Master of Divinity Degree
Master of Arts Degree
Master of Theology Degree
Other Educational Opportunities

St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Theology (MTh). Its other educational activities include an annual Summer Institute of Liturgical Studies and Pastoral Practice and an Extension Program.

Master of Divinity Degree

The Master of Divinity (HEGIS 2301) may be described in the most general terms as a graduate professional degree whose purpose is preparation for the ministries of the Church. At St Vladimir's the degree program is designed chiefly for qualified Orthodox students who wish to prepare themselves for ordination to priestly ministry in the Orthodox Church, though it also provides appropriate preparation for other forms of church service and for graduate study in theology and related disciplines.

The program is designed to be completed in three years by full-time students, who take an average of 16 credits in course work or the equivalent (Theological Reflection, senior thesis) per semester. Only if warranted by exceptional circumstances such as illness or employment, and with permission of the Faculty Council, may the program be spread over a longer period of time. The degree must be completed within six years of entrance into the program. The meaning of this time limit is explained in the section on "Procedures and Regulations."

Admissions Requirements

To enter the MDiv program at St Vladimir's, a student must normally have the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an accredited college or university. The seminary does not prescribe a specific program of pre-theological studies, but it does encourage potential seminarians to gain a broad liberal arts education while in college. Studies in the humanities and the natural and social sciences should prepare the student to speak and write correctly, to think clearly, and to understand not only the world of today but also the cultures of the past. Also useful are studies in languages, particularly in Greek. Applicants whose previous studies have been narrowly technical or vocational in nature may be required to do remedial work on a non-credit basis in a local college.

Potential seminarians are also encouraged to acquire a basic knowledge of the language used in the ecclesiastical jurisdiction in which they wish to serve.

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing

Credit for work done in other accredited seminaries and graduate institutions may be accepted at full value on a transfer basis (a) if it has not already been applied toward a degree, and (b) if it parallels courses in the St Vladimir's MDiv program and is otherwise compatible with the objectives of that program. Except for courses taken on a pass/fail basis, only courses in which the student has earned a grade of 2.3 (C+) or higher will be considered for transfer credit.

Graduate-level work done in unaccredited institutions may qualify a student for advanced standing in subjects in which he or she shows proficiency; credit to be allowed will be determined after the satisfactory completion of one semester of full-time studies at St Vladimir's.

Requests for acceptance of transfer credits or advanced standing should be directed to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who in turn submits them to the Faculty Council for consideration and approval.

The MDiv degree will not be granted to anyone who has been in residence at St Vladimir's less than two full academic years and has completed less than 54 credits in MDiv course work at this seminary. Accordingly, no more than 32 credits in transfer/advanced standing may be accepted. Normally the final year of study, with at least 24 credits in course work and the thesis, must be taken at St Vladimir's.

No advanced standing can be given for undergraduate-level courses or for graduate-level courses applied toward an undergraduate degree. At the same time, students whose undergraduate studies have given them a particularly strong background in a given subject may, upon recommendation of the instructor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and with the approval of the Faculty Council, be exempted from lower-level courses in that subject and permitted to substitute higher-level courses in the same subject.

The structure and requirements of the Master of Divinity program are such that acceleration is not advisable or even possible in most cases. Students may wish to take courses during the summer (whether at other institutions or in the form of the seminary's annual Institute) or extra credits during the academic year for a variety of appropriate reasons (to enrich their theological awareness, to satisfy jurisdictional requirements, to rectify deficiencies, to lighten somewhat their projected work load for future years ...). As a general rule, however, credits earned during the summer or extra credits earned during the regular academic year may not be used to reduce the six semesters of full-time resident study normally required for the degree. Exceptions to this rule are granted only under very exceptional circumstances, on the basis of a written petition to the Faculty Council. In addition, students receiving financial assistance from the seminary should keep in mind that expenses for such extra studies, whether direct or indirect (lost potential earnings), will not be regarded as establishing greater "need" (see section on "Financial Information: Demonstration of Financial Need").

