December 22
Boston University School of Theology | Isaiah 52:7-10
Isaiah 52:7-10How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. |
Daily Reflection Question:
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Seminary Spotlight:
Boston University School of Theology
The MDiv program at the Boston University School of Theology is unique. Whereas most seminaries offer only one generalized MDiv curriculum, our MDiv program can be customized toward your own vocational calling. All of the five MDiv Tracks offered share a common core set of requirements in areas such as Biblical Studies, Theology, and Church History, as well as Contextual Education, and so any of the Tracks can fulfill denominational ordination requirements. Faculty offer personalized advising support each semester as you navigate the curriculum toward your goals.
In addition to offering the MDiv with curriculum concentrations, the School of Theology offers three dual degree programs in Education, Social Work, and Sacred Music.
Read below or click the button for more information.
Read below or click the button for more information.
MDiv Tracks
All of the Boston University School of Theology (STH) degree programs accentuate the integration of Faith and Service / Faith and Justice.
Global & Community Engagement
This track is appropriate for students pursuing vocations in conflict transformation, mission and evangelism, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, ecological justice and sustainability, trauma healing & theology, social and economic justice, and non-profit leadership. Because this track is highly flexible, it is particularly good for entering MDiv students still seeking clarity of call, as it affords the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary coursework without endangering progress in the program.
Religion & The Academy
This track is appropriate for students in any academic discipline who are seeking to pursue doctoral studies to teach in the academy. This track relies heavily on advisor mentoring to help each student know what courses are best to prepare for doctoral work in a chosen field. When appropriate, language studies are part of the coursework for this track.
Pastoral Ministry
This is the most traditional curricular track for those whose calling is to local church ministry. Beyond the core courses required (such as biblical studies, theology, and history), this track’s curriculum emphasizes seven competencies of church-related ministry: Worship, Preaching (Homiletics), Ethics, Religious Education, Mission and Evangelism, Pastoral Care, and Spirituality.
Pastoral Ministry "In-Service"
The pastoral ministry track may also be spread across five years for those who are approved to enter the MDiv degree program as “in-service” students – persons who are already in pastoral positions half-time or more and for whom commuting to STH is more of a challenge. The degree requirements includes an online seminar each semester, though the basic requirements are similar to the regular pastoral-ministry track.
Church & The Arts
This track is designed for students who are enrolled (or who plan to seek admission) in the dual degree program that the School of Theology shares with the Social Work. The track ensures that courses counting for both degrees are tracked properly and guides the student through both programs efficiently.
Chaplaincy
This track aims to prepare students for religious leadership within settings traditionally understood under the rubric of chaplaincy. These include: prisons, the military, hospitals, hospice, retirement communities, police stations, airports, workplaces, and educational institutions (private high schools/colleges/universities). The design of the track assumes that students need to be equipped to minister within religiously pluralistic and ‘secular’ contexts, will have the necessary skills to provide spiritual care within those settings, and will be conversant in the primary policy/advocacy discourse within the setting in which they intend to minister.
Dual Degree Programs
Education
MDiv/MAT, MTS/MAT
Beginning in the fall 2017, the School of Theology and School of Education will be offering two dual degree programs: the Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Teaching (MDiv/MAT) and the Master of Theological Studies/Master of Arts in Teaching (MTS/MAT). Opportunities abound for religious educators in both secular and religious contexts, not only for the teaching of a particular religion, but for teaching any number of other subjects in religious or faith-based institutions. STH believes that the combination of expertise in theology and religion with the various academic fields for which the MAT prepares persons will uniquely position graduates from the dual degree as interdisciplinary leaders and educators with broad intellectual horizons and pedagogical depth.
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree program in the School of Education is designed for college graduates who want to continue their studies in an academic field, and at the same time secure initial licensure to teach at the secondary level. Currently, the School of Education offers MAT degrees in English Education, Mathematics Education, Modern Foreign Language Education, Science Education, and Social Studies Education. While the MAT program requires students to possess an undergraduate degree, or equivalent amount of coursework, in the intended area of study, the program does not presume students have completed coursework in education. The MAT program leads to licensure as a middle or high school teacher in all states and in the District of Columbia through reciprocal licensure agreements. (Individual states may have other requirements).
Beginning in the fall 2017, the School of Theology and School of Education will be offering two dual degree programs: the Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Teaching (MDiv/MAT) and the Master of Theological Studies/Master of Arts in Teaching (MTS/MAT). Opportunities abound for religious educators in both secular and religious contexts, not only for the teaching of a particular religion, but for teaching any number of other subjects in religious or faith-based institutions. STH believes that the combination of expertise in theology and religion with the various academic fields for which the MAT prepares persons will uniquely position graduates from the dual degree as interdisciplinary leaders and educators with broad intellectual horizons and pedagogical depth.
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree program in the School of Education is designed for college graduates who want to continue their studies in an academic field, and at the same time secure initial licensure to teach at the secondary level. Currently, the School of Education offers MAT degrees in English Education, Mathematics Education, Modern Foreign Language Education, Science Education, and Social Studies Education. While the MAT program requires students to possess an undergraduate degree, or equivalent amount of coursework, in the intended area of study, the program does not presume students have completed coursework in education. The MAT program leads to licensure as a middle or high school teacher in all states and in the District of Columbia through reciprocal licensure agreements. (Individual states may have other requirements).
Social Work
MDiv/MSW, MTS/MSW
This is theology on the front lines. The School of Theology and School of Social Work offer two joint degree programs: the MDiv/Master of Social Work (MSW) and the MTS/MSW for students seeking to mix theological study with professional social work practice. Students choose between clinical or macro practice options. There is room for students with a long-standing interest in the urban environment and for those new to the field who wish to explore the dynamic realm of urban social work practice.
This is theology on the front lines. The School of Theology and School of Social Work offer two joint degree programs: the MDiv/Master of Social Work (MSW) and the MTS/MSW for students seeking to mix theological study with professional social work practice. Students choose between clinical or macro practice options. There is room for students with a long-standing interest in the urban environment and for those new to the field who wish to explore the dynamic realm of urban social work practice.
Sacred Music
MDiv/Master of Sacred Music
The Dual Degree Program in Theology and Music Ministry (MDiv/MSM) is designed for those preparing to be church musicians who wish to engage in a full range of theological studies and preparation for ordination. The program also allows students to develop their musical gifts to a professional level. It is based on a perception that the integrity of worship comprises both word and music. The program prepares candidates for a dual ministry in areas such as church music and pastoral counseling, a position on a large staff, or for a comprehensive ministry as pastor and church musician in a small church.
The Dual Degree Program in Theology and Music Ministry (MDiv/MSM) is designed for those preparing to be church musicians who wish to engage in a full range of theological studies and preparation for ordination. The program also allows students to develop their musical gifts to a professional level. It is based on a perception that the integrity of worship comprises both word and music. The program prepares candidates for a dual ministry in areas such as church music and pastoral counseling, a position on a large staff, or for a comprehensive ministry as pastor and church musician in a small church.