Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The basic professional degree for the work of clergy supported by academic studies, a Master of Divinity degree requires the equivalent of three years of full-time study, 72 credit hours, and is considered a “terminal degree.” Ordination by one’s specific group or tradition may be required for endorsement or employment in addition to the degree (Cherry Hill Seminary does not ordain clergy). Students in the program are required to choose a major area of study and corresponding academic department from those described under Major Areas of Study.
Each master’s degree has specific requirements for face-to-face Academic Intensive sessions, held in various retreat locations. A student can expect to travel to a three-to-four day event at least twice. All of our degrees at this time are Master’s level. Classes are online, i.e., distance education. Practicums and internships must be done locally, with Seminary and local supervision. The Seminary does not offer undergraduate or doctoral degrees.
Master of Divinity: Ministry, Advocacy and Leadership
Studies in Ministry, Advocacy and Leadership (72 credit hours) prepare students to serve the pan-Pagan community in interfaith, interreligious and secular venues, as well as to promote religious and other rights and responsibilities through interfaith chaplaincy and dialogue, media relations, activism, and public advocacy. Studies include study of ritual, religious leadership, education and the arts. Upon graduation, Ministry, Advocacy and Leadership majors will be able to:
- Define their personal theology of ministry in the overlapping contexts of pagan communities and the larger human communities.
- Demonstrate competency engaging historic and current social justice issues that affect both the pagan communities and human beings in general through their specific expressions of ministry, leadership or organizational advocacy.
- Identify models of leadership that constructively engage ministry and advocacy issues significant to pagan and larger human communities with a focus on the model that seems most fitting to the student’s ministry/leadership goals.
- Construct portfolios, rituals, ministry plans or other organizational projects which demonstrate the student’s ability to integrate academic, social, public and religious resources for a targeted ministry audience.
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically while engaging materials, data and human concerns from the disparate realities engaged in a ministry, leadership or advocacy praxis.
- Articulate clearly and creatively how the student’s personal spiritual practices, developed ethical commitments and understanding of the modern pagan context inform his/her ministry, leadership or advocacy plans.
Master of Divinity: Pastoral Counseling & Chaplaincy
The Department of Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy educates students in approaches that integrate pastoral counseling and chaplaincy studies with broad spiritual and scientific dimensions, giving a foundation in professional pastoral counseling theories consistent with current standards of excellence and research, as well as foundations in the specialized ministry of chaplaincy. Students explore how they, as practitioners of Pagan spiritual traditions, serve Pagans and non-Pagans alike through services on parity with those professionals of other faith groups. We offer the education needed by those who aspire to be leaders with a global outreach in the pastoral counseling and chaplaincy professions. Courses from each of the other departments enable students to explore a range of topics related to advocacy, ministry, theology, and history. A Master of Divinity degree requires the equivalent of three years of full- time study, 81 credit hours, and is considered a terminal degree. Ordination by one’s specific group or tradition in addition to the degree may be required for endorsement or employment. (Cherry Hill Seminary does not ordain clergy.)
The Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy Department degree meets basic educational and professional standards for students who plan to work in various counseling settings, and for those who plan to work in the professional chaplaincies. No institution or professional organization (i.e., APA, ACA, APC, etc.) grants licensure to practice in a regulated profession. Licensure authority is solely under the purview of the state (or other governing body) in which the regulated profession is practiced. Students seeking licensure are advised to consult the state regulating authority in which they plan to practice counseling, pastoral counseling, or work as a professional chaplain. Professional counseling is regulated in all states; pastoral counselors and chaplains may or may not fall under the oversight or regulation of a given state.
Professional Standards
The Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy Department meets basic educational and professional standards for students who plan to work in various counseling settings, and for those who plan to work in the professional chaplaincies. No institution or professional organization (i.e., APA, ACA, APC, etc.) grants licensure to practice in a regulated profession. Licensure authority is solely under the purview of the State in which the regulated profession is practiced. Students seeking licensure are advised to consult the State regulating authority in which they plan to practice counseling, pastoral counseling or work as a professional chaplain. Professional counseling is regulated in all States; pastoral counselors and chaplains may or may not fall under the oversight or regulation of a given State. Pastoral Care and Counseling students study primarily counseling with secondary concentration in theology. Chaplaincy students primarily study theology with a secondary concentration in counseling.
Program Outcomes
Upon graduation, students will be able to:
- Define and explain the theory and practice of professional chaplaincy as a specialized ministry.
- Articulate the principles of pastoral counseling and chaplaincy in a variety of pluralistic and culturally diverse settings.
- Demonstrate an understanding of sacred texts in terms of both historic and contemporary relevance.
- Articulate a basic awareness of the range of faith practices and traditions and demonstrate the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue across faith traditions.
- Critically examine historical and contemporary theological expression and define a personal position through theological reflection.
- Conduct original relevant research using primary and secondary source materials.
Master of Divinity: Theology and Religious History
The Department of Theology and Religious History (69 credit hours) offers students a unique opportunity to study theology, history and practice from a contemporary Pagan perspective. Graduates from this department will be able to:
- Define their personal theological positions using scholarly terms and contextualize that position within broader themes in contemporary Pagan theology;
- Engage with current intellectual debates in contemporary Paganism, particularly those related to defining the movement;
- Compare and contrast contemporary Paganism with related religious traditions and spiritualities, particularly indigenous, nature-based, regional, and land-based traditions;
- Conduct research using primary and secondary source materials and employing historical, anthropological, theological, literary, scientific, or other appropriate scholarly methodologies;
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of how race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other social categories impact Pagan theology and practice .
Master of Pagan Studies
The Master of Pagan Studies degree fosters Pagan scholarship with study and research in the Department of Theology and Religious History. To earn the degree requires 48 credit hours, the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Studies include courses from each department, plus a project, intensives attendance and a thesis.
Ready to start your educational adventure?
Detailed information is found in the Student Catalog, including specific requirements. After careful study, you may begin the process of application by completing the online admission form, but be sure to have all your information available before you start.
When an application package is complete, a representative from the Admissions Committee will contact the applicant to schedule a required personal interview, which may be conducted by telephone or Zoom. The applicant’s references will be verified. After the interview, the completed Application Package will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Applicants will be informed of the committee’s decision within 30 days after final review.