Entrance Examination

Like all entering students, students entering the MDiv program at St Vladimir's are required to take an appropriate entrance examination during their initial registration period. The general purpose of this examination is described more completely above under "Procedures and Regulations." The MDiv entrance examination presupposes an elementary knowledge of the Bible, particularly of the New Testament, and of the teachings, history, and worship of the Orthodox Church. A short reading list for this examination will be sent to each student admitted to the program.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 86 credits in course work, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.3 (C+) is required for the MDiv degree. This course work includes:

• 22 credits in "100-level" courses ("foundational" or "basic entry" courses) in the four major academic areas of the seminary's curriculum: Biblical Studies (Old Testament 101, New Testament 102), Historical Studies (Church History 101-102), Systematic Theology and Ethics (Dogmatic Theology 101-102), and Liturgical Theology (Liturgical Theology 101-102). These courses, required of all MDiv and MA candidates, serve as introductions to the fields in question and provide an orientation to bibliography on it. They are designed to provide sufficient background for most of the higher-level courses in the same area. In many cases the appropriate 100-level course, or equivalent studies in another institution, must be completed before a higher-level course in the same area may be taken. MDiv candidates therefore normally take these courses during their first year at the seminary.

   

• 32 credits in "200-level" courses, i.e., courses required of all MDiv candidates. These include higher-level courses in the academic areas mentioned above, introductory courses in music and New Testament Greek, and courses relating to the practice of ministry: practical theology, canon law, homiletics, and Christian education.

   

• 32 credits in "300-level" courses, i.e., courses offered as electives. Of these elective courses, a minimum of 10 credits must be in the area of Biblical Studies. These will include a Prophet (either Old Testament 304, Old Testament 311, or Old Testament 313); a Gospel (either Homiletics 301, New Testament 301, New Testament 312, or New Testament 313); and an Epistle (either Biblical Languages 311, New Testament 315, New Testament 316, or New Testament 381). A minimum of 6 credits must be taken in the area of Historical Studies. A minimum of 3 credits must be taken in the area of Systematic Theology and Ethics. Finally, a minimum of four credits must be taken in the area of Liturgical Theology. The remaining credits ("free electives") may be taken in any area of the curriculum and, with the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, may include up to six credits from the Department of Languages.

These courses would be distributed as in the table for a typical MDiv student.

Three-Credit Option

MDiv candidates have the option of taking certain 300-level courses for either two credits or three credits, as indicated in the Announcement of Courses. In most cases a student taking a course for three rather than two credits is expected to complete a major independent project, such as a research paper, under the instructor's supervision in addition to the regular course requirements. To exercise this three-credit option, a student must be in good standing and not on academic probation. A student interested in exercising the option should contact the course instructor at or before the beginning of the semester in which the course is given and register accordingly with the Registrar. After the registration period, changes from two-credit to three-credit or vice versa are subject to the conditions laid down above under "Procedures and Regulations."

Jurisdictional Requirements in Languages and Music

Some of the ecclesiastical jurisdictions that the seminary serves may require their students to complete certain studies in languages and liturgical music not otherwise required for the MDiv degree. In order to serve these jurisdictions more effectively, and in close cooperation with them, the seminary offers appropriate courses in these areas. Some, but not all of such course work may be credited toward the degree. The following paragraphs indicate in general terms the seminary's policies in this area.

The seminary offers courses in various languages in order to help students fulfill jurisdictional requirements and also to help them qualify for post-graduate studies. With the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, up to six credits in these languages may be applied towards fulfillment of MDiv degree requirements as "free electives."

The seminary normally requires MDiv candidates to take at least four credits in liturgical music. Of these, no more than four credits can be in courses at the 200-level. Any additional credits applied toward the degree must be for courses at the 300-level. At the same time, students are permitted -- or may be required for jurisdictional reasons -- to take additional 200-level courses in liturgical music. These courses are indicated on the student's transcript, but credit for them cannot be applied toward the degree.

Field Education

During the middler and senior years at the seminary, each MDiv candidate must fulfill a field education requirement as part of the seminary's program in practical theology. Each student must complete at least six Field Education Units, which are required for graduation and indicated on the student's transcript. Normally, the field education requirement consists of two major projects (three Field Education Units each).

For the first project, completed during the middler year, the student is normally assigned to hospital ministry. An agreement describing the student's responsibilities is drawn up between the supervisor and the student and submitted to the Director of Field Education. At the end of the year, the supervisor submits an evaluation of the student's work to the Director, using the appropriate form.

