In PSR's MDiv (Chaplaincy or Congregational Ministry), students receive a credential at the end of each academic year.

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a professional graduate degree program designed to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for various forms of spiritually rooted leadership and ministry.

PSR’s MDiv focuses leadership formation, hands-on work experience, and theological study that is aligned with PSR’s radically inclusive Christian values.

This creative and innovative program is organized as a ‘stackable’ degree allowing students to receive a credential at the end of each academic year ensuring each year of study leads to a tangible outcome.

At the end of your first year of study in the program, you’ll receive either a Certificate of Spirituality and Social Change (CSSC) or a Certificate of Sexuality and Religion (CSR).

At the end of the second year, you’ll complete a Master of Arts in Social Transformation (MAST).

In the third year, you will complete the final requirements for a MDiv with the option of concentrating in chaplaincy or congregational ministry.

The MDiv is designed to be a full-time program completed in three years, but students have up to 10 years to finish.

On campus and distance learning options are available for most students. However, students seeking ordination within the United Methodist Church (UMC) must take their courses on campus in Berkeley, CA.

Designed for

Students looking to answer a call to religious leadership in congregational ministry or chaplaincy.

This program meets the requirements for ordination in United Methodist Church (UMC), United Church of Christ (UCC), and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Learning Outcomes

Articulate an understanding of texts and traditions, apply them to particular situations and critically engage with and communicate those texts and traditions.

Recognize all knowledge as contextual; demonstrate understanding of the forces that shape your own context and show awareness of others’ context especially across race, sexuality, gender ethnicity, class, culture, nationality and other differences.

Articulate the connection between spiritual practice(s) and the development of a leadership style.

Form effective partnerships with various organizations and individuals with respect for those with different backgrounds, cultures and experiences.

Integrate the various intellectual disciplines, fields, topics, and themes of theological education in the practices of ministry and public leadership in a variety of contexts especially with regard to social justice issues.

Professional Opportunities

The MDiv prepares students for roles in chaplaincy in the military, hospital or prison or in congregational ministry in our affiliate denominations (UMC, UCC, DoC) or many other churches.

MDiv graduates are also prepared for positions in interfaith or faith-based NGO’s or nonprofits.

Next Steps

Admissions Requirements

Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid (FAFSA code: G01256)

Scholarship Opportunities

For further program details, refer to the academic catalog

“I came to PSR not sure that I actually had a call to ministry. The combination of thought-provoking academics that stretched me, field work that engaged and challenged me, and professors who saw my gifts paved the way for me to see and claim my call to ministry.”

Rev. John H. Vaughn

MDiv Graduate and Executive Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA)

Office of Admissions

admissions@psr.edu
(510) 849-8222

Click on the degree tracks below to view a typical course progression

* Changes are currently under review for MDiv programs with a Certificate of Sexuality and Religion. They will be posted once they are confirmed.

* In order to fulfill the denominational requirements, UMC students pursuing ordination must take their courses at PSR in an in-person modality. All PSR courses are offered so you can be in person and fulfill that requirement from the denomination.