Offered by McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Canada, Master of Divinity is a master's degree in Religious Studies programme. The programme runs for 3 years. Tuition for international students is CAD 8,973 per year (CAD 8,973 per year for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Master's Degree
Field:Religious Studies
Duration: 3 years
Local tuition: CAD 8,973 / year
International tuition: CAD 8,973 / year
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This Master of Divinity combines theological study with hands-on ministry training across six curricular areas: Biblical Studies, Theological Studies (Church History and Theological Studies), Ministry Studies, Ministry Formation, a specialization block, and electives. Ministry Formation runs across all three years of the program and pairs classroom learning with a weekly ministry placement. Students choose a specialization from Biblical Studies, Church and Culture, Counselling and Spiritual Care, Pastoral Studies, Christian History and Worldview, or Preaching, and high-achieving students may substitute a thesis of roughly 25,000 words for part of their coursework. The program is based at the college's Hamilton, Ontario campus and offers in-person classes alongside livestream, online synchronous, and online asynchronous options, though students living within 80 kilometres of campus are expected to attend in person when that option is offered. It runs three years full-time or up to six years part-time. The degree suits students preparing for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, missions, counselling and spiritual care, youth or worship ministry, church planting, or denominational leadership.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission to the Master of Divinity requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum B- average, together with agreement with McMaster Divinity College's Statement of Faith. Applicants submit a personal statement of up to two pages addressing their Christian experience, significant learning experiences, church involvement, ministry goals, expected contributions to the college, and how the program will support their professional development, along with three confidential references (academic, pastoral, and character) and official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended. Domestic applicants pay no application fee before the deadline (June 1 for Fall, October 15 for Winter, March 15 for Spring), after which a $55 late fee applies. International and visa applicants must additionally provide a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 92 (or equivalent), pay a $150 CAD application fee, supply official translations of non-English documents, provide a copy of their Canadian study permit before registering, and show proof of financial support meeting Canadian immigration requirements.
Application Details
Start Date:September, January, and May
Application Deadline:Fall term deadline June 1; Winter term deadline October 15; Spring term deadline March 15. A $55 late fee applies after the deadline; international applicants use the same dates.