The second project, completed during the senior year, is in the area of parish ministry. The student is assigned to a parish in the greater New York area. This assignment gives the student invaluable exposure to and experience of the diversity existing in Orthodox parishes. In addition it provides an opportunity for the student to develop ministerial skills under the supervision of the pastor or another qualified professional. Under the supervision of the pastor of that parish, the student will undertake specific tasks as assigned by the pastor/supervisor. An agreement describing these tasks is drawn up between the pastor/supervisor and the student and submitted to the Director of Field Education. At the end of the year, the pastor/supervisor submits an evaluation of the student's work to the Director, using the appropriate form.

Theological Reflection

To complement course work and field education and to help bridge the gap which sometimes can develop between them, structured opportunities are provided for reflection upon and discussion of issues relating to Christian life and ministry. Theological Reflection sessions serve as a continuing MDiv seminar. In these sessions, students and faculty members share and discuss particular problems, case studies and verbatims related to the practice of ministry above all as experienced in field education. Through reflection, theological categories are brought to bear upon the human experiences confronting the student. Each middler and senior is required to attend these sessions as assigned.

For billing purposes and calculation of full-time/part-time status, Field Education/Theological Reflection (SE 201, 202, 203, 204) is assessed at the rate of one credit per semester.

Senior Thesis

Each candidate for the MDiv degree at St Vladimir's, under the regular supervision of a member of the faculty, is required to prepare and submit a thesis project. In lieu of a thesis project, MDiv candidates are permitted to substitute six credits in additional course work at the 300-level. The decision to write a thesis must be made no later than registration in the fall of the senior year. Students who have not submitted a thesis form approved and signed by a faculty thesis advisor will have to register for the additional courses. No further changes will be permitted after the deadline for registration changes.

Normally written in the form of an extended essay, the thesis must show the student's ability to understand and express issues related to Orthodox theology, history, and/or contemporary witness. The usual length of the essay is 40 to 60 pages. A stylesheet containing detailed directions for the preparation of the thesis is available from the Office of Academic Affairs.

Toward the end of the middler year, on the basis of his or her own interests, the student chooses a faculty thesis advisor who helps define the thesis topic, which is then submitted to the Faculty Council for approval. The faculty advisor should receive a detailed outline of the thesis by October 15 of the senior year and a complete draft by March 15. Two copies of the final version must be presented to the Librarian by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar. Accompanying the thesis must be an abstract (resume) of no more than one page. If the thesis is prepared on a computer, the thesis must also be submitted on computer disk for storage in the library. The thesis is then evaluated by two readers: the first is the student's faculty thesis advisor, and the second is appointed by the Faculty Council from among the other faculty or, depending upon the subject, from outside the seminary. The readers submit a letter grade with written comments, which enter the student's record. In the calculation of the student's cumulative grade point average, the senior thesis is treated as the equivalent of six credits of course work, with the grade assigned by each reader counting half.

For billing purposes and calculation of full-time/part-time status, the senior thesis (TS 201-202) is assessed at the rate of three credits per semester (six credits total).

St Basil the Great Award for Academic Achievement

The St Basil the Great Award for Academic Achievement was established in 2003 by an anonymous benefactor who wished to recognize and encourage students who have excelled in their studies at the seminary. It is awarded annually to the senior, the middler, and the junior in the MDiv program who has ranked highest in academic achievement that year.

The award bears the name of St Basil the Great, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs for whom the seminary chapel is named. With St Gregory the Theologian and St John Chrysostom, St Basil is lauded as a "harp of the Spirit," a "trumpet of truth," a "flowing river of wisdom," a "teacher of the universe," a "pillar of the Church." Like St Gregory and St John (to use words from one of the hymns in honor of the Holy Hierarchs), St Basil "approached the meadows of books like a bee, gathering well the flowers of virtue." He excelled in the study of philosophy and rhetoric, the two most prized areas of intellectual accomplishment of his day. He demonstrated how such intellectual pursuits can help to edify the Church and enlighten the universe. In so doing, he has given a noble example for all who have dedicated themselves to the study of Orthodox theology.

Graduation

Upon recommendation of the Faculty Council and approval by the Board of Trustees, the following citations may be given at graduation, provided the candidate has completed at least 70 credits of course work in addition to the thesis (or 76 credits of course work if the candidate elects not to write the thesis) toward the degree at St Vladimir's and fulfilled all other requirements:

• For a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50, cum laude;
• For a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.80, magna cum laude;
• For a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.90, summa cum laude.

