Viewbook, Graduate Programs: Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry

Welcome to the School of Theology and Ministry The School of Theology and Ministry is an educational institution that prepares women and men to change our suffering world. Students gain the kind of skills, knowledge, and personal and spiritual depth of character needed to make the world a more just and humane place. The students coming to our School—as well as the faculty, staff, and great cloud of supporters making the educational institution possible—share a commitment to answer for themselves the question posed by Mary Oliver in her poem, The Summer Day: “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” The people associated with the School find hundreds of ways to answer this question, but they all agree that they want to “make it count.”

The School of Theology and Ministry is known nationally and internationally as both a lighthouse and a crossroad. As a lighthouse, it shines with wisdom of spirituality, faith, as well as interdisciplinary and experiential study on some of the most difficult issues facing the world. One such issue is homelessness. As students work through our educational programming, they learn to bring a clarity of vision, and a strength of heart and soul, to the passion they carry to improve the world. Graduates have gone from their degree programs to work in churches, faith-based and non-profit organizations, industry, and government. Many have launched specialized ministries and service organizations in the U.S. and abroad, bringing light to dark places on the planet.

The School is also a crossroad. Spirituality, faith, social action, and lives of reflective living from many religious traditions all converge in the School. Four degree programs prepare women and men for various ministerial leadership positions in churches, and two degree programs are designed to meet the needs

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

of students from any of the world’s major religious traditions. Our curriculum brings today’s wisdom into dialogue with the wisdom of the past. We are also a School with students from different generations, ethnicities, and national backgrounds, all meeting at the crossroads where meaning and life’s purpose intersect.

What do you plan to do with “your one, wild and precious life”? For more than 20 years our School has been helping women and men answer that question. We are embedded in a university in the Jesuit tradition. Among its resources is a history of more than 500 years of asking important questions and discerning answers.

Join us and let’s dare forth on this journey together.

Mark Markuly, Ph.D. Dean, School of Theology and Ministry

Our Mission Seattle University is dedicated to educating the whole person, to professional formation, and to empowering leaders for a just and humane world.

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SEATTLE

THE EMERALD CITY

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Nestled between mountains, rivers, and Puget Sound, Seattle University sits in the heart of the Northwest’s largest and most dynamic city. Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a Jesuit, Catholic institution located on 50 acres in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

More than 7,400 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within nine schools and colleges.

Seattle University is a vibrant and modern university, with high academic standards, and a diverse and engaged campus community. It offers access to culture, the arts, and the great outdoors—everything that makes this place distinctively Northwest.

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SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

“I have found the community at the School of Theology and Ministry to be one that is open and life-giving. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student and peer with so many who are so devoted to changing our world and making it a better place for all. It is an inspiring, impressive place with inspiring and impressive people.� — Connolly Huddleston, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies

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Larry Walls, Doctor of Ministry

“At the School of Theology and Ministry, the concept is to deconstruct so that individual students can reconstruct.

Come ready to be challenged and learn.

It would be my hope that prospective students, at the end of their studies, would learn to hold their traditions, beliefs, and practices in their hands as an empowered choice.”

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Doctor of

MINISTRY The Doctor of Ministry degree equips students to be mindful agents of change as influential leaders for a more just and humane world. Student-practitioners serve and impact evolving local and global communities in concrete ways.

The program begins with an 11-day summer residency, followed by two, 4-day residencies in the fall and winter.

Students continue in a program of study in which they develop expertise in an area of ministerial growth or specialization, culminating in service to church and community. The School of Theology and Ministry fosters collaboration, so that graduates expand their capacity for leading congregations and religiously affiliated organizations.

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Master of

DIVINITY The Master of Divinity degree prepares students for leadership roles in congregations, faith-based communities, and ministerial settings.

Students develop skills to interpret scripture, foster theological reflection, and draw upon a rich theological heritage to sustain an effective pastoral practice. As reflective practitioners, they integrate classroom studies and interpersonal learning with meaningful internship experiences throughout the greater Seattle area.

This degree also offers a Chaplaincy specialization that prepares individuals to serve as a certified chaplain in hospitals, hospice, military, correctional facilities, social service agencies and more.

The School of Theology and Ministry has signed formal partnership agreements with 14 Christian denominations and works with more than 24 interfaith collaborators.

