Master of Divinity
The Winnipeg Theological Cooperative
In 1986 the Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg, developed the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program with the cooperation of the Canadian Nazarene College (CNC), the Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC), and Concord College. Since then, the CNC has relocated to Alberta and other schools and centres have joined the Winnipeg Theological Cooperative (originally referred to as the Consortium).
The Cooperative is based on several operating principles:
i) offering theological education that is in accord with the standards of The Association of Theological Schools ATS
ii) recognizing the importance of each distinct tradition and ensuring that students become well acquainted with their own heritage
iii) facilitating transfer of credit with other seminaries accredited by ATS
iv) ensuring sensitivity to denominational interests
The Dean of Theology chairs Cooperative meetings with the assistance of all Cooperative members. The program and faculty are approved by the Council of the Faculty of Theology, the Senate, and the Board of Regents of the University of Winnipeg and the United Church of Canada.
The Winnipeg Theological Cooperative, through its multi-denominational Master of Divinity program, prepares people to serve and lead in various Christian denominations and the community at large.
Application to the Master of Divinity Program [PDF]
Admission Requirements
The admission requirement for the MDiv program is a recognized Baccalaureate degree. Prospective applicants who are currently in pre-MDiv studies are advised to seek a basic general knowledge of past and present culture through studies in the humanities and natural and social sciences. Biblical languages, Latin, and modern languages such as German, French, and Spanish, are also valuable. Students from designated Bachelor of Theology degrees will be considered for admission.
The program requirements reflect a balanced MDiv program to be taken upon completion of most undergraduate degrees. The nature of the undergraduate degree, however, could result in some shifts in these requirements. Religion courses taken at the undergraduate level would not be given credit, but could result in exemptions from specific requirements. No Advanced standing on entry will be given from courses applied to a previous degree. Upon application, each student's earlier transcripts are evaluated by the Winnipeg Theological Cooperative to determine the program requirements for that student.
Note: An interview with the Director of Studies is recommended. If the University of Winnipeg is not your home college a meeting with the University of Winnipeg Director of Studies and a Home College advisor is recommended.
Program Requirements
The Master of Divinity requires the equivalent of three years of full time study (90 credit hours). A minimum of 27 credit hours (core curriculum) must be taken at the Masters level at the University of Winnipeg, Faculty of Theology. The remaining 72 credit hours may be completed at either the University of Winnipeg, Faculty of Theology, one or more of the Cooperative partners, or a Letter of Permission from other accredited institutions approved by the Faculty of Theology.
Advanced Standing
In some cases advanced standing may be granted for appropriate graduate level credits as reviewed with the Faculty of Theology Director of Studies. No advanced standing upon admission will be given for undergraduate courses, or courses applied to a previous degree. Advanced standing will not be granted for core curriculum (below), which must be earned at the Faculty of Theology.
Home Institution
The Master of Divinity program is organized by the Winnipeg Theological Cooperative. Courses are taught at several centres including Canadian Mennonite University, Booth University College, St. John's College. Students may choose one of these colleges or the Faculty of Theology as their home institution for community life and course guidance.
GPA Requirements
In order to maintain good standing, and to graduate with a Master of Divinity a student must have degree GPA of 2.5 (C+). Students dropping below this GPA should meet with the Director of Studies before further registration.
Length of Degree
The degree may be completed on a part-time basis. Candidates normally complete the work for this degree within a seven year period, which may be extended through written permission from the Faculty.
Course Requirements
A) BIBLICAL STUDIES (27 hours)
GTHEO-7100 Introduction to Scripture I core (3 hours)
GTHEO-7101Introduction to Scripture II core (3 hours)
GTHEO-7145 Biblical Hermeneutics core (3 hours)
Hebrew Bible Electives (6 hours)
New Testament Electives (6 hours)
General Electives in Biblical Studies (6 hours)
(May include Biblical Languages)
B) THEOLOGY AND CHURCH HISTORY (27 hours)
GTHEO-7201 Survey of Church History core (3 hours)
GTHEO-7202Introduction to Dialogue Theology core (3 hours)
GTHEO-7203 Indigenous Christian Encounter core (3 hours)
GTHEO-7200 Introduction to Theology core (3 hours)
GTHEO-7220 History & Faith of a Selected Church or Religious Tradition (6 hours)
GTHEO-7240 Christian Ethics core (3 hours)
Theology Elective (3 hours)
Electives in Theology or Church History (6 hours)
C) SPIRITUAL DISIPLINES AND MINISTRY PRACTICES (21 hours)
GTHEO-7341 Introduction to Pastoral Care core (3 hours)
GTHEO-7346 Christian Education (3 hours)
GTHEO-7344 Integrative Seminar(3 hours)
GTHEO-7345 Supervised Experience in Ministry (3 hours)
GTHEO-7348 The Church at Worship (3 hours)
GTHEO-7349 Homiletics (3 hours)
Elective in Spiritual Disciplines and Ministry Practices (3 hours)
D) GENERAL ELECTIVES (15 HOURS)
This section may include 12 credit hours total of the following:
1) One Basic Unit of Supervised Pastoral Education (SPE) (12 hours)
2) The Two Year Jubilee Program in Spirituality (12 hours)
3) The Two Year Shekinah Program -(12 hours)
4) Spiritual Diversity (6 hrs)
NOTE: Core courses should be taken at the beginning of the Program and are normally taught by regular instructors of the Faculty of
Theology.