For the determination of honors, only courses taken at St Vladimir's and the senior thesis, equivalent to six credits, are included in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. Honors are reserved for students who have completed degree requirements on a full-time basis within the normal time limits for the degree (three years in the case of the MDiv degree).

The valedictorian and salutatorian are selected by the faculty on the basis of academic achievement, taking into consideration also participation in community service, chapel, and all aspects of seminary life. The valedictorian is selected from among graduating MDiv students to speak on behalf of the graduating class. The salutatorian, an MDiv middler who is completing his or her second academic year at St Vladimir's as a full-time student, offers words of congratulation to the graduating class on behalf of those who will be remaining at the seminary. In considering eligibility, the Faculty is guided by the catalog provisions for determining graduation honors.

Additional provisions concerning graduation as well as other aspects of student life are given above under "Procedures and Regulations."

Ordination

The degree of Master of Divinity does not make a student automatically eligible for ordination in the Orthodox Church. In questions of ordination, the various Orthodox ecclesiastical jurisdictions are governed first of all by the universal canons of the Church. In addition, each jurisdiction may set further requirements which must be met by its candidates for holy orders. While the seminary faculty may recommend a seminary graduate for ordination, the final decision rests exclusively with the hierarchy of the Church.

Combined Degree Program

A qualified MDiv candidate may be enrolled simultaneously in the seminary's Master of Arts program with a specialization in either liturgical music or Christian education. The combined program, requiring a minimum of four full academic years, must include a minimum of 116 credits in course work, comprising the 100-level courses required of all MDiv and MA candidates; the 200-level courses required of MDiv candidates as well as any additional 200-level courses that may be required of MA candidates in a given specialization; 300-level courses distributed to meet the MDiv requirements indicated above; and additional 200- and 300-level courses as needed to satisfy the specialization requirement for the MA (see the presentation of MA course requirements below). Required in addition are six Field Education Units, Theological Reflection (MDiv seminar) and Senior Thesis or six additional credits in course work at the 300-level (for the MDiv degree), and four Field Education Units in the area of specialization (for the MA degree).

The MDiv degree may not be similarly combined with the MA program in general theological studies; i.e., a student normally may not receive both degrees. In some cases, however, a person who receives the MA in general theological studies may subsequently wish to complete the MDiv. In such cases, (a) the MDiv degree will not be awarded within three years of the MA; and (b) the person must complete at least 6 credits of appropriate course work over and above the total normally required for the MDiv, as well as all other MDiv requirements.

Master of Arts Degree

The Master of Arts program in religious studies at St Vladimir's is designed to meet a variety of needs. It is intended for laypersons who wish to prepare themselves for church service outside the ordained ministry, in such fields as choir directing, religious education, and ministry to youth, students, the hospitalized and the aged, or who intend to engage in some aspect of teaching and research, though it is also appropriate for those simply seeking personal enrichment and professional growth. It does not provide the educational qualifications needed for priestly ordination. Students considering ordination therefore are directed to the MDiv program.

The degree is offered in three areas of specialization: liturgical music (HEGIS 2302), Christian education (HEGIS 2302), and general theological studies (HEGIS 2301). The specialization in liturgical music is intended to provide future choir directors, cantors and other church musicians with the theological background, technical competence and pastoral sensitivity which they will need if they are to minister effectively in the Orthodox churches in America today. The specialization in Christian education is intended to provide analogous preparation to future leaders of parish and diocesan educational programs and to others who will be actively involved in various aspects of the Church's ministry of education. The specialization in general theological studies is intended for those wishing to explore the major academic areas within the theological curriculum without the professional preparation demanded of MDiv candidates. It can provide appropriate preparation for further graduate study in theology or simply a framework for lay theological study on a disciplined basis.

The Master of Arts program is designed so that it can be completed in two years by full-time students, who take an average of 16 credits in course work or the equivalent per semester. With the permission of the Faculty Council, however, requirements for the degree can also be met on a part-time basis. The degree must be completed within four years of entrance into the program. The meaning of this time limit is explained above under "Procedures and Regulations."

