United Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity in Spiritual Direction

The Master of Divinity in Spiritual Direction program will provide you with the knowledge and skills required for effectively practicing spiritual direction in both one-on-one and group settings along with generalized training for congregational pastoral care. The degree involves a partnership between United and St. Catherine University, using the St. Kate’s Spiritual Direction certification courses as concentration courses for an MDiv from United. You will engage in theological study and spiritual formation as you prepare for a career providing soul care and spiritual guidance for others.

If you would like to focus on spiritual direction without pursuing ministerial training or ordination, check out the MAL in Spiritual Direction.

This degree program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in:

  • A career in ordained church ministry with a specialty in spiritual direction
  • A career in ordained church ministry with an additional vocational skill in spiritual direction outside or alongside of the congregational context.

St. Kate’s Spiritual Direction certification courses are taken at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The remaining classes in this program can be taken via distance learning if you choose.

 

UNITED’S MDIV AT A GLANCE

  • 72 credits
  • Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including one field experience
  • Final thesis or project not required, but you can use an elective to pursue either
  • Can be completed in three years if you take a full-time course load (24 credits per year)

Program Guide Sheet

LEARNING OUTCOME
 NUMBER OF COURSES COURSES
Formation 2 Intro to Spiritual and Personal Formation

Organizational Leadership and Administration
Religious Texts 4 Hebrew Bible 1: Orientation

Hebrew Bible 2: Contextualized Interpretation

New Testament 1: Epistles, Acts, and Revelation

New Testament 2: Four Gospels
Theological Tradition 4 Religious and Theological Interpretation

History of Christian Theologies

History of Modern Theologies

Constructive Theology
Ethics/Justice 2 Choose two:

  • Christian Ethics
  • Comparative Religious Ethics
  • Theology for Social Transformation
Cultural Contextualization 1 Choose one:

  • World Religions
  • Global Christianities
Arts and Theology 1 Choose one:

  • History of Arts and Theology
  • Theological Interpretation of the Arts
Social Transformation 1 Leadership and Strategies for Social Change
Integration 1 Capstone Seminar
CORE SUBTOTAL
 16
Vocational Contextualization & Skills 8 Preaching and Your Public Voice

One United Elective

THEO6740 Introduction to Spiritual Direction* (2 credits)

THEO6750 Foundational Issues in Spiritual Direction* (2 credits)

Choose two: (4 credits):

THEO6780 Spirituality and Life Stages* (2 credits)

THEO6790 Jung and Spiritual Guidance* (2 credits)

THEO6820 The Art of Discernment* (2 credits)

Choose one: (4 credits):

THEO6440 History of Spirituality I* (4 credits)

THEO6540 History of Spirituality II* (4 credits)

THEO7764 Spiritual Direction Practicum* (4 credits)

Choose one:

  • Church Internship
  • Ministry Practicum
  • CPE Ministry Practicum**
CONCENTRATION SUBTOTAL
 8
DEGREE TOTAL
 24

* Consortium courses taken through the St. Catherine University.

** Although not specifically required for degree completion, Interreligious Pastoral and Spiritual Care must be completed to be eligible for CPE registration.

 

Learn More

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