year of study. Applicants may also take this program jointly with the Master of Social Work and earn a double Masters degree. For more information on the joint degree, please click here.
Introduction
Program Requirements
Model Programs
Application Instructions
In the contextual option students gain practical ministry experience throughout their seminary program by extensive contextual education in parishes, by a twelve-week supervised pastoral education program, and by spending nine to twelve months at an internship site with a pastoral supervisor. Normally, if a person is seeking ordination they should apply to the 4 year contextual option.
For more information on application instructions, please click here.
Program Requirements
1. Courses: The MDiv contextual option requires 31 half-credit courses (including the SPE Unit, not including Internship). See the model programs below for further details.
2. Supervised Pastoral Education: Every student must successfully complete 12 weeks of supervised (clinical) pastoral education (SPE/CPE Unit). This course is normally taken during the summer after the first or second academic year. Students who can demonstrate an equivalency of this requirement may apply to the Seminary faculty for the waiver of the S.P.E. requisite.
3. Internship: Students preparing for the professional ministry must meet the internship and/or field education requirements of the church of which they are a member. Students preparing for the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada must successfully complete one year of internship in a parish or in an institutional ministry. This is normally taken after the completion of coursework.
4. Contextual Education: Students preparing for the ordained ministry are required, as a part of their courses in Contextual Ministry, to be involved satisfactorily in the life of a congregation. Placements are arranged through the Supervisor of Contextual Education.
5. In addition to completing successfully the academic courses, students must be judged by the Seminary faculty to be capable of assuming the professional responsibilities of the ordained ministry. Any student not meeting these requirements may be required by the Principal-Dean of the Seminary to withdraw from the program.
There are two model programs for the MDiv contextual option, depending on which year you begin the program. Follow the links below to see courses included in the program.
| Program Option | Model Program (Based on year of admission) |
| MDiv Contextual Option (4 year program) |
Stream A OR Stream B |
Stream A
Students who begin the program in an even year (Fall 2010, Fall 2012, Fall 2014, etc
) will follow the Stream A model program.
Model Program: Contextual-Stream A
Stream B
Students who begin the program in an odd year (Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, etc
) will follow the Stream B model program
Model Program: Contextual-Stream B
Follow these links for instructions on how to apply to programs at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.
For more information on application instructions, please click here.
To apply for the 4 Year Contextual MDiv, click here.
To apply for the MDIV-MSW, click here.
Applicants with a Master of Theological Studies or Master of Arts in Theology from WLS or other ATS accredited institution may request admission with transfer credits. Up to eight courses are granted as transfer credits towards the Master of Divinity program. Transfer credits requests are assessed on an individual basis by the Academic Admissions Committee.
Introduction
Program Requirements
Model Programs
Application Instructions
In the non-contextual option students engage in academic preparation for ministry. The non-contextual option does not include the contextual placements or internship that the contextual option does. Normally, if a person is seeking ordination they should apply to the contextual option. Consult with your denomination to determine if the non-contextual option may also be appropriate.
For more information on application instructions, please click here.
Students entering the MDiv program are required to hold a Bachelor degree with normally a minimum B average. Computer literacy is expected of all WLS students. Students with life experience may apply for special admission; normally this would include ten undergraduate courses. Completion of the program includes three years of course work, as outlined below in the model programs. Applicants may also take this program jointly with the Master of Social Work and earn a double Masters degree. For more information on the MSW requirements for this joint degree, please click here.
1. Courses: The MDiv non-contextual option includes 30 half-credit courses. See the model programs below for further details.
2. In addition to completing successfully the academic courses, students must be judged by the Seminary faculty to be capable of assuming the professional responsibilities of the ordained ministry. Any student not meeting these requirements may be required by the Principal-Dean of the Seminary to withdraw from the program.
There are two model programs for the MDiv non-contextual option, depending on which year you begin the program. Follow the links below to see courses included in the program.
| Program Option | Model Program (Based on year of admission) |
| Non-Contextual Option (3 year MDiv program) |
Stream A OR Stream B |
Stream A
Students who begin the program in an even year (Fall 2010, Fall 2012, Fall 2014, etc
) will follow the Stream A model program.
Model Program: Non-Contextual-Stream A
Stream B
Students who begin the program in an odd year (Fall 2011, Fall 2013, Fall 2015, etc
) will follow the Stream B model program.
Model Program: Non-Contextual-Stream B
Follow these links for instructions on how to apply to programs at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.
For more information on application instructions, please click here.
To apply for the 3 Year Non-Contextual MDiv, click here.
To apply for the MDIV-MSW, click here.
The MDiv - MSW program is offered jointly by the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and the Faculty of Social Work. It integrates the curricula of both degrees into four years of study. This program is particularly valuable for those who are interested in positions of leadership in the social services of the church and the community at large.
Such positions would include special ministries in a hospital, prison, leisure or counselling centre setting, placements in social work agencies that work closely with the church, and occupations in groups that are involved in broad-based programs of leadership development and community renewal.
The combined MDiv - MSW program normally involves two years of registration in the Seminary and two years of registration in the Faculty of Social Work. The program length is 26 MDiv courses and 15 MSW courses plus 3 Practica in four-years full-time. Students in the contextual stream of the MDiv-MSW will complete an additional 9-12 month internship for a total of 5 years full-time. Students pay fees and are only eligible for scholarships, bursaries and awards applicable to the program in which they are registered.
There are a limited number of positions in the joint MDiv - MSW program. Normally no more than six students are admitted to the program in any particular year. Therefore, it is desirable to apply for admission to this joint program at the earliest possible date. The application deadline for the joint program is January 15th each year for the following Fall term start.
MDiv-MSW Model of Studies:
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MDiv |
MSW (IFG) |
MSW (CPPO) |
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Term 1 |
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Term 2 |
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Term 3 |
SPE (Joint setting where possible) |
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Term 4 |
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Term 5 |
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Term 6 |
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Term 7 |
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Term 8 |
SK610 |
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Term 9 |
SK643 (practicum subject to availability) |
SK643 (practicum subject to availability) |
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Term 10 |
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Term 11 |
2 electives |
1 elective |
For the application instructions, please click here. Please note that the MTS-MSW is no longer open to new admissions.
For assistance selecting electives by category, current student may consult the current MDiv Academic Advising sheet
MDiv Academic Advising 2012-2013
For futher questions regarding course selection, MDiv students are encouraged to contact their faculty advisor or the Student Advisor.
