Erica L. Martin, Executive Director
Web: http://www.seattleu.edu/stm/
Education for Dynamic and Holistic Leadership in an Intercultural, Ecumenical, and Interreligious World
For nearly 50 years, the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry brought the wisdom and insights from historic spiritual and religious traditions into the core curriculum of six graduate degrees and professional certificate programs: the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership, Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, a general Master of Arts program inspiring research and spiritual exploration, post-master’s certificates in Transforming Spirituality and Pastoral Leadership, and a certificate in graduate studies in Leadership in Faith and Economics.
The School of Theology and Ministry promoted the Jesuit Catholic tradition of a faith committed to justice. It addressed the needs of an increasingly intercultural, ecumenical, and interreligious church and society, and represented over seventeen religious traditions and associations, including Reformed, Protestant, Evangelical, Unitarian, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Jewish, and Muslim faith communities. As teacher-scholar-practitioners, faculty engaged in pastoral, clinical, and professional leadership, enabling them to address the implications of what they taught for service to church, the academy, and society.
Within a collaborative teaching and learning environment, including course work and contextual field-based education, for decades, students developed a greater capacity to live out their religious and spiritual belonging, and uphold the values of human dignity, community, and mutual respect. By educating the whole person through academic, pastoral, clinical, and spiritual formation, students emerged as more integrated persons capable of inspiring and leading others in various professional and ministerial contexts. They served as effective ministers, couples and family therapists, and ethically-rooted leaders in business, government, and non-profit organizations. Over 2200 alumni lead communities worldwide in a variety of vocations, empowering others for a more just and humane world.
On April 30, 2020, the Seattle University Board of Trustees voted to close the School of Theology and Ministry. Though no longer accepting applications, the School will continue to offer its courses, allowing its current students to complete their programs. The School of Theology and Ministry has been accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) since 1993 and will continue to be accredited through to its closure on June 30, 2023.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
A 3.00 (B) GPA must be maintained during graduate study. In addition, some programs may have a minimum grade requirement for specific courses. Please check degree program handbooks for details.
Doctor of Ministry Grading Policy
- A student who earns a course grade lower than a B- may be placed on academic probation in the following quarter.
- A student who earns a cumulative GPA lower than a 3.00 may be placed on academic probation in the following quarter.
- A student who earns a course grade lower than a C+ may be dismissed from the degree program.
Time Limit
All work toward a degree from the School of Theology and Ministry must be completed within six years. This limit includes transfer credits. All degrees and associated courses must be completed by the time of the School’s anticipated closure on June 30, 2023.
Transfer Credit
Current STM students may petition to transfer graduate credits earned from institutions accredited by regional regulatory commissions and/or the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to the School of Theology and Ministry (STM) in order to assist in completing their programs by June 30, 2023.
Graduate course credits earned with a letter grade of B (3.00 minimum) or above in academic work comparable to STM core course requirements may be transferred to fulfill degree program core requirements upon evaluation and approval of the Executive Director and the Registrar. Courses that do not meet core requirement standards may be accepted as general electives; however, a minimum letter grade of B will still be required.
Typically, the maximum number of transfer credits per degree program are as follows:
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not to exceed 10 credits |
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS)
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not to exceed 10 credits
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- Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership (MATL)
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not to exceed 10 credits
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- Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy (MACFT)
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not to exceed 15 credits
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- Master of Divinity (MDiv)
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not to exceed 54 credits
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- Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
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not to exceed 15 credits
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All non-credit formation requirements and related formation courses should be taken at Seattle University.
Formation Components
Students complete Formation Requirements specific to their degree program. These formation components help students practice the professional and personal competencies necessary for their work and leadership roles, and include: attending program orientations, meeting with their academic advisor, participating in reflection events, serving in a leadership role or community service, meeting with a spiritual director/counselor/coach (dependent upon degree program), and completing an internship relevant to their degree program. Post-Masters Certificate and Doctor of Ministry students complete separate formation requirements in conjunction with their Program Director.
Theology and Ministry Courses