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Master of Arts Theology & Ministry
The Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry is a professional degree designed to provide students with a deeper theological understanding, an opportunity for personal spiritual development, and Christ-centred guidance for navigating a complex world.
Apply NowProgram Details
The Master of Arts (Theology and Ministry) at McMaster Divinity College is a professional degree designed to deepen theological understanding, foster spiritual growth, and provide Christ-centered guidance for engaging today’s complex world.
This degree equips students for a variety of vocational paths, including ministry leadership, non-profit work, chaplaincy, and further academic study. With options for full-time or part-time study, as well as in-person and online course options, students can tailor their learning experience to fit their personal and professional commitments.
This program also offers the option to complete a major paper, making it an excellent pathway for those considering advanced studies, including the Doctor of Practical Theology (DPT) or Doctor of Philosophy (Christian Theology)(PhD). Whether pursuing ministry, leadership, or further scholarship, the MA (Theology and Ministry) equips students with the knowledge and skills to serve effectively.
This program can be completed remotely through a combination of online (asynchronous) and livestream (synchronous) courses.

At A Glance
Program Duration
Designed to be completed in 2 years. The maximum length of the degree program is 4 years with the possibility to appeal for an additional year.
Specializations
Biblical Studies: General, Old Testament or New Testament
Church and Culture
Counselling and Spiritual Care
Pastoral Studies
Christian History and Worldview
Course Format Options
In-Person
Hybrid: In-person or livestream (synchronous)
Online: Fully asynchronous
Contact Admissions
Program Outline
Number of courses | |
Biblical Studies |
2 |
New Testament and/or Old Testament courses (any 2 courses with codes beginning with NT or OT) |
|
Theological Studies | 2 |
Church History and/or Theological Studies courses (any 2 courses with codes beginning with CH or TH) |
|
Ministry Studies | 2 |
Ministry Studies courses (any 2 courses with codes beginning with MS) |
|
Ministry Formation | 1 |
Multi-Term (in-class or online), to be completed alongside a weekly ministry placement Spiritual Formation Retreat |
|
Specialization | 6 |
6 courses in one of the following specializations: Biblical Studies (BS) Church and Culture (CC) Counselling and Spiritual Care (CS) Pastoral Studies (PS) Christian History and Worldview (CW) |
|
Electives | 3 |
3 Electives OR 2 Electives + Major paper option (min. 10,000 words) | |
Program Total | 16 |
Note: each course is equivalent to 3 semester hours
Ministry Formation
The goal of Ministry Formation is to offer McMaster Divinity College students an opportunity for ministry experience, integration of classroom learning with ministry practice, and reflection on personal and theological issues as they pertain to their own development as ministering persons. The program seeks to be highly intentional in its process and outcomes so as to maximize the student’s development for future ministry. By emphasizing the central development tenets of our educational paradigm, Knowing, Being, Doing, the Ministry Formation program seeks to be integrated with the rest of the College’s curriculum, and is intentional in its desire to be an effective program for the formation of current and future ministers in the Church. Ministry Formation is a required course for one year of the professional MA programs, to allow for flexibility for students, Ministry Formation (Ministry Formation Seminar) is now offered online.
Major Paper Option
Students in the MATM degree program may also choose to complete a major paper project, replacing one elective as part of their degree. Students who demonstrate sufficient academic success (at least a B+ or higher in their specialization and a GPA of at least B+) are eligible to pursue this option. The major paper is a 10,000-word research project completed under faculty supervision and presented in a seminar-style setting for feedback and discussion.
Funding
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. Part-time students who are eligible can receive up to $500, while eligible full-time students can receive up to $1,800. Students who reside in Ontario may be eligible for additional funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.
Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the MA (Theology & Ministry) program may be eligible, if qualified, 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.
Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.
