Current Students
Whether you’re looking for course schedules, academic support, or community resources, this page is your hub for current student life at McMaster Divinity College. Stay informed, stay connected, and make the most of your seminary journey.
MDC Press Style Guide Forms for Current StudentsMDC Chaplain
Peter Giokas
Rev. Peter Giokas is an MDC alum, former pastor, and current spiritual director. He is eager to receive prayer requests or to meet with you either in person or via Zoom. You can reach him by email.
Office Hours
Mondays
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (or later by appointment)
Mid-day prayer meeting at 1:40 PM
Tuesdays
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Art Gallery
Student
Groups & Activities
Here at MDC we offer a variety of activities that support both academic and spiritual growth. Students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular opportunities, including joining in various guilds, attending chapel services, and contributing to community initiatives.
Every week during the Fall and Winter terms, our community gathers for Chapel. This hour-long service is a time where students, staff, and faculty pause their work and study to gather for a time of worship, prayer, and reflection on Scripture.
Our Chapel services are open to all who would like to join us. We meet in-person in the Nathaniel Parker Memorial Chapel at McMaster Divinity College or via livestream. To view our upcoming Chapel services on the calendar, click the link below.
The mission of the DSA is to create & foster spiritual growth & fellowship within the MDC student body; promoting an open relationship between MDC, its students, & the broader community.
Some of their initiatives include hosting retreats, facilitating weekly prayer times, pointing students to resources, sponsoring Surviving Academia, stocking the DSA kitchen, managing the avenue to learn page, and many more.
Old Testament Guild
The OT Guild is a monthly gathering for students, staff, and faculty studying, teaching, and interested in Old Testament studies. All are welcome to join. Contact Dr. Mark Boda for more information on the OT Guild.
New Testament Guild
MDC’s New Testament (NT) Guild is a monthly meeting open to all faculty and students studying or interested in New Testament at MDC. The NT Guild gives everyone an opportunity to meet outside our regular curriculum to discuss various topics concerning being a good NT scholar. Topics include: NT studies, theological education, scholarship, job market and job application, professional developments, and many more. For more information contact Ankit Harry or Aaron Jung.
Practical Theology Guild
The Practical Theology (PT) Guild is a monthly Zoom meeting open to all MDC students and faculty interested in Practical Theology. The PT Guild offers an opportunity to meet outside our regular curriculum to discuss various topics concerning being a good PT scholar. Topics include practice-led research, qualitative research methodologies, theological reflection methods, publishing, current developments in the field, job market and applications, and more.
Theological Studies Guild
The Theological Studies Guild provides a community for those pursuing academic studies in the area of theology, historical theology, Christian history, and related subjects The meetings take place over a bag lunch discussion or presentation, with the focus on how to flourish in the discipline and how to develop a trajectory of meaningful success in one’s vocation. For more information on the Theological Studies Guild contact Dr. Jim Payton, Dr. Gord Heath, or Dr. Clement Wen.
Seraphim Arts Guild
The Seraphim Arts Guild is a group for creatives at MDC to join together in discussion and the experience of the intersection of faith, theology, and the arts. This year they are meeting to discuss the relevance of theology to many kinds of art practice: visual art, architecture, theater, poetry, music, film and dance. For more information, contact James Tughan, artist in residence and MTS / DPT student.
Linguistics Circle
The Linguistics Circle is a monthly gathering of students, faculty, and others who are interested in biblical linguistics. Each gathering, we have a discussion of a biblical linguistic topic, based on a paper presented by someone in our community—either a student, professor, or a volunteer or invited guest. Anyone with an interest in biblical linguistics is welcome to join, regardless of experience or knowledge in the field. To join, email cblte@mcmaster.ca to gain access to the CBLTE (Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis) site where announcements and papers are posted.
Theological Research Seminar (TRS)
The MDC Theological Research Seminar (TRS) is a bimonthly gathering for all MDC students and faculty. TRS meets over the lunch hour on Wednesdays, and includes about thirty minutes for the paper presentation and twenty minutes for discussion.
