During the course of the day students gather to discuss different topics from the classes they are taking together.  This is a great time to exchange ideas and to stimulate new thoughts.

Areas of Study

Master of Divinity

The Theological School offers a Master of Divinity degree program for male students which can be completed in three years of study.  It is designed to provide the student preparing for the General Church priesthood instruction on a graduate level in the Theology of the New Church as well as practical skills and experience.

  • Occasionally students sponsored by other New Church organizations or independent students are considered for admission.

  • All potential applicants should have a fundamental knowledge of the Heavenly Doctrines, a firm commitment to communicate them as priests of the New Church, and an attitude of support for General Church traditions and approaches to doctrine.

         The degree of Master of Divinity will be conferred upon students who have met the requirements for entrance, have the  necessary academic background for graduate study, and have completed the required coursework in the Theological School to the satisfaction of the faculty.  


Initial acceptance into the Theological School is on a trial basis, and reapplication must be made each year for a student to continue his studies.   Students in their penultimate year apply to the Executive Bishop of the General Church to be made candidates for ordination into the priesthood.   

The Academy reserves the right to remove, at any time, students whose conduct it regards as detrimental to the uses of the institution. Neither the Academy nor any of its officers or directors shall be under any liability for such removal.  If such a problem arises with a theological student, it is handled by the Dean or falls under the jurisdiction of the Chancellor, who is also the Executive Bishop of the General Church of the New Jerusalem.


Typical Course of Study for a Three Year Student starting Fall 2008

2008-2009

Fall:

  • Latin 110
  • *Rel 221: OT- Hst & Proph?
  • 601 - Systematic Theo PAR
  • 620 - Word, Div. Revel. GHO
  • 626 - OT Themes SIF
  • 710 - Pastoral Orient. AMTD
  • Communication (MWH)
  • Experiential Learning

Winter:

  • Latin 111
  • Rel 222: The Gospels
  • 614 - Glorification/AC I SDC
  • 662 - Spt Wld II AMTD
  • 684 - Ch. His, Chrstn AMTD
  • 720 - Speech I MHW
  • 911 - Homil, Princ Exp GHO
  • Counselling (MRC)
  • Experiential Learning

Spring:

  • Phil 321 - Swedbrg Phil
  • 616 - Glorification/AC II WEO
  • 686 - Ch His, ES & 2nd Coming GHO
  • 851 - Liturgics I BWK
  • 912 - Homil
  • Conflict Resolution (SSO)
  • Experiential Learning

2009-2010

Fall:

  • Ed 401 - Methods
  • Ed 424 Tch Letter (6 wks)
  • *Rel 220: The Torah?
  • 628 - NT Themes GHO
  • 644 - Regeneration GHO
  • 646 - Marriage AMTD
  • 740 - Week at Congreg
  • 921 - Homil - 2nd yr I GHO

Winter:

  • Ed 304 - Growth of Mind
  • **Latin 250
  • 610 - Lord, Pre-advent GHO
  • 668 - Spt Wld - Apoc-LJ AMTD
  • 687 - Ch His, NC I Staff
  • 724 - Speech II MHW
  • 922 - Homil - 2nd yr II KHyA

Spring:

  • **Latin 251
  • 612 - Lord, Incarnation GHO
  • 688 - Ch His, NC II Staff
  • 690 - Doc NC Evng DHL
  • 691 - Doc NC Ed BWK
  • 852 - Liturgics II BWK
  • 923 - Homil - 2nd yr III GHO

2010-2011

Fall:

  • 695 - Dissertn (summ+)
  • 750 - Practicum

Winter:

  • 681 - Ch His - Doc of Church EES
  • 728 - Speech III MHW
  • 841 - Priesthd & Govern TLK
  • 848 - Priestly Duties AMTD
  • 932 - Homil - 3rd yr I KHA

Spring:

  • 640 - Divine Providence AMTD
  • 682 - Ch His - Pre-Advnt EES
  • 842 - Priesthd & Govern TLK
  • 846 - Evang Resources DHL
  • 847 - Educ Resources BWK
  • 853 - Liturgics III BWK
  • 933 - Homil - 3rd yr II KHA