The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program prepares persons for ordained ministry and for the responsibilities of general pastoral and religious leadership in congregations and other settings. Students of any denomination may study the MDiv program at Knox.
The MDiv program requires 30 semester-long courses. It may be completed in 3 academic years of full-time study or can be completed part-time over a period of up to 8 years, as long as two terms are completed as a full-time student.
Knox College believes strongly in the importance of relevant and contemporary theological curriculum that will meet the dynamic and complex needs of the multicultural and intergenerational congregations that comprise the Church and in the future.
As well as enhancing traditional expectations concerning biblical and theological knowledge, our outcomes-based education measures competencies in: Christian living; cultural and theological understanding; professional knowledge relating to problem solving and conflict resolution; and moral and spiritual growth.
Program Overview
The program includes introductory and advanced courses in the following areas: Theology (including an introductory course in Ethics); New Testament; Old Testament; History of Christianity; Preaching and Worship; Christian Education; Pastoral Theology; and Theological Field Education. Students begin with introductory courses in each of these areas. The Theological Field Education placement is generally taken in in second year and builds on the skills introduced in courses on ministry and worship (among others). The final year seeks to build upon earlier courses and experiences.
Students must meet all outcomes to graduate. Consultation with faculty advisors is required so that students take the correct prerequisites and courses. The Master of Divinity degree does not include a biblical language, although there are electives which allow students to take a biblical language.
Students who are studying for the ministry of Word and Sacrament of The Presbyterian Church in Canada also receive the Diploma of the College. This requires either Greek or Hebrew language courses (two introductory) as well as an exegetical course done in that language. These students should consult the “MDiv with Diploma of the College” program tracker below.
Admission Requirements
- An undergraduate degree (some exceptions apply) or equivalent degree from a university recognized by the University of Toronto
- CGPA 2.7/4.0 or greater (70%; B-); if your undergraduate degree was conferred by a postsecondary institution that uses a grading scale other than the 4.0 GPA scale, please review your transcripts to confirm CGPA equivalency before applying to Knox College.
- Proficiency in English
- Academic/professional and pastoral references
Any candidates for ministry within The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) who do not have an undergraduate degree need to apply for a special program set by the General Assembly. This is done through the Committee on Education & Reception (E & R) of The Presbyterian Church in Canada (www.presbyterian.ca/mcv/). 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.
Program Structure
Our “Master of Divinity (MDiv) Outcomes” document outlines the overall nature and purpose of the MDiv. Within this structure, students must demonstrate specific learnings as reflected in the “Theological and Practical Curriculum Outcomes.” Students are also required to meet the professional competencies of this degree as noted in the “Outcomes for Professional and Critical Competencies.”
The individual courses are outlined in the MDiv Program Tracker or, for PCC ministry students, the MDiv with Diploma of the College Program Tracker.
Tuition Basics
See Tuition/Financial Aid for helpful information on tuition estimates, bursaries, and scholarships.