Admissions Requirements

A student entering the MA program normally must have the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an accredited college or university. Like MDiv candidates, MA candidates should have a broad liberal arts education (see above). Those intending to specialize in the area of liturgical music should also bring to their seminary studies a strong background in the fundamentals of music -- sight-singing, elementary harmony and some knowledge of piano. A college major or minor in music therefore would be especially useful. Those intending to specialize in Christian education are expected to be similarly prepared through previous experience in church school teaching, parish committee work and service, or social, educational and philanthropic work. For this area, a college major or minor in education would be especially useful. As in the MDiv program, applicants with deficiencies in preparation may be required to do remedial work on a non-credit basis.

Application and admissions procedures are described above under "Procedures and Regulations." Letters of reference for applicants in the area of liturgical music or Christian education should include at least one from a person able to comment on the applicant's qualifications for study in the area in question. Letters of reference for applicants in the area of general theological studies should include at least one from a college professor or another person able to comment on the applicant's qualifications for academic work in theology.

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing

Conditions for transfer credit and advanced standing are in general the same as those described above for the MDiv program. The MA degree will not be granted to anyone who has been in residence at St Vladimir's less than one full academic year and has completed less than 36 credits in MA course work at this seminary. Accordingly, no more than 24 credits in transfer or advanced standing may be accepted. Normally the final year of study, with at least 30 credits in course work, must be taken at St Vladimir's.

Entrance Examination

During their initial registration period, students entering the MA program at St Vladimir's are required to take an appropriate entrance examination. The general purpose of this examination is described more completely above under "Procedures and Regulations." The MA entrance examination, like the MDiv entrance examination, presupposes an elementary knowledge of the Bible, particularly of the New Testament, and of the teachings, history and worship of the Orthodox Church. A short reading list for this examination will be sent to each student admitted to the program. In addition, candidates in the area of liturgical music will be examined in basic music theory.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 60 credits in course work, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.3 (C+) is required for the MA degree. This includes:

• 22 credits in 100-level courses. As indicated above, under "Course Requirements" for the MDiv degree, these courses are required of all MDiv and MA candidates. Like MDiv candidates, MA candidates in general theological studies normally take most of these courses during their first year. Those in liturgical music or Christian education, however, often spread them over two years in order to begin course work in the area of specialization during their first year at the seminary.

   

• 28 credits in 200-level and 300-level courses in the area of specialization and related fields. Candidates specializing in liturgical music will include the following: Liturgical Music 212 and either Liturgical Music 221-22 or Liturgical Music 231-32, Liturgical Music 313, Liturgical Music 314, Liturgical Music 321-22, Liturgical Music 331-32, and additional electives in Liturgical Music and Liturgical Theology.

  Those specializing in Christian education will include the following: Religious Education 202, Religious Education 302, Religious Education 311, Religious Education 314, Religious Education 322, Religious Education 323, Religious Education 333, and additional electives in Religious Education and Practical Theology.

  Those specializing in general theological studies will include: a Prophet (either Old Testament 304, Old Testament 311, or Old Testament 313); a Gospel (either Homiletics 301, New Testament 301, New Testament 312 or New Testament 313); an Epistle (either Biblical Languages 311, New Testament 315, New Testament 316, or New Testament 381); Canon Law 203; Patristics 201-202; at least 3 credits in "300-level" Church History courses; Biblical Languages 201-202 (if they anticipate further graduate study in theology); and additional electives selected from "300-level" courses in the areas of Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, Systematic Theology and Ethics, Liturgical Theology, and Canon Law.

   

• 10 additional credits in 200-level or 300-level courses ("free electives").

   

Students in the MA program may exercise the "three-credit option" described above in connection with the Master of Divinity program, subject to the conditions indicated there.

Students in the MA program in general theological studies will be guided in their choice of courses and in evaluation of their educational objectives by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. MA students in liturgical music and in Christian education will be guided by the advisors for those programs.

Field Education or MA Paper

Each MA candidate in the areas of liturgical music and Christian education must complete at least four Field Education Units under the supervision of the program advisor for that area or the advisor's designate. These units are required for graduation and are recorded on the student's transcript. Units in liturgical music are given for such activities as directing a parish choir, organizing or leading a workshop in music, or teaching music in a church school. Units in Christian education are given for such activities as teaching in a church school, organizing or leading a workshop in education, preparing educational materials, or developing or implementing educational programs.