A typical full-time MA student could have the following scenario*:
MDC Financial Assistance Academic Awards |
$ 1,800 $ 500 |
Total Funding | $ 2,300 |
Tuition Fee | $ 7,839 |
Amount Payable by Student | $ 5,539 |
*based on actual amounts from 2023-24
Tuition Fees
Domestic Students Canadian students |
International Students Non-Canadian and visa students |
|
Per course | $ 871.00 | $ 871.00 |
Per year Full-time at 9 courses |
$ 7,839.00 | $ 7,839.00 |
All fees are subject to an additional $21 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.
The fee to audit a course is $312. Discounts for alumni and seniors available.
Additional Benefits
Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:
- Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
- Full access to the Digital Theological Library
- Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:
- Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a B- average
-
Program Outline
Program Outline
Number of courses Biblical Studies
2 New Testament and/or Old Testament courses
(any 2 courses with codes beginning with NT or OT)
Theological Studies 2 Church History and/or Theological Studies courses
(any 2 courses with codes beginning with CH or TH)Ministry Studies 2 Ministry Studies courses
(any 2 courses with codes beginning with MS)Ministry Formation 1 Multi-Term (in-class or online), to be completed alongside a weekly ministry placement
Spiritual Formation RetreatSpecialization 6 6 courses in one of the following specializations:
Biblical Studies (BS)
Church and Culture (CC)
Counselling and Spiritual Care (CS)
Pastoral Studies (PS)
Christian History and Worldview (CW)Electives 3 3 Electives OR 2 Electives + Major paper option (min. 10,000 words) Program Total 16 Note: each course is equivalent to 3 semester hours
Ministry Formation
The goal of Ministry Formation is to offer McMaster Divinity College students an opportunity for ministry experience, integration of classroom learning with ministry practice, and reflection on personal and theological issues as they pertain to their own development as ministering persons. The program seeks to be highly intentional in its process and outcomes so as to maximize the student’s development for future ministry. By emphasizing the central development tenets of our educational paradigm, Knowing, Being, Doing, the Ministry Formation program seeks to be integrated with the rest of the College’s curriculum, and is intentional in its desire to be an effective program for the formation of current and future ministers in the Church. Ministry Formation is a required course for one year of the professional MA programs, to allow for flexibility for students, Ministry Formation (Ministry Formation Seminar) is now offered online.
Major Paper Option
Students in the MATM degree program may also choose to complete a major paper project, replacing one elective as part of their degree. Students who demonstrate sufficient academic success (at least a B+ or higher in their specialization and a GPA of at least B+) are eligible to pursue this option. The major paper is a 10,000-word research project completed under faculty supervision and presented in a seminar-style setting for feedback and discussion.
-
Funding & Tuition Fees
Funding
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. Part-time students who are eligible can receive up to $500, while eligible full-time students can receive up to $1,800. Students who reside in Ontario may be eligible for additional funding. Students can also take advantage of the following opportunities:
Academic Achievement Awards
MDC awards approximately $27,000 in academic awards and achievements each year. Students who show exceptional ability in specified areas may receive additional prizes and awards at the end of each academic year.
Grants & Loans For Ontario Residents
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Ontario students enrolled in the MA (Theology & Ministry) program may be eligible, if qualified, for grants and loans awarded by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). When applying for OSAP, please indicate McMaster Divinity College as your institution. For questions regarding OSAP, contact MDC’s Financial Aid Office at mdcaid@mcmaster.ca.
Additional MDC Financial Assistance may be available for Ontario residents.
A typical full-time MA student could have the following scenario*:
MDC Financial Assistance
Academic Awards$ 1,800
$ 500Total Funding $ 2,300 Tuition Fee $ 7,839 Amount Payable by Student $ 5,539 *based on actual amounts from 2023-24
Tuition Fees
Domestic Students
Canadian studentsInternational Students
Non-Canadian and visa studentsPer course $ 871.00 $ 871.00 Per year
Full-time at 9 courses$ 7,839.00 $ 7,839.00 All fees are subject to an additional $21 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.
The fee to audit a course is $312. Discounts for alumni and seniors available.
