Following is a list of core requirements for the Master of Divinity degree program. We do recommend that certain academic courses be taken as early in your program as possible (Introduction to Pastoral Ministry, Arts and Aesthetics, and Introduction to Theology), but we also recognize that these classes may not be offered each year. Your Faculty Advisor will help you set the schedule you need to complete the degree requirements.

Up to 9 credits may be transferred in from prior graduate work, dependent on a faculty review. Once students matriculate, they may take up to 3 credits outside of Meadville Lombard Theological School at another accredited graduate institution.

Distribution and Specific Course Requirements for the Master of Divinity Program

Required Courses | 20.5 credits

• Community Studies | up to 8 hours site work per week | 3 credits
• Congregational Studies | up to 20 hours site work per week | 4 credits
• Leadership Studies | up to 20 hours site work per week| 4 credits
• UU Polity*
• UU History*
• Religious Education for A Changing World
• Liberal Theology
• Arts and Aesthetics
• Preaching As If You Mean It
• Introduction to Pastoral Ministry
• Clinical Pastoral Education | 3 credits

Electives | 9.5 credits

• scripture | 2 credits
• Western Religious History | 2 credits
• Theology/Ethics | 2 credits
• Religious Education | 1 credit
• Choose 2.5 more from any of the other course offerings/rotations in theology, ethics, pastoral ministry, aesthetics, history, world religions, scripture, religious education, etc.
  

*Students from other denominations are not required to take these courses but should consult with their credentialing body for equivalent requirements.