Persons who at the time of application know that they wish to emphasize teaching, education, and formation in their program may seek admission to a combined Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation degree program, and may be admitted to candidacy for both degrees simultaneously. Through this four-year program, students attain greater proficiency in theological studies as related to areas of Christian education and formation.
The dual MDiv/MACEF is designed to be completed in four years, and requires the successful completion of 103 credits drawn from all four academic departments of the Seminary. The seven components of the curriculum include:
Foundation Courses (20 credits)
Departmental Gateways, Introductions, or Foundations in the following areas (18 credits):
Speech Communication in Ministry I and II (2 credits)
Additional Department Courses (20 credits)
Core Commitment Courses (15 credits)
One course from each of the following categories:
Education and Formation Courses (16 credits)
One course from each of the following categories:
Education and Formation Elective (3 credits)
Reflective Practicum (1 credit)
Field Education (4.5 credits) and Second-Year Discernment Process (.5 credits)
General Elective Courses (27+ credits)
The number of general elective credits may be higher if student takes courses that count for more than one requirement. In some cases, a course can fulfill two distribution requirements.
Alternative Context Requirement
The Alternative Context Requirement seeks to provide ministry experience, skills, and competence in cross-cultural contexts. Most students would meet this requirement through a travel course. Alternative ways to fulfill it could be through international field education, a local field education placement in a location significantly different from one’s own, or certain classes with a high degree of context immersion. The Alternative Context Requirement seeks to immerse students in cross-cultural experiences, engage them in careful listening and learning from local communities, and encourage significant theological reflection on both.
To view a sample degree design, click here.
Dual MDiv/MACEF students take an Introduction to Field Education and Vocational Discernment course during their first year (.5 credit for the year). Students then engage in two field education placements: one typically during the fall and spring of their second or third year (two credits) and a second typically during the summer preceding or following the second or third year (two credits). Field education placements range from local to international locations.
Learn more about field education.
Concentrations invite students to focus on study and fellowship in a subject area of their choosing. Concentrations are led by a faculty member and consist of at least nine credits of academic work.
Concentrations invite students to focus their study and fellowship around questions of heightened concern for Christian ministry in contemporary contexts, or a denominational identity. From race and gender to environmental stewardship, justice, and peace, such concentrations organize and mark a student’s committed study while providing space for fellowship among faculty and students particularly concerned with these critical questions for ministry today.
The following concentrations are available:
Click below to apply for Princeton Seminary’s dual MDiv/MACEF degree program. Visit the admissions area of our website for information about important deadlines, scheduling interviews, and more.
“At Princeton, we had precept groups—we’d engage text and debate. That gave me confidence to have those conversations anywhere.”