Additional Benefits
Students in our program can also take advantage of the following:
- Student study space (cubicle) in a secure room
- Full access to the Digital Theological Library
- Software licenses including: Microsoft 365, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, EndNote, + more
-
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for this program, an applicant must have the following:
- Agreement with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a B- average
Take the Next Step

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Book an appointment
If you would like to speak directly with an Admissions Counsellor we would be glad to book an appointment at a time that works for you. You can choose to book an in-person appointment*, a Zoom call, or a phone call. Quick question? Give us a phone call, drop us a text, or send us an email!
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Attend an online info session
Can’t make it to campus? No problem! Join one of our program-specific online information sessions to connect with us from wherever you are. These one-hour sessions are designed to give you the chance to ask questions and receive detailed information about the program that interests you. Be sure to register in advance so we can send you the meeting link and welcome you to the session!
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Visit us in-person
Come visit us in person! Meet with an admissions counsellor, meet faculty, and take a personalized tour of our campus. Experience firsthand what makes our community and programs so special.
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Download an on-demand lecture
Register now for access to our on-demand lectures. This is an opportunity to watch online lectures from our faculty, on your own schedule. Fill out the registration form for the lecture(s) you would like to view and we will send you a link to access the lectures. Check back often for new content!
Jesus – Elijah Confusion – Dr. Paul Evans
How to Disagree Christianly – Dr. Gord Heath
Knowing the Bible – Dr. Christopher Land
Theology of the Temple – Dr. Paul Evans
Old Testament Apologetics – Dr. Paul Evans
Part 1: Interpreting OT Law
Part 2: Interpreting Imprecatory PsalmsBiblical Wisdom – Dr. Paul Evans
Part 1: The Patriarchy of Wisdom
Part 2: Wisdom as Emotional and Practical Intelligence
Part 3: The Bible’s Use of Non-Israelite Wisdom
Application Checklist
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1. Agreement with Statement of Faith
Review McMaster Divinity College’s Statement of Faith.
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2. Personal Statement
Applicants will need to provide a personal statement (max. 2 pages) commenting on:
What is your Christian experience?
What are some of the most significant learning experiences that you have had (formal or informal)?
What is the nature of your present local church involvement and/or para-church involvement?
What are your ministry and/or professional goals?
How do you expect to contribute to the church and society through your future ministry?
How do you expect McMaster Divinity College will help you with your ministry and professional development? -
3. References
You will be required to submit the names and contact information for your references in your application. References must be confidential. Please forward the appropriate reference form link (below) to your referees who will complete the form for direct submission to our Admissions Office.
For this program, applicants must submit:
- One academic references
- One pastoral reference
- One character reference
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4. Application Fee
There is no fee required for domestic students if application is submitted prior to the application deadlines listed below.
A late fee of $50.00 is required for those applying after the application deadline.
International students must pay an international application fee, see “Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants” below.
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5. Transcripts
After submitting your application, please request official transcripts for all post-secondary education from your institution. Transcripts should be sent in original sealed envelope or official digital transcript to divadmit@mcmaster.ca or by mail to:
McMaster Divinity College
Admissions Dept
1280 Main St W
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 -
Special Requirements for Visa/International Applicants
For students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 92 IBT is required.
If submitted documents (including transcripts) are not in English, you maybe required to submit an official translation of these documents (WES evaluation may be requested).
Students who do not possess a passport from a North American country must pay an application fee of $125.00 (CAD).
Students relocating to Canada will be required to submit a copy of their Canadian study permit before registration.
Application Deadline
Fall Term
June 1
Winter Term
October 15
Spring Term
March 15
Applications submitted after the deadline are subject to a late fee.
Specializations
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Specializations are made up of a minimum of six approved one-term core courses (18 units) for the MDiv or MA (Theology and Ministry), and do not have to fall within a single division. Students are encouraged to tailor their specializations to their own needs, in consultation with their advisors. There is a default specialization for the MDiv and for the MA (Theology and Ministry), as well as the opportunity (in consultation with the Academic Dean) to create one’s own specialization suited to unique ministry needs.