MA candidates in the area of general theological studies, under the regular supervision of a member of the faculty, are required to write a major research paper, normally 20 to 30 pages in length, indicating their capacity for independent academic work in theology. In lieu of a research paper, MA candidates are permitted to substitute four credits in additional course work at the 300-level. The decision to write a research paper must be made no later than registration in the fall of the student's final year. Students who have not submitted a thesis form approved and signed by a faculty thesis advisor will have to register for the additional courses. No further changes will be permitted after the deadline for registration changes.

In format, the paper should follow the guidelines given in the MDiv senior thesis stylesheet, which is available from the Office of Academic Affairs. In the course of the fall semester of his or her final year, the student chooses a faculty advisor/supervisor who helps define the paper topic, which is then submitted to the Faculty Council for approval. In many cases, the paper will arise out of work done in connection with one of the student's courses, in which case the instructor of that course will most naturally serve as advisor. Two copies of the final version of the paper, along with an abstract (resume) of no longer than one page, must be presented to the Office of Academic Affairs by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar for submission of theses. It will then be evaluated by two readers: the first is the student's advisor for the paper, and the second is appointed by the Faculty Council. The readers submit a letter grade with written comments, which, along with an indication of the paper's title, enter the student's record. In the calculation of the student's grade point average and hence of honors, the MA paper is treated as the equivalent of four credits of course work, with the grade assigned by each reader counting half.

For billing purposes and calculation of full-time/part-time status, the MA paper (TS 301-302) is assessed at the rate of 2 credits per semester (4 credits total).

Graduation

Upon the recommendation of the Faculty Council and approval by the Board of Trustees, the same citations described above in connection with the Master of Divinity program may be given to Master of Arts candidates at graduation, provided the candidate has completed at least 46 credits (or 50 credits of course work if the candidate elects not to write the MA paper) toward the degree at St Vladimir's and fulfilled all other requirements. For the determination of honors, only courses taken at St Vladimir's are included in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average.

Additional provisions concerning graduation as well as other aspects of student life are given above under "Procedures and Regulations."

Information concerning joint enrollment in the MA and MDiv programs is given above in connection with the Master of Divinity degree.

Master of Theology Degree

The Master of Theology program (HEGIS 2301) at St Vladimir's seeks to encourage scholarly research and reflection in Orthodox theology. It is intended for qualified Orthodox students from America or abroad who wish to prepare for higher-level studies, teaching, and research, and for qualified non-Orthodox students who wish to specialize in Orthodox studies. It is offered in the four areas of specialization in which the seminary's faculty is able to offer particularly competent guidance and in which its library and other resources are particularly strong: Historical Studies, Systematic Theology and Ethics, Liturgical Theology, and Canon Law.

The normal length of the program is two years of full-time study, the first of which is devoted to course work, at the rate of 12 credits per semester, and the second to preparation of the thesis. The program may be spread over a longer period of time by students working on a part-time basis, however. The degree must be completed within six years of entrance into the program. The meaning of this time limit is explained above under "Procedures and Regulations."

Admissions Requirements

A student entering the MTh program at St Vladimir's must have the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent in graduate studies in theology, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B). The applicant's academic preparation should approximate that provided by the MDiv program at St Vladimir's. Thus, it should include course work in patristics, church history both Eastern and Western, historical theology, and liturgy, as well as in biblical studies, systematic theology, and ethics. It should also include the study of Greek and of at least one modern scholarly language.

Application and admissions procedures are described above under "Procedures and Regulations." In addition, applicants must submit a writing sample in English, such as a graded paper or thesis, with their application.

Applicants should clearly indicate the area in which they wish to specialize. Letters of reference should include at least one from a seminary or university professor or another person able to comment on the applicant's qualifications for advanced academic work in Orthodox theology.

Entrance Examination

Candidates from schools other than St Vladimir's will be required to take an entrance examination covering scripture, church history and patristics, and Orthodox doctrine and liturgy. If the faculty finds deficiencies in the preparation of otherwise qualified students, it may require remedial work. For example, a student may be required to take or audit some courses from the seminary's MDiv program. While such courses are recorded on the student's transcript, they may not be credited toward the MTh degree.

