Degree Programs and Course Information
Educational Goals
Covenant Seminary's primary purpose is to prepare students for pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) as well as in other denominational and non-denominational contexts.
The Seminary also prepares students to:
- Fill other vocational and non-vocational Church or ministry leadership roles.
- Seek continuing education opportunities beyond the seminary degree.
- Pursue further study at the doctoral level.
- Apply apologetics and Christian worldview training in a pluralistic culture.
Central to our mission is training servants of God "to interpret and communicate God's Word." Our curriculum strongly reflects our commitment to this goal and our desire to see students rooted in grace for a lifetime of ministry by providing a well-rounded Reformed theological education in four basic areas:
Exegetical Studies. Because the Bible is the inspired record of God's revelation, Covenant Seminary emphasizes careful exegesis in the original Biblical languages, literary analysis, and awareness of archaeological and historical insights as methods of exploring not only the meaning of a specific text, but also its role and contribution in the unity of the Scriptures.
Biblical and Systematic Theology. While Biblical theology examines the roles and relations of passages in the unfolding plan of salvation, systematic theology approaches the themes of the Scriptures as a completed whole.
Historical Studies. Historical studies at Covenant Seminary focus on the development of the Christian Church throughout the centuries and its mission to the world. An appreciation of this heritage is important to a solid understanding of the Church's message and responsibility in our own society.
Practical Studies. Courses in preaching (listed under communication); worship; counseling; Christian education; church growth, planting, and renewal; and evangelism equip students with principles and methods of communication and ministry leadership important for the realization that God's truth is relevant to all times and places.
Download a complete list of our Course Descriptions.
Degree Programs
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a professional degree designed to prepare students for pastoral ministry, as well as other ordained and non-ordained ministries, and offers students the greatest vocational flexibility. The MDiv is Covenant Seminary's primary and largest degree program, shaping the overall seminary environment. The curriculum may be completed in three years, although many students take four years due to family, church, and job responsibilities. Available MDiv concentrations include: Biblical Studies; Theology; Christianity and Contemporary Culture; Christian Education; Counseling; World Mission; Youth Ministry; or Church Planting, Growth, and Renewal.
Learn more about the MDiv program (PDF format).
Download MDiv Quick Facts (PDF format).
Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MAEM)
The Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MAEM) is designed to equip individuals serving in roles that complement the work of the pastor. Core MAEM courses give students a foundation in Bible, theology, and educational theory. Because this degree is designed to assist people who are often actively involved in ministry, a significant portion of this degree may be completed through distance education.
Learn more about the MAEM program (PDF format).
Download MAEM Quick Facts (PDF format).
Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC)
The Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) prepares students to work as counselors in church-related and other settings, as well as for further advanced study. The two-year curriculum includes two semesters of theological and theoretical foundation followed by two semesters of practical orientation.
Learn more about the MAC program (PDF format).
Download MAC Quick Facts (PDF format).
Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MATS)
The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MATS) provides Biblical and theological training that equips lay people to bring an informed Christian perspective to a variety of callings and non-ordained ministries (e.g., Bible study group leaders, Christian school teachers, and church and parachurch staff workers). The program curriculum may be completed in as little as two years, although students in the evening or distance education programs may pursue the degree part-time. Students may pursue a concentration in Christian Education, Christianity and Contemporary Culture, Counseling, World Mission, and Youth Ministry.
Learn more about the MATS program (PDF format).
Download MATS Quick Facts (PDF format).
Master of Arts (Exegetical Theology) (MAET)
The Master of Arts (Exegetical Theology) (MAET) is an academic and research degree that prepares students pursuing academic leadership for advanced study at the doctoral level. The program requires at least two years of full-time study and includes a thesis.
Learn more about the MAET program (PDF format).
Download MAET Quick Facts (PDF format).
Master of Theology (ThM)
The Master of Theology (ThM) degree provides advanced training for students already holding the MDiv degree. The ThM in Exegetical Theology helps pastors, missionaries, and teachers sharpen exegetical skills, as well as develop research skills and test a calling to further study; it requires a thesis. The ThM in Biblical and Pastoral Theology is a more flexible and pastorally oriented program including course work in both the biblical and practical disciplines; a thesis is not a part of this program. Either program may be completed in as little as one year, although students writing a thesis will need additional time. NOTE: Deadlines for applications are May 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
Learn more about the ThM program (PDF format).
Download ThM Quick Facts (PDF format).
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree provides additional advanced professional training for those who hold the MDiv and are active in ordained ministry. The curriculum is designed to help students draw upon Biblical, historical, and theological resources and attain a higher degree of competence in the practice of ministry. Students complete the thirty-hour curriculum by taking intensive one-week courses and completing an extensive ministry project while continuing their present ministries. Students may choose to pursue a concentration in Preaching, Counseling, or Church Planting, Growth, and Renewal.
Important Notice for 2008-2009:> We are currently reviewing the Doctor of Ministry course curriculum. Expected changes will take place as of January 2009. DMin students will be notified of these changes in fall 2007 or winter 2008. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We will continue to accept new applicants into the program. All current DMin students will continue to work under the rubrics of the program to which they were admitted. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Doctor of Ministry office at 314.392.4203.
Learn more about the DMin program (PDF format).
Download DMin Quick Facts (PDF format).
Graduate Certificate (GC)
The Graduate Certificate (GC) provides Biblical and theological training that equips lay people to bring an informed Christian perspective to a variety of callings and non-ordained ministries. This option provides students the opportunity to pursue graduate theological study without commitment to a full degree program. Students may obtain a Graduate Certificate in one of three main areas: Biblical and Theological Studies, Christianity and Contemporary Culture, or World Mission.
Learn more about the GC program (PDF format).
Evening Program
The Evening Program is tailored for individuals in the St. Louis area whose schedules are limited by daytime commitments. The 60-hour Master of Arts (Theological Studies) (MATS), the equivalent of two academic years of full-time study, may be earned entirely during the evening, as can a 30-hour Graduate Certificate (GC). By taking two evening courses each semester and additional courses in the summer or the intensive January term, an evening student may complete the MATS program within three and one-half years or the GC within two years.
Continuing Education
Covenant Seminary also seeks to fulfill its purpose by providing adult continuing education classes, seminars, and publications for churches and individuals, as well as by providing theological leadership through faculty publications, service on denominational and professional committees, speaking opportunities, etc. For more information about these programs, contact the Admissions Office.
Learn more about Continuing Education opportunities such as our Master of Theology (ThM) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs.
Distance Education
Covenant Seminary's Distance Education program allows students living anywhere in the world to take seminary courses for credit. Distance Education students may begin or complete a variety of degree or certificate programs, or simply enrich their lives and ministries, through audio or video versions of courses taught by Covenant Seminary professors.
Learn more about our Distance Education program.
Complete List of Course Descriptions
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