-
BS | Biblical Studies
Choose from General, Old Testament (OT), or New Testament (NT).
This specialization includes courses in biblical studies, either language-based or not, in either a mix of the testaments (General) or one or other of the testaments (minimum of four of six courses). This specialization is designed for all forms of ministry emphasizing strong biblical content, including preaching and teaching pastors.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Have comprehensive general knowledge of the content of the Bible and its relevant contexts, including familiarity with historical, literary, and canonical issues.
- Understand and use the tools of biblical scholarship and critically engage significant publications.
- Be familiar with various critical methods of contemporary biblical scholarship.
- Prepare exegetically responsible material for teaching or preaching, drawing on original languages as able.
- Have knowledge of the history of biblical studies and awareness of current issues in the field.
-
CC | Church and Culture
This specialization addresses the interface of the Church and the contemporary world, and includes courses in Christianity and culture, missions, development, evangelism, the emerging church, cultural context, preaching, worship, and related approved courses. This specialization is designed for youth pastors, worship pastors, denominational leaders, church planters, cross-cultural ministry, NGO work, and other developmental and culturally sensitive ministries.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Integrate biblical and theological knowledge in a contextualized way.
- Assess and articulate what is happening in contemporary culture.
- Address cultural issues from a distinctively Christian point of view.
- Be familiar with tools and methods that identify and analyze cultural distinctives.
- Be equipped to interface with a variety of cultures and within a multi-cultural context.
-
CS | Counselling and Spiritual Care
This specialization includes courses in spiritual counselling, spiritual care, chaplaincy, and related approved courses. Many of these specialization courses are offered during the summer term. This specialization is designed for military, hospital, and community chaplaincy, associate pastors with family ministry responsibilities, NGO work, and various types of social ministries.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Oversee spiritual care in a church or parachurch context.
- Identify and develop core skills in spiritual care – foundational skills in listening, intervention, crisis care, etc.
- Have foundational training for chaplaincy ministry.
- Develop the necessary framework for effective pastoral intervention in crisis.
- Have a working understanding of ethical issues in spiritual care.
-
CW | Christian History and Worldview
This is the default specialization for the MA (Theology & Ministry).
Previously Christian Worldview and Christian Thought and History, our combined Christian History and Worldview specialization includes a mix of courses in multiple areas of ministry focusing on theology and Christian history and worldview. This specialization is designed for all forms of ministry emphasizing advanced theological competence, Christian history and history, including teaching pastors, para-church ministries, and lay ministry leadership.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge of key figures and movements in Christian history and theology.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to issues in evangelical thought, history, and practice.
-
PS | Pastoral Studies
This is the default specialization for the MDiv.
This specialization includes an unspecified mix of courses in any area or areas of the curriculum that the student believes are required for ministry, including at least one course in preaching. This specialization is designed for senior/associate pastors, lead pastors, and other full-time vocational ministers with primarily leadership responsibilities. This option allows the greatest flexibility in terms of required focus courses, development of personalized studies that suit the vocational aims of the student, and an optimized use of available courses in regular format, weekend format, hybrid courses, and summer module courses.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Formulate and implement appropriate leadership strategies for pastoral ministry.
- Make practical and ethical decisions on the basis of a coherent Christian worldview.
- Foster spiritual skills and competencies on the part of others.
- Identify and nurture a range of spiritual temperaments.
- Communicate Christian principles, values, and worldview.
- Apply the lessons of Christian history and theological perspective to contemporary life, thought, and ministry.
- Develop a cognitive framework for reflectively engaging with all aspects of creation and culture.
- Engage and dialogue with other worldviews (hermeneutical, global, religious, creedal, ethnic).
- Have an increased awareness of how church history and tradition are formative in the development of one’s worldview.
