Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity program in Montreal, Canada, equips you to be an effective pastoral leader. This program is offered in collaboration with McGill University. Also, in collaboration with the Montreal School of Theology, a historic ecumenical community of study in the Province of Quebec.

Pursue your Master of Divinity within the worshipping community of The Presbyterian College. Be transformed through studies and friendship.

Program Snapshot

• A program offered through a partnership of McGill University.
• 90-Credit program in theology and ministry.
• 3-year program based on full-time study.
• Includes residential (Years 1 and 2) and possible online (Year 3) components
• Admission Requirement: Bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 CGPA
• Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools

Integration and Internships

Our MDiv program is unique in North America. It combines two years of academic study with one year of professional formation—an internship represents 40% of the final year of the program. We form leaders whose mind and heart and work are all oriented to the service of others in the way of Christ. In years 1 and 2 you study theology, scripture, history, and cultural dimensions of Christian faith. In the 3rd and final year you build competencies for missional leadership, the practice of preaching, pastoral care, and educational programming.

Academic life

Studying at The Presbyterian College means studying alongside students in other programs at the School of Religious Studies at McGill University. It is a rich opportunity to study alongside, and learn from, those of others' faith traditions. Learning to articulate your Christian faith and hope through conversation with others. The program is intellectually stimulating. Professors are of the highest caliber, seeking the best for students both intellectually and in their formation for ministry.

Intercultural Encounter

The third year of the program includes a one-week study tour in Cuba. This trip engages you meaningfully with the culture, history, and life of the church there. As a result, you will understand that ministry and mission are always shaped by particular languages, cultures, and histories. We are also developing a meaningful component oriented toward dialogue with Indigenous communities in Canada.

A Worshipping and Praying Community

Theological study is about meaningfully intellectual engagement. But growth within our spiritual lives is also vital to our formation for ministry. Joining The Presbyterian College means being part of a warm community that prays together, offers praise together, and shares in meals together. Be transformed and equipped through study and praise and prayer and celebration together as the Body of Christ.

Length of Program and Residency

The Master of Divinity at The Presbyterian College is a 3-year, 90-credit program. The first two years of the program are residential in Montreal. The final year can be completed at a distance (with 6 residential weeks over the year). Your internship in the final year could be in Toronto or Winnipeg or Halifax or Boston. Synchronous components of the final-year (the online classroom) use Zoom, and a-synchronous components are through a new Populi learning management system.

Transfer Credit

If you have already completed some part of your theological studies, transfer up to 36 credits (12 courses) toward your program at The Presbyterian College. We will review these transfer credits at the time you apply.

Dual Application

As a combined program of McGill University and The Presbyterian College, there are two to complete. One application to the College (Master of Divinity program) and one application to the University (registering in the BTh program of that institution). We are certainly available to support you in this application process and answer any questions you might have.

MDiv with Specialization in Congregational Renewal or New Church Development

This new program is being developed for Master of Divinity students. It is for those who feel called to either congregational renewal or the development of new faith communities.

Students participate in two three-month placements in either new church development or in a congregation working through renewal.

Placements are from May to July over two summers.

Students complete additional readings, participate in classes/workshops, and provide a written summary of their learnings to their peers. As a result all participants learn from each other’s experiences.

A bursary, as specified by the Presbyterian Church of Canada, is provided to eligible students.