Ordination and Master of Divinity Degree Programs
Ordination to the Priesthood and the Master of Divinity
(M.Div.) degree are the normative credentials promoted
by the School of Theology of the Pontifical College
Josephinum for its seminarians, and are conferred
after the successful completion of Fourth Theology
(i.e., four “academic years” of full
time work). These programs, which are intended to
prepare candidates for the Catholic priesthood in
parishes and other settings, are only open to those
students who have been accepted as seminarians by
the rector of the Josephinum. The M.Div. program
is considered a first level professional ministerial
degree program. The Ordination Program is a more
extensive program of preparation, which consists
of the M.Div. Program and various advanced components.
(These advanced components are also applicable to
the Master of Arts Program, described separately).
The degree requirements are listed below, and include
the personal, vocational, spiritual, and academic
formation of the student. At least one year of full-time
academic study must be completed at the Josephinum.
Other details with regard to requirements, procedures,
rights, and responsibilities are explained in the Formation
Handbook and the Academic Handbook that
are made available to each seminarian at the beginning
of the academic year.
The academic
catalog describes the required courses/sequence
for Ordination and Master of Divinity Programs.
Bachelor of Sacred Theology Degree
The Pontifical College Jospehinum in affiliation
with the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome,
Italy offers a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.).
Since this degree is awarded by the Pontifical
Lateran University it is an entry level Pontifical
degree. Candidates awarded this degree can then
move on to pursue higher Pontifical degrees. Requirements
for ordination are not satisfied by the S.T.B.
degree since it does not require the practical
courses included among the requirements for ordination.
See the Academic
Catalog for specific requirements
for the Bachelor of Sacred Theology Degree.