All advanced degree students, faculty, alumni, and guests are invited to present a paper and share your research with your colleagues. TRS is an excellent opportunity to “test drive” a paper you will be presenting at an upcoming conference and receive helpful feedback on your current research projects. Thinking about submitting an article to a journal and want some interaction first? TRS will provide it. Just published an article or an essay and want to share it us? TRS is an excellent opportunity to broadcast it.
The organizing committee consists of Dr. James Dvorak, Dr. Phil Zylla, and Dr. Gord Heath. To submit a paper, contact a member of the organizing committee.
Hermeneutics Group
The Hermeneutics Group is a monthly gathering of faculty, students, and others interested in the issues surrounding hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is a multidisciplinary field of growing interest. It is concerned with how we understand the world around us, especially but not exclusively written texts, but also art, music, and other meaning-making events. The Hermeneutics Group usually meets on designated Thursdays from 1-2 pm in the Board Room at McMaster Divinity College, with live-streaming available. Those interested in joining the group should contact Isaiah Padgett to be put on the email list for further information.
Surviving Academia
Surviving Academia is a support for spouses of people in graduate school or spouses of those working as an a academic. It is made up of people who want to thrive through the ups and downs of academic life while
- Loving Jesus,
- Building healthy relationships, and
- Raising great kids.
This is a place to build supportive friendships! Contact Jan Mutter or Melissa Thomson. Gatherings arranged based on interest.
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Chapel
Every week during the Fall and Winter terms, our community gathers for Chapel. This hour-long service is a time where students, staff, and faculty pause their work and study to gather for a time of worship, prayer, and reflection on Scripture.
Our Chapel services are open to all who would like to join us. We meet in-person in the Nathaniel Parker Memorial Chapel at McMaster Divinity College or via livestream. To view our upcoming Chapel services on the calendar, click the link below.
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Divinity Students' Association (DSA)
The mission of the DSA is to create & foster spiritual growth & fellowship within the MDC student body; promoting an open relationship between MDC, its students, & the broader community.
Some of their initiatives include hosting retreats, facilitating weekly prayer times, pointing students to resources, sponsoring Surviving Academia, stocking the DSA kitchen, managing the avenue to learn page, and many more.
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Guilds & Interest Groups
Old Testament Guild
The OT Guild is a monthly gathering for students, staff, and faculty studying, teaching, and interested in Old Testament studies. All are welcome to join. Contact Dr. Mark Boda for more information on the OT Guild.
New Testament Guild
MDC’s New Testament (NT) Guild is a monthly meeting open to all faculty and students studying or interested in New Testament at MDC. The NT Guild gives everyone an opportunity to meet outside our regular curriculum to discuss various topics concerning being a good NT scholar. Topics include: NT studies, theological education, scholarship, job market and job application, professional developments, and many more. For more information contact Ankit Harry or Aaron Jung.
Practical Theology Guild
The Practical Theology (PT) Guild is a monthly Zoom meeting open to all MDC students and faculty interested in Practical Theology. The PT Guild offers an opportunity to meet outside our regular curriculum to discuss various topics concerning being a good PT scholar. Topics include practice-led research, qualitative research methodologies, theological reflection methods, publishing, current developments in the field, job market and applications, and more.
Theological Studies Guild
The Theological Studies Guild provides a community for those pursuing academic studies in the area of theology, historical theology, Christian history, and related subjects The meetings take place over a bag lunch discussion or presentation, with the focus on how to flourish in the discipline and how to develop a trajectory of meaningful success in one’s vocation. For more information on the Theological Studies Guild contact Dr. Jim Payton, Dr. Gord Heath, or Dr. Clement Wen.
Seraphim Arts Guild
The Seraphim Arts Guild is a group for creatives at MDC to join together in discussion and the experience of the intersection of faith, theology, and the arts. This year they are meeting to discuss the relevance of theology to many kinds of art practice: visual art, architecture, theater, poetry, music, film and dance. For more information, contact James Tughan, artist in residence and MTS / DPT student.
