MDiv (Huron) - Master of Divinity - Huron College/VST

United Church of Canada students in southwestern Ontario pursuing the MDiv degree now have the option of studying locally (London, Ontario) while enrolled at the Vancouver School of Theology. VST has partnered with Huron University College to deliver pastoral theology and field education courses at Huron, which are taught or supervised by Huron’s United Church faculty of theology members.

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Outcomes
Courses
Admissions
Distance Learning

Outcomes

The VST program at Huron is a 90 credit degree, with a minimum of 45 credits taken through VST. It may be completed in three years of study or up to seven years part-time. The MDiv program combines:

  • Off-site (online through Zoom) courses through Vancouver School of Theology. Courses are accessed as synchronous (real time interaction with class and instructor) or asynchronous (recorded and listened to online later).
  • In-class courses at Huron University College
  • Field education opportunities in the London, Ontario area

Recommendation of Readiness for Ministry

The granting of a Recommendation, i.e., the certification that in the opinion of the members of the Faculty an MDiv graduate of the School is suitable for the exercise of ordained ministry, is the end of a process that begins early in a student’s program of studies. Student progress and readiness for ministry is assessed and reported jointly by VST and Huron’s United Church faculty group.

Courses

Information Literacy and Research Skills Modules

All VST degree students are required to complete 9 hours of non-credit, no-fee research modules in Information Literacy. The modules will engage students in hands-on as well as theoretical work intended to develop knowledgeable, disciplined and critically astute researchers. Modules are available in off-site format and are normally taken within a student’s first year of studies.

Biblical Studies: 21 credit hours

VST Courses

Historical and Theological Studies: 21 credit hours

VST Courses, except Christ Salvation & Trinity.

Public and Pastoral Leadership: 36 credit hours

Huron Courses

  • Intro to Christian Education – HUC – RE5203 (3)
  • Liturgical Theology – HUC – LIT5204 (3)
  • Theology & Practice of Preaching – HUC – HOM5204 (3)
  • Communicating the Gospel in Contemporary Cultures – HUC – HOM5305 (3)
  • Cong. Development & Leadership – HUC – PT5230 (3)
  • Pastoral Care/Counselling – HUC – PT5231 (3)
  • Introduction to Ministry – HUC – FE5110 (3)
  • Parish/Community Practicum – HUC – FE5211 (3)
  • Parish/Community Practicum – HUC – FE5212 (3)
  • Ordained Ministry/Theological Reflection – HUC – PT5305 (3)
  • One of: 3rd year Placement – HUC – FE5222, Or Clinical Pastoral Education – HUC – FE5232 (3)
  • One of: HUC – PT5330, PT5332 or PT5333 (3)

United Church Requirements: 6 credit hours

Students are required to complete 6 credit hours in UCC denominational studies in the following areas: educational/faith formation ministries, worship and music, history and ethos, polity and governance, theology and doctrine. Course are available at both Huron and VST, offered in various years and formats.

Electives: 6 credit hours

Electives in spirituality, inter-religious studies, indigenous studies and other areas may be taken at either VST or Huron College as needed.

Admissions

Students should initially make application to Huron University College for the MDiv program, concurrently making contact with the United Church Director of Denominational Formation at VST (schambers@vst.edu). After admission has been granted to Huron University College, applicants to VST @ Huron should arrange for the following documents to be sent to the Admissions office at VST (admissions@vst.edu):

  • Copies of the student’s transcripts that accompanied their Huron application
  • Copy of the student’s Autobiographical-Religious statement that was part of their Huron application
  • Copy of the letter of admission from Huron University College

In addition to these documents from their Huron admissions file, applicants must:

  • Complete special application form for VST @ Huron applicants (request form from VST registrar registrar@vst.edu )
  • Pay the $75 application fee to Vancouver School of Theology

Distance Learning

The VST program at Huron is a 90 credit degree, with a minimum of 45 credits taken through VST. It may be completed in three years of study or up to seven years part-time. The MDiv program combines:

  • Off-site (online through Zoom) courses through Vancouver School of Theology. Courses are accessed as synchronous (real time interaction with class and instructor) or asynchronous (recorded and listened to online later).
  • In-class courses at Huron University College
  • Field education opportunities in the London, Ontario area