This provides a dynamic context for studying about faith community leadership.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Missy Trull, Master of Divinity

“The Master of Divinity with Chaplaincy specialization degree houses multiple counseling courses, which help broaden the standard expectations of what a Master of Divinity student is, as well as roots the degree in relational dynamics.� seattleu.edu/stm

Master of Arts in

PASTORAL STUDIES The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree helps students to deepen self-knowledge, explore Christian traditions, and develop skills to minister in church and society.

The degree specifically addresses pastoral leadership skill development within congregations and faith-based communities. As reflective practitioners, students integrate classroom studies and interpersonal learning with meaningful internship experiences throughout the greater Seattle area.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Dhiraj Masih-Theberge, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies

“My Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree is grounding me in, and connecting me with, a larger tradition of varied knowledge and practices that make me more whole as a person, which enables me to be more attentive to and better serve those around me.�

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Norma Martinez-Melo,

Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality “My studies in Transforming Spirituality have allowed me to see each human being as uniquely created and worthy of dignity, regardless of who they are or the things they have experienced in their life, and to respond with the compassion and dignity that every human being deserves. My life is richer for my experience at the School of Theology and Ministry.�

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Master of Arts in

TRANSFORMING SPIRITUALITY The Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality degree balances the Christian tradition and the student’s specific faith tradition, with openness to the wisdom of the world’s spiritual beliefs and practices. The degree prepares students for leadership in diverse spiritual and religious contexts. Within ecumenical and interfaith communities, students explore spiritual resources and practices to understand contemporary expressions of spirituality in religion and culture.

Studies in Spirituality Specialization: Students take courses in spirituality, theology and psychospiritual development and choose elective classes that will enhance their vocational and ministerial goals.

Spiritual Direction Specialization: Students explore the history of spiritual practices, learn how to facilitate retreats and develop skills for spiritual companionship. Admission in this specialization requires demonstrated readiness and a consultation with faculty during the course The Art of Spiritual Direction.

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Master of Arts in

COUPLES & FAMILY THERAPY The Master of Arts in Couples & Family Therapy degree is an interfaith, spiritually-integrated program that prepares effective, competent couples and family therapists.

Students integrate clinical education and practice through supervised clinical experience along with theological studies and spiritual formation. Students learn systems and psychological theories, engage in self-of-the-therapist exploration, and are trained to assess, diagnose, consult, and treat under the guidance of a licensed supervisor.

Graduates are prepared to clinically heal and empower diverse families, individuals, and groups from any faith and culture.

The Couples & Family Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Spencer Byl,

Master of Arts in Couples & Family Therapy

“I’ve learned skills that help create a direction in therapy, skills which help me look beyond the content of a person’s story while working to explore the process they bring to a situation. Our professors often challenge us to spend time looking inwards, to learn about ourselves before we work with others. There is so much about ourselves that impacts our day, our work, and our experience of life.” seattleu.edu/stm

Morgan Frost,

Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership

“The Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership degree is teaching me both how to improve my leadership for others and how to sustain myself while I lead. In every class you will be encouraged to share your connections to the readings, your life experiences, explore values and meaning with classmates, and to genuinely honor your unique being and perspective of the world while learning and growing together.�

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Master of Arts in

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP The Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership degree combines the study of leadership theory and practice, peacebuilding, ethics, and spirituality to empower students as leaders for a more just and humane world. Students are prepared to lead in their specific vocational context through deepening self-awareness and reflection. Together they explore ways of bringing groups to new social consciousness, global understanding, and personal interconnectedness.

The Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership (MATL) offers a dual MATL/Juris Doctor degree in partnership with the Seattle University School of Law. The MATL/JD joint degree program is designed to allow students interested in obtaining both the Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership and the Juris Doctor degrees simultaneously. This allows students to earn both degrees in less time than if they were obtained independently. This 4-year degree program is also available to part-time students. Students are required to be admitted separately to both the School of Law and the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University.

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“My advice to students would be to enter the program with an open mind. Put away your judgment and allow yourself to learn and to experience the Divine Spirit of not only the various faiths you will be exposed to, but learn from and about the students who are in class with you. I promise you, this will be your greatest learning classroom.”

— Norma Martinez-Melo, Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

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FACULTY & CURRICULUM

The School of Theology and Ministry’s curriculum aims to address the current needs and questions of today’s world by equipping leaders with interdisciplinary knowledge, field-based professional skills, and spiritual frames of meaning.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Our faculty are mostly teacher-scholar-practitioners who hold doctoral degrees from some of the best research universities in the world, and they are leaders in professional guilds and communities of faith.

