Admission to the Master of Divinity Program

The Master of Divinity degree is a professional degree whose purpose is preparation for ministries in the Church. Designed chiefly for qualified Orthodox students who wish to prepare themselves for ordination to priestly ministry in the Orthodox Church, the degree program also provides appropriate preparation for other forms of Church service and for graduate study in theology and related disciplines.

Qualified applicants demonstrate that:

• they have completed a B.S. or B.A. or its equivalent from an accredited college or university;
• they are capable of working at a graduate degree level;
• they are capable of working with, learning from, and interacting with others.

St Vladimir's is able on a very limited basis to admit to the M.Div. program applicants without a BA, BS or its equivalent; for details, please see pp. 24-25 of the Academic Catalog.

The program is designed to be completed in three years of full-time study. International students must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language.

For a full description of the Master of Divinity degree, please see Programs of Study: Master of Divinity.

Admission to the Master of Arts Program

The Master of Arts program in general theological studies is intended for those wishing to explore Orthodox theology at a graduate level without the professional preparation demanded of M.Div. cadidates.  It does not provide the educational qualifications needed for priestly ordination.

Qualified applicants demonstrate that:

• they have completed a B.S. or B.A. or its equivalent from an accredited college or university;
• they are capable of working at a graduate degree level;
• they are capable of working with, learning from, interacting with others.

The program is designed to be completed in two years by full-time students. MA candidates are required to write a major research paper.  International students must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language.

For a full description of the Master of Arts degree, please see Programs of Study: Master of Arts.

Admission to the Master of Theology Program

The Master of Theology program serves to prepare qualified Orthodox students in America and abroad for higher-level studies, teaching, and research. The program also welcomes qualified non-Orthodox students who wish to specialize in Orthodox studies.

Qualified applicants demonstrate that:

• they have completed the M.Div. degree or its equivalent in graduate studies in theology. The applicant's academic preparation should approximate that provided by the M.Div. program at St Vladimir's Seminary;
• they are capable of working at an advanced graduate degree level;
• they have a working knowledge of relevant scholarly languages (one ancient and one modern).

The Th.M. degree is designed to be completed in one year by full-time students.  Th.M. candidates are required to write a thesis ranging in length from 60-100 pages. International students must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language.

For a full description of the Master of Theology degree, please see Programs of Study: Master of Theology.

Transfer and Advanced Standing

Applicants to the M.Div. and M.A. programs transferring from other accredited seminaries and graduate institutions may have credits accepted at St Vladimir's Seminary on a limited basis. Please see the Academic Catalog for full details. All inquiries regarding the acceptance of transfer credits should be directed to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.