Program Overview and Curriculum

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Knox College, a member of the Toronto School of Theology (TST), prepares students for ordained ministry and leadership in pastoral and religious settings. Degrees are conferred by both Knox College the University of Toronto, ensuring academic excellence and global recognition.

Knox is committed to forming leaders for the Church and the world. Through the MDiv Fellowship, each year we support up to two incoming students who demonstrate strong commitment to ministry and theological education.

The MDiv consists of 30 courses, normally completed full-time in 3 years. Some students may begin the program part-time, but the final year must be completed full-time. Our program blends online and in-person learning.

A Curriculum for Today’s Church

Revised in 2023, the MDiv curriculum addresses the realities of ministry in a changing world. Key themes include:

  • Post-Christendom ministry
  • Ecumenism and interfaith engagement
  • Ecology and theology
  • Reconciliation and Indigenous-settler relations
  • Gender and sexuality

Students develop competencies in Christian living, cultural and theological understanding, professional skills, and spiritual growth. All students must meet program outcomes to graduate, with guidance from faculty advisors.

Students who are studying for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament of The Presbyterian Church in Canada must also fulfill the requirements of the Diploma of the College, conferred by Knox College. This requires either Greek or Hebrew language courses (two introductory) as well as an exegetical course completed in that language. 

Our Hybrid Learning

Knox’s MDiv program follows a hybrid format designed to balance flexibility with deep formation:

  • Introductory courses: Online, shared with MTS and MPS students
  • Advanced courses: In-person, specific to the MDiv and offered on rotation
  • Biblical languages: Optional electives available

In-person courses are clustered toward the end of the program to support deep formation and community engagement.

Admission Requirements

The following provides an overview of the admission requirements for the MDiv program. For full details, please refer to Basic Degree Admissions and the Basic Conjoint Degree Program Handbook for comprehensive admission and program information.

Minimum Requirements

  • Hold an appropriate baccalaureate degree or equivalent degree recognized by the University of Toronto
  • Achieve a minimum standing of at least B- or greater for the entire degree with particular emphasis on the final year (CGPA of 2.7/4.0 or 70%)
  • Demonstrate English-language proficiency
  • Confirm equivalent academic standing if educated outside North America or at an institution using a different grading scale
  • Provide one academic or employer reference and one pastoral reference
  • Provide a Notice of Certification by the Presbytery Letter (if applicable)
  • Provide an Education and Reception (E&R) Letter (if applicable)

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

To apply, interested candidates must:

  1. Review program timelines and deadlines carefully before submission
  2. Ensure all supporting documents meet the stated requirements
  3. Submit a complete Basic Degree Program Application package

Baccalaureate requirement
Applicants to a conjoint basic degree program must hold an appropriate baccalaureate degree with adequate standing (normally at least B- standing in their final year) from an institution approved by a Canadian provincial quality assurance agency, or accredited by a US agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or demonstrated educational equivalent of a North American baccalaureate degree as judged by the Admissions and Procedures Committee (A&P Committee), which may make reference to information provided by the School of Graduate Studies of the University of Toronto.

In cases where an institution is not from an institution approved by a Canadian provincial quality assurance agency, or accredited by a US agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the TST member college must submit a transcript, brief information about the institution, including faculty and their academic credentials, and an accompanying letter indicating its desire to admit the student to the TST Registrar, who serves as Secretary to the A&P Committee, for consideration by the Committee. The College representative on Basic Degree Committee (BDC) will present the case to the A&P Committee at its meeting. The A&P Committee has the authority to make decisions on non-standard credentials. In cases where precedents have been set by the A&P Committee, TST colleges may admit graduates from such institutions without submitting a request for consideration. A college may appeal the decision of the A&P Committee in respect of equivalent credentials to the BDC.

Admissions and Procedures Committee Notice

The Admissions and Procedures Committee process is coordinated and managed by TST, and as a result, may take additional time to render an admissions decision. This process may impact an applicant’s opportunity to begin program studies in a semester. Application files that are delayed by the A&P process will be considered for the next semester admission. No programs offer program start in summer semester.

PCC Applicants Without an Undergraduate Degree

Any candidates for ministry within The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) who do not hold an undergraduate degree must apply for a special program set by the General Assembly. This is done through the Committee on Education and Reception (E & R) of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Applicants are typically required to take at least one year of University level courses prior to admission to Knox College, which is in line with the College’s admissions requirement for baccalaureate equivalency.

