Profile of a House of Studies Student

St. Stephen’s Certificate of Theology

“I want a graduate education in theology from an Orthodox perspective, but I can’t leave home.”
“I have a family, a full-time job—but I am ready to become more versed in Orthodox history, and to perform service projects useful to my church and my community.”
“I want to be ordained, and my priest and bishop have permitted me to prepare for ordination through this course.”
“I am currently ministering in my local parish, but I want to be better equipped (to chant, to write, to teach, etc).”
“I am curious about Orthodox theology, but now I’m ready to for serious study under world-class scholars.”
“I want a world-class Orthodox education for personal enrichment; I don’t care about the letters behind my name.”
“I am clergy, but I am converting to Orthodoxy and intend to seek ordination. I have a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree from a non-Orthodox seminary.”

St. Stephen’s Master of Arts in Applied Orthodox Theology

“I want to do the St. Stephen’s Certificate, and I’ll want to do a thesis paper in addition.”
“I want to study Orthodox theology before I go on to more graduate schooling (in theology, philosophy, psychology, law, etc.).”
“I want to study, and I want to write a thesis to give back to the Church.”
“I already have a master of arts in another field, but I want a second master’s in theology.”
“I want to do research in Orthodox education to serve my church’s youth.”
“I want to be an educated musicologist as a choir director at my church.”

Doctor of Ministry

“I’ve been ministering for more than three years, but I want to deepen my ministry.”
“I have a Master of Divinity, but I have always wanted to go on for a doctorate.”

Pastoral Care

“I want to understand how Orthodox Theology informs the practical effort of counseling.”
“I am a priest (or therapist, or counselor) and want to conform my ministry more to an Orthodox model.”