Program Overview
The Master of Divinity program prepares students for full-time professional ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. As the basic professional degree in ministry, the M.Div. provides general ministry preparation and offers a variety of opportunities for more specific concentration within the program.
Program Structure
M.Div – General (81 semester credits)
- 55.5 semester credits required courses
- 6 semester credits Ministry Practicum
- 18 semester credits elective courses
- 1.5 Portfolio course
Download full program requirements
M.Div – Fulfilling Academic Requirements for Roman Catholic Priestly Ordination (111 semester credits)
- 78 semester credits required courses
- 6 semester credits Ministry Practicum
- 25.5 semester credits elective courses
- 1.5 Portfolio course
For those seeking to fulfill academic requirements for Roman Catholic Ordination, an additional 30 credit-hours of coursework is required to meet the specifications for academic and ministerial formation as required by The Program of Priestly Formation (Washington: USCCB, 2005).
In addition to their coursework, all CTU students participate in spiritual formation that helps them integrate their theological coursework into their daily lives. For more information about formation programs at CTU, click here.
- Exercises pastoral leadership in the Roman Catholic Church as a lay or ordained minister in a variety of pastoral, cultural, and geographic areas;
- Knows and articulates the Roman Catholic tradition and applies it accurately, proficiently, sensitively, and faithfully;
- Acquires pastoral skills and demonstrates competence in effective pastoral ministry.
- Applicants for the MDiv program should normally have a liberal arts background, including courses in philosophy and undergraduate theology
- MDiv – 9 semester-hours of philosophy
- MDiv Fulfilling Academic Requirements for Roman Catholic Ordination – 30 semester-hours of philosophy; 12 semester-hours of theology or religious studies
- Note: CTU offers a selection of courses in philosophy to help MDiv students meet the prerequisites in philosophy for this degree. Students may take CTU 3000 level theology courses to meet the prerequisites in theology or religious studies. Advanced standing rather than credit will be given in those theological areas.
- Bachelor’s degree or qualify for Bachelor degree equivalency
- English language proficiency for graduate level studies.
Students enrolled in the M.Div program have the opportunity to focus elective courses in an area of their choosing or the option to enroll in a variety of elective offerings.
- Asian Pastoral Theology and Ministry
- Biblical Spirituality
- Black Theology and Ministry
- Hispanic Theology and Ministry
- Intercultural Studies
- Interreligious Studies
- Liturgical Studies
- Mission Studies
- Predicacion Catolica
- Spiritual Formation
- Spirituality
Additional Information
Requirements for International Students
Critical Dates and Deadlines
- February 1 – Priority Scholarship Deadline
- May 1 – Application deadline for Internationally-based students
- August 15 – Application deadline for US-based students
Alumni Profiles
David Kelly, CPPS, DMin ’09, MDiv ’02, MA ’03
After many years of dedicated service to incarcerated young men, and others striving to steer clear of incarceration, Fr. Dave was one of the founders of the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, which over the last 18 years has grown immensely. Read more.
Beth Knobbe, MDiv ’07
Beth Knobbe was enjoying a successful career in business when she felt the call to devote her life to ministry. After earning her Master of Divinity degree at CTU, she served for several years as campus minister at the Sheil Center, the Catholic campus ministry program at Northwestern University. Read more.
Glenda Spearman, MDiv ’04
Winner of the Bishop Quarter Award for Vicariate VI, Glenda Spearman is a chaplain at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Read more.
