Graduate Programs
Curriculum
The School of Theology offers two graduate degrees:
Both degrees support Seattle Pacific University’s vision to engage the culture and change the world with the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ.The M.A. and M.Div. degrees are built on the classical theological disciplines of Scripture, church history, theology, and ethics. The learning obtained from these fields of study is applied to the pressing needs of the contemporary church and the postmodern world.
While the two degrees focus on traditional theological disciplines, they also integrate recent insights and methods from the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, education, psychology, business and economics into the study of theology and the practice of Christian ministry.
For the M.A. in Theology, the result is a core of 11 general theology courses followed by specialized tracks available in Christian scripture; student ministry and culture; Business and applied theology; and Christian studies.
The M.Div. degree is also built upon the core of general theology courses, relating the best of current theological scholarship to the concerns of practical ministry.
Core Curriculum and Courses
The first 42 credits of the M.A. in Theology and the Master of Divinity degrees are drawn from a core curriculum upon which all graduate programs in the SPU School of Theology are based. This curriculum consists of two, one-week intensive introductory courses in discipleship and mission, and three courses each in Bible, church history, and theology/ethics.Introductory Intensive Courses
Christian Formation in Discipleship: Acts of Piety“Christian Formation in Discipleship” is the first course students take for the M.A. in Theology and the M.Div. degree programs. It is a one-week intensive study that introduces students to the spiritual practices associated with what John Wesley called “works of piety” or the “means of grace.”
The acts of piety include prayer, worship, celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the reading and hearing of Scripture, fasting, and mutual accountability and support in small groups. During this week, students live in community together and engage in both the academic study and the practice of these acts of piety.
The course is structured vertically to deepen daily personal piety and horizontally to deepen life in community. The practices introduced in this course are then woven into the series of courses that comprise the M.A. and M.Div. degrees. Thus, this initial course provides students with insights and opportunities that are vital to the “Abbey” emphasis of the graduate program, and recognizes the essential role that acts of piety play in the ongoing life and ministry of the Church.
This is a three-credit course, held at SPU's Camp Casey Conference Center on beautiful Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound.
Christian Formation in Mission: Acts of Mercy and Justice
“Christian Formation in Mission” is the second course students will take for the M.A. in Theology and the M.Div. degree programs. It is a one-week intensive study that introduces students to the practices associated with what John Wesley called “works of mercy”: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, visiting prisoners, sheltering the homeless, and peacemaking.
Students live in the urban context of Seattle and engage in both the academic study and the practice of these acts of mercy. Personal works of mercy are connected to the necessity of the ongoing communal work of social justice. Focusing on such practices helps define the “Apostolate” emphasis in the M.A. and M.Div. degrees, and deepens students’ understanding of and engagement in practices vital to the graduate program and to the ongoing life and ministry of the church.
This course is structured vertically to deepen daily personal piety, and horizontally to deepen life in community. It is a three-credit course.
M.A. Track Descriptions
Christian Scripture Track
The Christian scripture track is designed to deepen one’s understanding and appropriating of the Bible as the Church’s Scripture – originating with God’s people living in particular times and places, but authoritative for them in all times and places.Consequently, in addition to encountering the texts as texts, their study occurs within the context of the Church’s larger canonical context: its foundational theology, ethics, and history of interpretation. The M.A. core curriculum of 42 credits consists of two one-week intensive introductory courses in spiritual formation and mission, and three courses each in Bible, church history, and theology/ethics.
Of the remaining 36 credits, 15 are devoted to a suite of courses in Christian scripture, three to the art of teaching the Bible, a theology elective, and nine credits of theology intensives or biblical languages. The capstone of the program is a six-credit final research thesis.
View the curriculum listings (36KB PDF)
Christian Studies Track
The Christian studies track is for those who want a flexible, self-designed approach to graduate theological education. It is ideally suited for- Persons engaged in parish or parachurch ministries who have broad job descriptions and require diverse skill sets.
- Students who have a personal interest in theological study.
- Students who are considering advanced work in theology.
View the curriculum listings (36KB PDF)
Student Ministry and Culture Track
The student ministry and culture track relates foundations of the Christian faith to cutting-edge research on reaching students enmeshed in today’s postmodern culture.
As a preparation for effective ministry in high school and university settings, this track is especially geared toward professionals working in ministry with students and their families.
The M.A. core curriculum of 42 credits consists of two one-week intensive introductory courses in spiritual formation and mission, and three courses each in Bible, church history, and theology/ethics.
Of the remaining 36 credits, 9 are taken in SPU’s Schools of Psychology, Family, and Community; Education; and Business and Economics (e.g., non-profit finance and development, family systems, educational theory, and adolescent and college faith development).
Another 12 credits are taken in a prescribed suite of School of Theology courses covering effective student program planning and ministry, and up to nine credits will involve a student internship. The capstone of the program is a three-credit final project.
View the curriculum listings (44KB PDF)
Business and Applied Theology Track
The business and applied theology track combines theological and ethical teachings of the historic Christian faith with the socio-economic realities of contemporary life. It is intended for:- Students who have administrative or managerial responsibilities in Christian organizations (e.g., church, parachurch ministries, nonprofit organizations).
- Business people who desire to live integrated lives of faith in the workplace.
The M.A. core curriculum of 42 credits consists of two one-week intensive introductory courses in spiritual formation and mission, and three courses each in Bible, church history, and theology/ethics. Up to 9 credits will be a student internship. The capstone of the program is a 3-credit seminar integrating Theology and business.
The remaining 24 credits are taken in the SPU School of Business and Economics: 12 in a prescribed suite of courses in business ethics and social responsibility, and 12 in the student’s choice of business management courses (e.g., finance, accounting, operations, legal environment, and information systems).
This degree can be combined with the M.B.A. degree, offered by the School of Business and Economics.
View the curriculum listings (32KB PDF)
M.Div. Degree
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the normative degree to prepare persons for ordained ministry and for general pastoral leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings. It is also the recommended first theological degree for admission to advanced doctoral programs oriented to theological research and teaching.The M.Div. degree at SPU incorporates knowledge of Christian heritage (Scripture, church history, and theology), understanding of cultural context, growth in spiritual depth and moral integrity, and capacity for ministerial and public leadership. In addition, the M.Div. degree provides a breadth of exposure to the various theological fields of study, educating students for a comprehensive range of pastoral responsibilities and skills.
The degree consists of 120 credits. The first 42 credits are taken in a core curriculum upon which all graduate programs in the School of Theology are based. This curriculum consists of two one-week intensive introductory courses in spiritual formation and mission, and three courses each in Bible, church history, and theology/ethics. The remaining credits are taken in a number of theological disciplines.
View the curriculum listings (44KB PDF)
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Training for Christian leadership at SPU transforms both one’s mind and one's spiritual life. In the words of Charles Wesley, theological education should “unite the pair so long disjoined – knowledge and vital piety.”