SPDV Course Descriptions

SPDV 505 Program Intensive I

0 credit hours

This course records student participation in the first program intensive, an in-person Bridgeweek gathering that introduces the seminary’s culture, establishes cohort community, and offers formational learning experiences. The intensive includes cohort-based interaction and reflection, worship and spiritual practices, engagement with faculty and guest speakers, and shared meals. Accommodations are included in program fees unless otherwise noted. Pass/No Pass. Additional course fee applies.

Back to top

SPDV 515 Program Intensive II

0 credit hours

This course records student participation in the second program intensive, an in-person Bridgeweek gathering that strengthens the seminary’s culture, deepens cohort community, and offers formational learning experiences. The intensive includes cohort-based interaction and reflection, worship and spiritual practices, engagement with faculty and guest speakers, and shared meals. Accommodations are included in program fees unless otherwise noted. Pass/No Pass. Additional course fee applies.

Back to top

SPDV 525 Program Intensive III

0 credit hours

This course records student participation in the third program intensive, an in-person Bridgeweek gathering that reinforces the seminary’s culture, enriches cohort community, and offers formational learning experiences. The intensive includes cohort-based interaction and reflection, worship and spiritual practices, engagement with faculty and guest speakers, and shared meals. Accommodations are included in program fees unless otherwise noted. Pass/No Pass. Additional course fee applies.

Back to top

SPDV 550 Stewarding Leadership I

3 credit hours

This course will prepare the student for lifelong practices of scaling leadership through self-awareness/self-management and engaging a constellation of mentors for lifelong growth. Through coaching, assessments, and 360 feedback each student will gain a mindset and resources for a lifestyle of continued growth as an adaptive leader. Additional course fees may be required.

Back to top

SPDV 551 Stewarding Leadership II

3 credit hours

This course continues preparing the student for well stewarded lifelong leadership practices through a supervised practical experience (e.g., practicum, internship, etc) related to the vocational calling of the student. This practicum will be designed to integrate SPDV 550 Stewarding Leadership I learning into the student's context for reflective practice. Additional course fees may be required.

Back to top

SPDV 560 Clinical Pastoral Education: Applying to Programs and Best Practices

3 credit hours

"This course provides an overview of the application process for Clinical Pastoral Education and for Board Certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains. Students will learn about accredited CPE sites, the various types of programs, and how to prepare an application. Exploring best practices. nurturing a chaplaincy-oriented mindset and sensibility, and engaging theological reflection will help students acclimate to the expectations of the CPE learning experience and the role of the chaplain. "

Back to top

SPDV 561 Clinical Pastoral Education: Practicum

3 credit hours

Completion of this course on the basis of 'Credit by Exam' indicates that all requirements of a CPE unit have been met and necessary documents have been submitted. Pass/No Pass.

Back to top

SPDV 570 Teaching and Research Apprenticeship I: Internship, Pedagogy, Research

1.5 credit hour

This course combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education paired with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting and/or a research apprenticeship with a faculty member. Prerequisite: students will be placed in a class that they have previously taken.

Back to top

SPDV 571 Teaching and Research Apprenticeship II: Internship, Pedagogy, Research

1.5 credit hour

This course is the second part of the sequence. It combines instruction in pedagogy for higher education paired with a teaching internship in a higher-ed setting and/or a research apprenticeship with a faculty member. Prerequisite: SPDV 570.

Back to top

SPDV 572 Research Methodologies I: Foundations of Theological Scholarship

1.5 credit hour

This first course in a two-course sequence introduces students to the tools and practices necessary for graduate-level theological research and writing. Students will learn to navigate both print and electronic library resources, develop skills in research design, and critically engage biblical, historical, and theological texts. Emphasis is placed on building competencies in academic writing, proper citation, and the conventions of scholarly communication. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to craft research questions, conduct literature reviews, and produce well-structured academic papers that demonstrate clarity and critical engagement.

Back to top

SPDV 573 Research Methodologies II: Advanced Scholarship and Thesis Development

1.5 credit hour

Building on skills gained in Research Methodologies I, this course guides students through advanced research and writing strategies necessary for thesis work and professional scholarship. Students will refine their skills in theological argumentation, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary engagement. Special attention is given to developing a thesis proposal, structuring complex arguments, and engaging diverse scholarly perspectives with academic rigor. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate readiness to undertake sustained research projects, contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse, and present their findings with clarity and precision.

Back to top

SPDV 580 Thesis I

3 credit hours

First semester of thesis. The MATS degree requires a thesis project. Each thesis student will work with a thesis advisor from the seminary faculty or a broader circle. The goal of this first semester of thesis is to produce the first half of the thesis. Pass/No Pass.

Back to top

SPDV 581 Thesis II

3 credit hours

Second semester of thesis. The MATS degree requires a thesis project. In addition to their thesis advisor, each student will be assigned a second reader who may be drawn from the seminary faculty or a broader circle. The goal of the second semester of thesis is to finalize and defend the thesis. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: SPDV 580. First semester of research/thesis.

Back to top

SPDV 585 Advanced Topics in Professional Development

3 credit hours

Examines a particular issue or topic related to one's professional development

Back to top

SPDV 595 Special Study

1-3 credit hour

A specially designed and individually tailored course of research involving in-depth study of a particular question, problem, or issue presented by the student. The student must make application for the study prior to registration for the semester in which the study will be carried out. The application must be approved by the faculty member overseeing the study and the departmental chair. Special arrangements for regular courses of study must be approved by the dean.

Back to top