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CONTEXTUAL EDUCATION The School of Theology and Ministry’s Contextual Education internship program integrates classroom learning with real-world field experience. Students intern with nonprofit-organizations, hospitals, government agencies, for-profit companies, and places of worship to integrate student learning with meaningful work in the greater Seattle community.

“My supervisor was a School of Theology and Ministry DMin and MDiv graduate who was very familiar with the Contextual Education program expectations. She did an excellent job of mentoring me into detention ministry; we had a very good relationship that was flexible and inspiring. I felt like I could speak with her about anything I encountered in my internship, and she made space for the differences we had in denomination and theology.”

— Justin Almeida, Master of Divinity, speaking about his contextual education internship experience at King County Juvenile Detention Center

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

“I had an amazing supervisor who was extremely knowledgeable in the work that the spiritual care department does. She was open and willing to let me make mistakes and learn at my pace. She also pushed me out of my comfort zone, and was always willing to listen to my concerns.

I have found the community at the School of Theology and Ministry to be one that is open and life-giving.

It is an inspiring, impressive place with inspiring and impressive people.

Growth is so possible here.”

— Connolly Huddleston, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, speaking about her contextual education internship and experience at the School of Theology and Ministry

“The School of Theology and Ministry does a great job of providing the groundwork and the support needed to host an intern with emails, orientation and quarterly evaluations. Connolly was well prepared to venture into a spiritual work setting and anxious to put her learning to work. It is definitely an investment of time to support an interns ministerial and theological integration. Besides the additional help, the real reward comes with the relationship and the fresh perspective an intern brings to the team and the way things are done.”

— Pam Sipos, MAPS, BCC, Director, Spiritual Care at Providence Mount St. Vincent, speaking about her experience as a contextual education internship site and mentor for Connolly Huddleston

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GRANTS & ENDOWMENTS Our grants and endowments allow us to launch special initiatives that connect our unique mission with the needs of our world and give students unique opportunities to participate in faith-based social action.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Center for Religious Wisdom & World Affairs The Center for Religious Wisdom & World Affairs is devoted to exploring the contributions that religious wisdom makes in understanding and responding to the world’s most pressing social problems.

The Center brings together religious scholars, both national and international to research a pressing social problem—in dialogue with local religious leaders and other stakeholders—with the aim of unleashing smarter faithbased social action. The Center synthesizes three resources: civically engaged academic scholarship, faith-based action and theological education.

The Center seeks to become a key resource for the education of future generations of religious leaders, by cultivating the tools and language that spiritual or religious individuals can use as they strive to contribute to the common good. The Center’s knowledge base and activities will inform curricular development for all six of the School of Theology and Ministry’s advanced degree programs as well as its continuing education initiatives.

Development of community engagement internships around the Center’s focus issues and opportunities for students to work with the scholars are also in the pipeline. Our graduates will enter their professional lives having seen and participated in dynamic religious social action in ways they can replicate in their own work settings.

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Economics & Pastoral Leadership Project Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry launched an innovative initiative, the Economics & Pastoral Leadership Project, through the generosity of funding by the Lilly Endowment Inc. This initiative examines seminary student debt through a multi-layered research effort, with an eye towards decreasing seminary student debt.

In addition to the debt burden itself, the school recognizes that seminary graduates often launch into the complex world of pastoral leadership without sufficient financial literacy and management training to enhance their organizational leadership. The Project includes the creation of curricula to increase the financial literacy and management skills of current seminary students, alumni, and working pastoral leaders. Courses are designed for both on-campus learning and distance education to enable broader access.

A key objective of the Project is to form new local and regional partnerships by engaging with regional ministers, pastors, and leaders of faith-based and not-for-profit organizations on the connection between effective pastoral leadership and student debt burden.

Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry is one of only three theological education institutions on the United States’ West Coast invited by the Lilly Endowment Inc. to participate in this national effort to address seminary student debt.

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SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

Networking Religion for the 21st Century The School of Theology and Ministry initiates and maintains numerous ecumenical and interreligious relationships, with a commitment to work together in student formation, and to provide educational opportunities, particularly in regards to social justice, to the broader community.