Applicants Without an Undergraduate Degree

5.3.1 Admission without baccalaureate

In an exceptional case, a college may admit to the MDiv program a student without a baccalaureate degree or equivalent (see §5.7).

All of the following restrictions apply:

5.3.1.1 Post-secondary requirement

Such applicants must present evidence of successful completion of the equivalence of 10 X 0.5 FCEs of Arts and Science study from an accredited institution (or the equivalent as assessed by the Admissions and Procedures Committee of TST).

5.3.1.2 Prior theological study

For degree programs, such applicants must have successfully completed at least the equivalent of 10 X 0.5 FCEs theological study, or the successful completion of the TST CTS or CTIE which may be counted towards the degree as advanced standing subject to Section 6.3.

No prior theological study is required for admission to the CTS or CTIE (Category 1 Certificates).

5.3.1.3 Life experience

Such applicants must have life experience that has helped them prepare for theological study at the SEUG level.

5.3.1.4 Consistency with college standards

Admission of such applicants must be consonant with the mission statement and stated academic policies of the college.

Master of Divinity Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate skills in creative, faith-centered, adaptive, and innovative leadership for current and emerging communities of faith.
2. Interpret Scripture and Christian tradition (Reformed), using a variety of methods, sources, and norms, to preach, teach, write, and to provide care and witness.
3. Analyze and evaluate social, cultural, and community contexts to enable communities of faith to participate in God’s work and justice in a diverse and changing world.
4. Enhance the vocational and spiritual development, practices, and well-being of self and others.

Christian Living
  • The ability and willingness to conduct one’s life in community out of confessed Christian faith.
  • The ability and willingness to take personal responsibility for actions and learning, conscientiousness, dependability, honesty, and personal integrity.
  • The ability and willingness to act in the best interest of others, and in a principled, ethical fashion.
Attitudes
  • The ability and willingness to learn and understand one’s culture, and the cultures and religions of peoples different from oneself.
  • The ability and willingness to demonstrate interpersonal and team skills sufficient to take on a variety of roles (including leadership) in a ministerial context.
  • The ability and willingness to guide others of diverse backgrounds in various ministry situations.
Critical Knowledge (Use of Knowledge)
  • The ability and willingness to think, problem solve and make decisions at a critical level of operation.
  • The ability and willingness to use knowledge sufficient for professional levels of interaction.
  • The ability and willingness to use thinking, problem solving and decision making to achieve personal, ecclesial, and societal goals.
  • The ability and willingness to adapt to change and manage conflict arising from change in socially constructive and professional ways.
  • The ability and willingness to identify pastoral boundaries that raise ethical and pastoral questions and to formulate appropriate responses to such boundary issues.
Self-Growth
  • The ability and willingness to self-assess and act to improve.
  • The ability and willingness to give and take constructive criticism and, if necessary, act on that criticism.
  • The ability and commitment for life-long learning.

Course Planning Tool

Wondering how your academic journey might unfold?
Use our Course Planning Tool to explore how the MDiv program is structured and how you might organize your studies.

This downloadable tracker helps you:

  • Explore the program’s structure and requirements
  • Visualize how core and elective courses fit together
  • Understand the exciting course options available

💬 Why it matters: Whether you’re discerning your calling or preparing to apply, this tool offers clarity and confidence.

Tuition, Financial Information, and Student Resources

Tuition Overview

Studying at Knox College means accessing high-quality theological education within the University of Toronto. Tuition fees for the MDiv program are set by the University of Toronto each year and vary depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.

📌View current tuition rates

Financial Information

Prospective applicants are warmly invited to visit the Knox College Fellowship page to learn more about our MDiv Fellowships awarded annually to incoming Knox students certified for ministry with the PCC. Find out how this may support your pathway to ministry.

Knox College offers a range of financial supports to help make theological education accessible:

  • Knox College Basic Degree Bursary
  • External funding opportunities

📌 View available financial supports

Student Resources

As a Knox student, you’ll benefit from:

  • Access to U of T’s libraries, research databases, and writing centres
  • Academic advising and program planning support
  • Spiritual care and chapel services
  • Community events and student-led initiatives

Explore Knox and discover how we support your academic and spiritual journey.