Linguistics Circle
The Linguistics Circle is a monthly gathering of students, faculty, and others who are interested in biblical linguistics. Each gathering, we have a discussion of a biblical linguistic topic, based on a paper presented by someone in our community—either a student, professor, or a volunteer or invited guest. Anyone with an interest in biblical linguistics is welcome to join, regardless of experience or knowledge in the field. To join, email cblte@mcmaster.ca to gain access to the CBLTE (Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis) site where announcements and papers are posted.
Theological Research Seminar (TRS)
The MDC Theological Research Seminar (TRS) is a bimonthly gathering for all MDC students and faculty. TRS meets over the lunch hour on Wednesdays, and includes about thirty minutes for the paper presentation and twenty minutes for discussion.
All advanced degree students, faculty, alumni, and guests are invited to present a paper and share your research with your colleagues. TRS is an excellent opportunity to “test drive” a paper you will be presenting at an upcoming conference and receive helpful feedback on your current research projects. Thinking about submitting an article to a journal and want some interaction first? TRS will provide it. Just published an article or an essay and want to share it us? TRS is an excellent opportunity to broadcast it.
The organizing committee consists of Dr. James Dvorak, Dr. Phil Zylla, and Dr. Gord Heath. To submit a paper, contact a member of the organizing committee.
Hermeneutics Group
The Hermeneutics Group is a monthly gathering of faculty, students, and others interested in the issues surrounding hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is a multidisciplinary field of growing interest. It is concerned with how we understand the world around us, especially but not exclusively written texts, but also art, music, and other meaning-making events. The Hermeneutics Group usually meets on designated Thursdays from 1-2 pm in the Board Room at McMaster Divinity College, with live-streaming available. Those interested in joining the group should contact Isaiah Padgett to be put on the email list for further information.
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Spouse Support Group
Surviving Academia
Surviving Academia is a support for spouses of people in graduate school or spouses of those working as an a academic. It is made up of people who want to thrive through the ups and downs of academic life while
- Loving Jesus,
- Building healthy relationships, and
- Raising great kids.
This is a place to build supportive friendships! Contact Jan Mutter or Melissa Thomson. Gatherings arranged based on interest.
Forms for Current Students
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Forms for All Students
Application for Change of Program Audit Application Incomplete/Deferral Application Application for Re-read of Assignment Application for Graduation Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Step 1: Request Preliminary VP Academic Review Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Step 2: Request Style Check Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Step 3: Request Formal Faculty Review Document/Transcript Request Intent to Defend Form Request Final Dissertation Style Check Application for Temporary Leave of Absence Application to Defend Dissertation or Thesis Application for a Directed Study Course
- Forms for Professional Master's and Graduate Certificate Students
- Forms for DPT Students
- Forms for MA (Christian Studies) Students
- Forms for PhD Students
Financial Aid Application
PhD Deadline
April 1
MA (Christian Studies) and DPT Deadline
April 1
Professional Programs Deadline
June 1
Students who would like to be considered for financial aid need to apply every year.
Academic Documents
Use the following sites to request a Transcript, Replacement Parchment, or Certification of Degree. MDiv or MTS students who started their program prior to Fall 2020 (or received a McMaster University degree) should request documents such as transcripts and replacement diploma parchments from McMaster University.
MDC Press Style Guide & Citation Links
McMaster Divinity College Press Style Guide for essays and theses/dissertations.
Please note, the following citation links are shared as a resource for students. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their accuracy and reliability.
MDC Press Style Guide
Access Current Student Resources
Fees for Current Students
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About
Please find the 2026-27 tuition and fees for your specific program and visa status below. All prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change year-to-year. If you have any questions, please contact Student Records.
McMaster Divinity College awards approximately half a million dollars in financial assistance to our students each year. This money is awarded on a needs basis and does not need to be repaid. Students should apply for financial aid in order to qualify:
Students may also take advantage of the following opportunities:
Graduate Assistantships
PhD students may apply to work as a Graduate Assistant (GA) which pays an additional $4,500, up to a maximum of 10 hours per week (200 hours total). These placements are awarded on a competitive basis to students in good academic standing and are most often awarded to PhD students.
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards more than $26,000 in academic awards and prizes each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional awards and prizes at the end of each academic year. Please note, Certificate, LOP, and Occasional students do not qualify for these awards.
