Future Students

This program is designed for individuals sponsored by their denomination for ministerial training (whether as ordained or as lay), as well as those who desire theological education. The program builds on the Associate in Theology and includes on-campus and on-line course options. An Academic Advisor from the Faculty of Theology is available for students interested in this program.

The B.Th. by Distance is offered in two phases. The requirements are as follows:

Phase I: Associate in Theology Courses

•  Fifteen (15) two-credit-hour courses
•  Clinical Internship

Fifteen (15) two-credit-hour courses. These courses typically includes those taken for the Associate in Theology program. Course requirements are as follows:

• 4 courses in Biblical Studies (two each of Old and New Testament, including 2000-Q and 2200-Q)
• 2 courses in Historical Studies
• 4 courses in Pastoral Studies
• 1 course in Ethics
• 2 courses in Theological Studies (one of which must be 2510-Q)
• 2 courses in Liturgical Studies (one of which must be 2808-Q)
• 2 courses in Methods for the Study of Theology (2510-Q and 2520-Q or 3500-Q)

Clinical Internship is 12 weeks in either Clinical Pastoral Education, or Supervised Practice of Ministry.

Phase II: Degree Level Courses

•  15 three-credit-hour courses
•  Vocational Development Seminars
•  Supervised Parish Internship Program (SPIP)
•  On-campus students participate in College community activities
•  Off-campus students participate in sessions with a Ministry Student Support Team

Fifteen (15) three-credit-hour courses. All course selections must be made in consultation with a Faculty advisor and approved by the Provost. Students would not be permitted to register for a 3000 level courses on the same topic as successfully completed at 2000 level, e.g.3000-Q Introduction to Old Testament should not be taken by a student who has completed 2000-Q Introduction to Old Testament.

The course selections must include the following,

• 2 courses in Biblical Studies
• 1 course in Church History (which must 3155-Q unless taken as 3655-Q)
• 2 courses in Theological Studies (3510-Q or 3512-Q, plus one other) or 3500-Q
• 3 courses in Liturgical Studies (to include homiletics and not repeat topics completed in Associate Level courses)
• 1 course in Moral Theology (one of which must 3655-Q unless taken as 3155-Q)
• 5 courses in Pastoral Studies (at least one course in Faith Development, at least one in Pastoral Skills, at least one in Spirituality, and Pastoral Leadership and Administration)
• 1 Pastoral and Theological Integration Seminar (3900-Q)

Formation Seminars are offered each fall and winter semesters. Formation Seminars are a 10hr (normally one hour per week) seminar each semester that will deal with matters relating to academic, spiritual and vocation formation. The subject of these seminars will reflect the needs of the community and will be listed in the Theological Bulletin for the semester.

Supervised Parish Internship Program (SPIP) is a fifteen-week unit of training with a supervisor and lay support group within a parochial setting. Details are worked out with the Diocesan or denominational authorities.

On-campus students, as part of their training, are expected to participate fully in the College’s commitment to a common rule of life, which requires attendance at Daily Offices, the Holy Eucharist, College retreats, and any such activities and events. Postulants are expected to attend all scheduled community activities and events. Request to be excused from any activities and events must be presented in advance to the Provost, except in unforeseeable circumstances such as sudden illness or family crisis. Missing scheduled activities, by choice or circumstances, may jeopardize completion of the degree program. Postulants are required to:

• participate fully in the College’s commitment to a common rule of life
• participate in Parish and Community Placements
• attend the Vocational Development Seminar each semester
• engage with a Pastoral Supervisor
• engage with a Spiritual Director
• engage in the Student Evaluation Process during the years.

Off-campus students, as part of their training, are expected to engage with a local Ministry Student Support Team. The Team is composed of members of one’s local faith community and geographical area. They meet on a regular basis to engage in discussion with the student about their educational undertakings and discernment. The team would be expected to meet at least five times per semester. The team would typical have at least one clergy member and a mix of age and gender representatives. Several students may engage with the same Team. An orientation session and guidance document are available for the team. Postulants are expected to:

• participate in spiritual and communal activities of their faith community and area
• participate in Parish and Community Placements through involvement with local ministries and agencies.
• attend the Vocational Development Seminars offered by webinar each semester
• engage with a Pastoral Supervisor
• engage with a Spiritual Director
• Engage in a Student evaluation Process.

Throughout the program, a minimum average of 65% with no mark less than 60% in all courses so graded.

All requirements are normally to be completed within seven years of the date of initial registration in Phase II of the Bachelor of Theology program.