Language Requirements

A working knowledge of New Testament or Byzantine Greek and of at least one foreign language appropriate to the student's field of study is required for admission to the MTh program. A working knowledge of Russian and/or Modern Greek may also be required if the faculty regards this as necessary for fruitful work in the applicant's intended area of specialization. The language examinations normally are taken at the time of the student's first registration in the program. Normally they consist of brief selections relevant to the student's field of study, which he or she is required to translate with the aid of a dictionary. Students with deficiencies may be denied admission to courses which presuppose a working knowledge of the language in question and may be required to undertake remedial studies.

Course Requirements

Courses taken in the MTh program are intended (a) to broaden and deepen the candidate's knowledge of the major areas of theology and (b) to prepare him or her for fruitful scholarly study and research in a specialization. A minimum of 24 credits in advanced course work, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) is required for the degree. These are distributed between appropriate lecture and discussion courses or seminars at the "400-level" and individual reading courses (numbered 451-52, "Guided reading and research"), in which the student meets regularly with a professor on an agreed topic and -- in most cases -- writes a major research paper. Normally a student will take no more than one reading course per semester. Forms for requesting reading courses are available from the receptionist's office. Completed forms -- including topic, proposed bibliography, and professor's signature -- must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs prior to registration.

Of the 24 credits in advanced course work, at least 18 must be completed at St Vladimir's. Up to 6 credits in advanced course work may be received on a transfer basis from other accredited seminaries and graduate institutions provided it meets the general qualifications for MTh course work at St Vladimir's and is otherwise compatible with the objectives of the program. Only courses in which the student has earned a grade of 3.0 (B) or higher will be considered for transfer credit.

Oral Comprehensive Examination

Upon completing course requirements, the candidate must pass a general oral comprehensive examination before a faculty panel. The examination is intended to show (a) the student's expertise in his or her area of specialization, and (b) the student's competence in such related areas as were covered in his or her course work. A student failing this examination will not be permitted to retake it until such time as the faculty has good reason to believe that he or she will be able to pass it.

Thesis

After passing the comprehensive examination, the candidate selects a thesis topic under the guidance of a thesis advisor, a member of the faculty in the candidate's area of specialization, and secures the approval of the Faculty Council for this topic. The thesis, written under the supervision of the thesis advisor, must be based upon personal research and constitute an original scholarly contribution. Its normal length is 100-200 pages. In other respects it should follow the guidelines given in the MDiv senior thesis stylesheet, which is available from the Office of Academic Affairs. Two copies of the thesis in its final form, together with an abstract (resume) no longer than one page in length, must be presented to the Office of Academic Affairs by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar for submission of degree theses. It will then be read by two or more members of the faculty or outside readers and discussed and defended at a special meeting of the faculty, to which competent scholars from other institutions may be invited. These scholars will take part in the final faculty vote to recommend the candidate for the degree.

For billing purposes, the MTh thesis (TS 401-402) is assessed at the rate of 3 credits per semester (6 credits total).

Other Educational Opportunities

St Nersess Armenian Seminary

Cooperative arrangements with nearby St Nersess Armenian Seminary allow qualified students to combine studies toward the St Vladimir's MDiv or MA degrees with Armenological studies at St Nersess. Persons wishing further information about this joint program may obtain it from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of St Vladimir's, or from the Dean of St Nersess. St Nersess Armenian Seminary is located at 150 Stratton Road, New Rochelle, New York 10804; telephone (914) 636-2003.

Liturgical Institute of Music and Pastoral Practice

The seminary offers an intensive Liturgical Institute of Music and Pastoral Practice each year during the last full week of June. The lectures, workshops, discussions, and seminars -- each year devoted to a specific theme -- provide pastors, chaplains, educators, and musicians with an opportunity to widen their horizons, improve their skills, and deepen their understanding of their vocational responsibilities.

Further information about each year's Institute is available from late winter onward upon request to the Office of Academic Affairs.

Extension Program

Language courses and selected courses from the regular MDiv/MA program are given in the late afternoon or evenings and are open to qualified persons from outside the seminary community. Those registering for language courses must be at least high school graduates. Those registering for graduate-level courses must have the bachelor's degree and, for some courses, meet additional prerequisites; for purposes of classification they are regarded as "Unclassified Students" (see above under "Procedures and Regulations").

Information on each semester's Extension Program is available toward the end of the preceding semester from the Office of Academic Affairs.

Students in the Extension Program do not receive St Vladimir's Seminary ID cards nor do they receive letters of introduction to other seminary and university libraries.

Adult Education Institute