1. Is there housing on the University campus for graduate students?
MacDiv does not have campus accommodation for graduate students. The University provides information about off-campus accommodation. Go to www.macoffcampus.ca.

2. I want to be a minister. Will my denomination accept a Master of Divinity degree from MacDiv as preparation for ordained ministry?
Check with your denominational authorities to be sure. MacDiv's M.Div. program is accepted for ordination by the Canadian Baptist Ministries across Canada, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Associated Gospel Churches, to name a few. Many other denominations accept part or all of MacDiv's M.Div. program but may require at least some study in their own schools, especially for denomination-specific courses.

3. I don't have an undergraduate degree and yet I feel called to the ministry. Is there a program at MacDiv for me?
There are two programs at MacDiv for those who do not have an undergraduate degree.  These are the Certificate in Christian Studies and the Diploma in Ministry programs.  The Diploma in Ministry has the same course and Ministry Formation requirements as our Master of Divinity degree, and can be recognized as adequate training for those preparing for vocation ministry by some denominations.  Please see our section on programs for more information. 

4. Can I complete my degree through Distance Education?
Currently, we do not offer our program courses by distance education format in order to allow our students to benefit from the experience of interacting with professors and colleagues.  We do, however, offer our Baptist course through distance education for pastors who receive permission from the CBOQ Office in a directed study format.  Periodically, we also offer satellite courses, in partnership with local Baptist churches.  Check our course schedule for current offerings.

It is possible for students to complete a limited number of pre-arranged reading courses as electives that do not require class time.  Students may also complete some courses at other ATS accredited institutions.

5. Can I transfer courses to MacDiv for credit from my undergraduate degree or from other graduate institutions?
Courses completed as part of an undergraduate degree cannot receive transfer credit at MacDiv.  If, however, you have completed relevant language, biblical, or theology courses as part of your undergraduate program, you may be eligible for advanced standing in some areas.  This would allow you to replace some required courses with electives.  An enrolment counsellor will determine if a student is eligible for advanced standing.

Courses completed at the graduate level at other seminaries may be eligible to transfer to MacDiv (they must be accredited by the Association of Theological Schools). Some examples of these institutions that are located in Ontario are Toronto School of Theology (Emmanuel College, Knox College, Regis College, St. Augustine's Seminary, University of St. Michael's College, Trinity College, Wycliffe College, Institute for Christian Studies, Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Heritage Seminary and Tyndale Seminary.  Again, an enrolment counsellor will determine eligibility for transfer credits. 

6. How can I afford theological education?
MacDiv's tuition costs are among the lowest in Canada.  As well, MacDiv has an excellent financial aid program which provides bursaries and scholarships for those in need or who merit recognition for their undergraduate work.  Students may receive 60% or more of their tuition paid by means of various forms of scholarships, bursaries, and/or prizes.  In addition, you many be eligible for student loans from the Canadian or U.S. governments.  For more information visit the Financial Aid page on this site.

7. Will I fit at MacDiv?
The community at MacDiv is so varied that you will find plenty of kindred spirits.  Students come from all parts of Canada, the United States, Korea, and other countries.  Some are single, some married, some are older, some younger, and some have children.  There is also a wide variety of denominations represented at MacDiv which creates a diverse learning community for students.

8. May I study for a Master's degree at MacDiv as a part-time student?
Yes.  Approximately two-thirds of our students study part-time.  This allows students to continue in other professions or ministry, and/or to work at the pace at which they are most comfortable.

9. Does it take longer to complete the Master of Divinity degree at MacDiv than it does at other schools?

No.  The M.Div. program is designed with some flexibility and is organized so it can be completed in 3 years at full-time, which is the standard length for this program.  Students who attend part-time have up to 10 years to complete their M.Div. degree.

10. Will I have opportunities for practical ministry during my time at MacDiv?

Yes. The College enjoys close co-operative relationships with many local churches, local hospitals, social service agencies, and other institutions. These field education opportunities provide you with supervised learning experiences in every area from pastoral ministry to client counseling. Ministry Formation is a vital component of your preparation for Christian ministry and is required in the M.Div. and Dip. Min. programs. Along with your field education assignment there is a weekly Ministry Reflection Seminar (MRS) where our students come together to reflect on all aspects of ministry challenges. A weekly MRS complements your field education assignment by providing an opportunity for discussion together on all aspects of ministry challenges.

11. I have served in ministry for many years and am interested in the M.Div. degree.  Am I exempt from the Ministry Formation component of the program?

No.  All M.Div. students, despite ministry experience, are required to complete the three courses of Ministry Formation.  This ensures that all students participate in the valuable task of theological reflection as they minister throughout their Seminary education.  We offer Ministry Formation placements in a variety of settings, providing all M.Div. students with new learning opportunities.

12. I want to learn more about Christianity and Christian leaders but I'm not sure I want to be ordained. Should I come to MacDiv?
Most definitely. Many of our students begin programs without being absolutely sure of their future vocation. Our M.T.S. and Cert. C.S. programs permit students to begin theological studies and encourages individuals to investigate where their gifts and interests truly lie, whether in lay or ordained ministry.

A growing number of our students are studying theology without going on for ordination. Some students are equipping themselves for professional ministries such as chaplaincy, and others wish to enrich their own spiritual development. Some students want their work as teachers, lawyers, social workers or other professions to have a spiritual dimension. Others intend to do future studies in a doctoral program. If you don't have a clear sense of call at the moment talk to us. We will be glad to explain our programs and how we can assist you in your search for further life long learning.

13. What are some of the non-academic advantages of studying at MacDiv?
Because MacDiv is affiliated with McMaster University, many of the rights and privileges offered the University students are also available to those studying at MacDiv. This includes housing services, international student assistance programs, further financial aid, health services, and the privilege of being in a University town. MacDiv is within 1 ½ hour's drive to the American border, which lends itself to easy access for our American brothers and sisters. The University is within an hour's drive of an international airport and domestic travel. As well, our tuition fees are governed by University rates and thus make seminary education at MacDiv very affordable. All of this and more put MacDiv in a very good position to offer student's help and comfort as they study.

14. Can I take courses at MacDiv if I don't plan to study for a degree or program?
Yes. You can take up to 3 courses as an occasional student without formally applying to a program.  If you later choose to start a program, those courses successfully completed as an occasional student can count towards your degree requirements.

15. Can I take courses in other subject areas at McMaster University (such as business) as part of my degree from MacDiv?

The Master's programs at MacDiv do not allow space for courses in other field. Students interested in particular areas sometimes integrate their interests into research papers of theses, but the ultimate focus remains theological.

16. What is the theological stance of MacDiv?

Please see our Affirmation of Faith for a statement on the theological position of MacDiv.  The College itself is an affiliate of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, but students, staff, and faculty come from a range of denominational backgrounds.  MacDiv students learn about various theological and biblical positions as they study, and are encouraged to ask questions and consider their faith in a meaningful way.

17. I would like a catalogue.  How do I get one?

Contact us via the information in the Contact section of this site and we will be glad to promptly mail one out to you.