OSAP Grants & Loans
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in PhD, MA, MDiv, MTS, and Certificate programs may be eligible for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Christian Theology)
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer year $ 20,367.00 $ 20,367.00 PhD students must pay a minimum of 4 years of tuition in the program, regardless of finish time.
All fees are subject to an additional $170.00 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
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Accelerated MA–PhD Option
Year 1: MA Tuition
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer year $ 11,172.00 $ 11,172.00 All fees are subject to an additional $50.00 registration fee.
Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
Year 2-5: PhD Tuition
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer year $ 20,367.00 $ 20,367.00 All fees are subject to an additional $170 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
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Master of Arts (Christian Studies)
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer year $ 11,172.00 $ 11,172.00 MA students must pay a minimum of 2 years in the program (excluding students in the accelerated MA–PhD option).
All fees are subject to an additional $50 registration fee.
Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
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Doctor of Practical Theology
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer year $ 10,012.00 $ 10,012.00 DPT students must pay a minimum of 3 years of tuition in the program.
All fees are subject to an additional $50 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
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Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Theology & Ministry), Master of Arts (Counselling & Spiritual Care
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer course $ 997.00 $ 997.00 Per year
Full-time at 9 courses$ 8,973.00 $ 8,973.00 All fees are subject to an additional $25 registration fee.
Full-time and part-time students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
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Graduate Certificate
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsPer course $ 997.00 Per program
6 courses$ 5,982.00 All fees are subject to an additional $25 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and student & GSA health fees. Applicable UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
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Occasional, Letter of Permission (LOP), or Audit Students
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa students (includes single UHIP coverage)Per course $ 997.00 $ 997.00 All fees are subject to an additional $25 registration fee.
Students must also pay MDC student fees and applicable student & GSA health fees. UHIP premiums will be added for international students. Find information on these fees below.
Audit Fees
Regular Rate: $450.00
Seniors (65+): $350.00
MDC Alumni: $225.00 -
MDC Student Fees
MDC student fees are $90.00 per course, up to a maximum of $900, or 10 courses (30 units). These fees cover a variety of programs and activities for students, including Divinity Students’ Association (DSA) lunches and events, IT support, library access, and your subscription to the Digital Theological Library.
Professional level students choosing to take a course via livestream that has an in-person option will be subject to a livestream fee of $40.00 per course.
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GSA & Student Health Fees
Whether you are a full-time or part-time student, you are required to pay GSA Health fees. Once students reach 18 units, regardless of status, are required to pay Student Health fees. The rates for these fees are below, more information on the GSA health plan is available at www.studentcare.ca.
Student Health Plan $ 75.46 GSA Health $ 308.64 -
UHIP for International Students
International students pay an additional UHIP annual premium based on the below rates:
Persons covered Annual Premium Student (single) $ 948.00 Student + 1 dependent $ 1,896.00 Student + 2 or more dependents $ 2,844.00 -
Refund Policy
Refund Policy – All 3-unit courses, plus MA and DPT program courses
Please note that all fees or fines are not refundable after the last day to add/drop. See the MDC calendar for this date.
If dropping a course is due to a health issue, MDC will consider a change in refund upon receipt of a doctor’s note sent to the Registrar.
To request a refund or to find out more about our refund policy, contact Student Records.
Refund Policy – PhD program
Since PhD students pay an annual amount, there is no charge for dropping courses. However, if a PhD student withdraws from the program, tuition up to the end of the withdrawal month will be charged. -
Contact Us
Questions? Returning students can contact Student Records at divreg@mcmaster.ca or 905.525.9140 x23277.
Rules & Regulations
Student Handbook
Students can find all program outlines and requirements, academic policies, information on student services, FAQ, and more in their student handbook. For the most recent version, visit the MDC Student Services course shell on Avenue To Learn (see link below) and sign in with your Mac ID and password.
As an institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, we would like to note that students who wish to express a grievance with any ATS standards are encouraged to address ATS directly through their website and shall inform McMaster Divinity College of this communication at princpl@mcmaster.ca.
