Two graduate-level programs are offered by the Seminary: the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree through the joint program
with St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Armenian Christian Studies.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The Master of Divinity, the standard degree for pastoral ministry in North America, is required of students seeking
ordination as priests in the Armenian Church. The degree is offered in conjunction with St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary nearby,
where students learn the universals of the Orthodox faith, while at St. Nersess they are immersed in the particulars of Armenian
Christianity.
Besides taking the required courses for the M.Div. degree at St. Vladimir's (at least 54 semester credits), students pursue the
core curriculum at St. Nersess (44 semester credits). Of the 25 required courses at St. Nersess 19 are 2-credit courses, whereas
each of the 6 courses in Liturgical Music carries 1-credit. The St. Nersess core curriculum is distributed equally over six major
areas of study (see areas I-VI in the "Description of Courses" and the M.Div. core curriculum "Schedule of Regularly Offered
Courses" with the accompanying "Planner" at the end of the bulletin). Upon completing the St. Nersess part of the joint program,
student receive a Certificate in Armenian Religious Studies.
The program generally extends for three full years for students with appropriate prior education, including a Bachelor's degree
and proficiency in both Armenian and English, and for four or even five years for others with deficiency in one or the other
language. A student must complete the requirements for the degree within six years of first enrolling in the program, regardless of
admission classification.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Armenian Christian Studies
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary's Master of Arts in Armenian Christian Studies offers English-speaking lay men and women a
graduate-level education in the Christian culture of the Armenian people. Core courses are offered in the areas of Classical
Armenian, Armenian Church History, Armenian Patristics and Theology, Armenian Liturgy, Biblical Studies, and Church and Society.
The program is designed to prepare educators and candidates for other non-ordained ministries in the Armenian Church. The program
averages two years full time (44 semester credits), but part-time and evening students are welcome. A student must complete the
requirements for the degree within six years of first enrolling in the program, regardless of admission classification.
A learning module of two courses in each of the specified six curricular areas is required, as foundation courses (24 semester
credits; see areas I-IV and VII-VIII in the "Description of Courses" and the M.A. curriculum "Planner" at the end of the bulletin).
Students should then concentrate on one of the six areas in a more focused way by electing five more courses within that area (10
semester credits) and by writing a thesis under the direction of a faculty adviser (4 semester credits). Other configurations
favoring a student's particular interest for a concentration area may be allowed upon request. Two electives (or 4 semester
credits in Liturgical Music) and a course in research methods complete the requirements of the program. Students concentrating
on Church and Society as their area of interest may further opt to take courses in youth ministry, ministry to the elderly,
religious education, or other ministries from nearby seminaries or universities and have their credits transferred to St.
Nersess Armenian Seminary.
Credits for courses that are part of the core curriculum of the M. Div. program (areas I-IV) may be transferred to that degree
program.
TAKE A MOMENT TO PRAY that the Lord will inspire many young men and women to come forward to serve the holy church in gladness.