Specializations are made up of a minimum of six approved one-term core courses (18 units) for the MDiv or MA (Theology and Ministry), and do not have to fall within a single division. Students are encouraged to tailor their specializations to their own needs, in consultation with their advisors. There is a default specialization for the MDiv and for the MA (Theology and Ministry), as well as the opportunity (in consultation with the Academic Dean) to create one’s own specialization suited to unique ministry needs.
Choose from General, Old Testament (OT), or New Testament (NT).
This specialization includes courses in biblical studies, either language-based or not, in either a mix of the testaments (General) or one or other of the testaments (minimum of four of six courses). This specialization is designed for all forms of ministry emphasizing strong biblical content, including preaching and teaching pastors.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Have comprehensive general knowledge of the content of the Bible and its relevant contexts, including familiarity with historical, literary, and canonical issues.
- Understand and use the tools of biblical scholarship and critically engage significant publications.
- Be familiar with various critical methods of contemporary biblical scholarship.
- Prepare exegetically responsible material for teaching or preaching, drawing on original languages as able.
- Have knowledge of the history of biblical studies and awareness of current issues in the field.
This specialization addresses the interface of the Church and the contemporary world, and includes courses in Christianity and culture, missions, development, evangelism, the emerging church, cultural context, preaching, worship, and related approved courses. This specialization is designed for youth pastors, worship pastors, denominational leaders, church planters, cross-cultural ministry, NGO work, and other developmental and culturally sensitive ministries.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Integrate biblical and theological knowledge in a contextualized way.
- Assess and articulate what is happening in contemporary culture.
- Address cultural issues from a distinctively Christian point of view.
- Be familiar with tools and methods that identify and analyze cultural distinctives.
- Be equipped to interface with a variety of cultures and within a multi-cultural context.
This specialization includes courses in spiritual counselling, spiritual care, chaplaincy, and related approved courses. Many of these specialization courses are offered during the summer term. This specialization is designed for military, hospital, and community chaplaincy, associate pastors with family ministry responsibilities, NGO work, and various types of social ministries.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Oversee spiritual care in a church or parachurch context.
- Identify and develop core skills in spiritual care – foundational skills in listening, intervention, crisis care, etc.
- Have foundational training for chaplaincy ministry.
- Develop the necessary framework for effective pastoral intervention in crisis.
- Have a working understanding of ethical issues in spiritual care.
This is the default specialization for the MA (Theology & Ministry).
Previously Christian Worldview and Christian Thought and History, our combined Christian History and Worldview specialization includes a mix of courses in multiple areas of ministry focusing on theology and Christian history and worldview. This specialization is designed for all forms of ministry emphasizing advanced theological competence, Christian history and history, including teaching pastors, para-church ministries, and lay ministry leadership.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge of key figures and movements in Christian history and theology.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to issues in evangelical thought, history, and practice.
This is the default specialization for the MDiv.
This specialization includes an unspecified mix of courses in any area or areas of the curriculum that the student believes are required for ministry, including at least one course in preaching. This specialization is designed for senior/associate pastors, lead pastors, and other full-time vocational ministers with primarily leadership responsibilities. This option allows the greatest flexibility in terms of required focus courses, development of personalized studies that suit the vocational aims of the student, and an optimized use of available courses in regular format, weekend format, hybrid courses, and summer module courses.
At the end of their program, students in this specialization will be able to:
- Formulate and implement appropriate leadership strategies for pastoral ministry.
- Make practical and ethical decisions on the basis of a coherent Christian worldview.
- Foster spiritual skills and competencies on the part of others.
- Identify and nurture a range of spiritual temperaments.
- Communicate Christian principles, values, and worldview.
- Apply the lessons of Christian history and theological perspective to contemporary life, thought, and ministry.
- Develop a cognitive framework for reflectively engaging with all aspects of creation and culture.
- Engage and dialogue with other worldviews (hermeneutical, global, religious, creedal, ethnic).
- Have an increased awareness of how church history and tradition are formative in the development of one’s worldview.