Shaping a positive, socially and culturally impactful religious pluralism is one critically important task facing American society, and the School of Theology and Ministry is committed to this effort, both by transforming itself and by helping to educate the community at large through its interreligious initiatives. Our interreligious initiatives are a direct extension of our foundational ecumenical values, rooted in tradition and to engage in dialogue. They aim to introduce deeper religious perspectives to our faculty, staff, and students; incorporate religious wisdom and content into the curriculum; and extend and promote interreligious dialogue in the region.

“Globally, lively debate focuses on society’s multicultural and multi-religious influences, specifically in relation to its civic, religious, and educational institutions. Shaping a positive pluralism is one critically important task facing American society, and Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry is committed to this effort, both by transforming itself and helping to educate the community at large through its interreligious initiatives.”

— Dr. Michael Reid Trice, Associate Dean of Ecumenical & Interreligious Dialogue Associate Professor of Theological Ethics & Constructive Theology

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SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

The School of Theology and Ministry fosters a collaborative community of teaching and learning. Deep listening is fostered, critical thinking is developed, and transformative action is imagined for a more just and humane world.

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“The School of Theology and Ministry, more than any educational institution I have encountered, is engaged in pioneering theological formation that prepares leaders and their institutions for the rapidly shifting landscape we are all trying to navigate.”

— Scott Anderson, Doctor of Ministry

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

seattleu.edu/stm

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

“I have become more confident about my ministerial direction.

I’ve used the skills I’ve learned in class to practice at my internship, and it has helped me see my ministry in a new light.”

— Lan Nguyen, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies

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“Now that I am studying at the School of Theology and Ministry, I know that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Master of Divinity student. We come from different backgrounds, represent a variety of faith traditions, are of different ages and have varied aspirations—a true reflection of the Spirit at work!”

— Amity Ludders, Master of Divinity

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

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SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

“The School of Theology and Ministry’s unique focus on social ministry and practical theological application is a benefit to anyone who is looking to be on the front lines of pastoral care and 21st century religion.”

— Justin Almeida, Master of Divinity

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“At the School of Theology and Ministry, I have found my voice and am using it to engage patients and families around relationships, justice, and what they value in the Gospel of their choosing.”

— Vicki Jo Farley, Doctor of Ministry

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

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SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

“I believe that our studies at the School of Theology and Ministry have changed our lives forever, and we are not able to be indifferent anymore, but peacemakers and agents of change.

After my graduate studies at the School of Theology and Ministry, I feel ready to go back to Egypt, to stand with those who fight for freedom, dignity, and social justice. I will carry with me all that I have learned here and all the love that I have received.

My hope is to build bridges between communities and share not only religions, but different cultures.”

— Fadi Abouelsaad, SJ, Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership seattleu.edu/stm

“Be prepared to change more than you could ever expect. The School of Theology and Ministry is transformative.

You will get to know yourself in ways you never expected, and you will leave stronger and more joyful than you imagined you could be.”

— Kristina Gibbs-Ruby, Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership / Juris Doctor

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

seattleu.edu/stm

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

“The School of Theology and Ministry offers an extraordinary range of opportunities and degree programs that address 21st century realities regarding religious vocation, leadership, public service and interreligious dialogue and understanding.

All of these are so critical and relevant to our time in a vastly changing religious landscape.”

— Joanne Sanders, Doctor of Ministry

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AT A GLANCE A School within a University The School of Theology and Ministry is part of Seattle University, a Jesuit Catholic University built on spirituality and social justice, an inclusively Christian school, with dedication to interreligious relationships for the common good.

The School of Theology and Ministry offers 6 graduate degrees, 3 professional certificates and professional development courses. When you attend the School of Theology and Ministry, you choose to earn more than just a degree; it becomes fulfillment within your community, the confidence to break through barriers and the ability to step out and make a change.

Graduate Degree Programs • • • • • •

Doctor of Ministry Master of Divinity Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality Master of Arts in Couples & Family Therapy Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership

Certificate Programs • Certificate of Graduate Studies in Diaconal Ministry • Post-Masters Certificate of Pastoral Leadership • Post-Masters Certificate of Transforming Spirituality To learn more about our degree programs visit seattleu.edu/stm/degrees

Professional Development The School of Theology and Ministry’s professional development programs expand the learning opportunities available to those following their passions, furthering their education, or gaining a competitive edge.

Visit seattleu.edu/stm/professional-development for more information.

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO

STUDENTS RECEIVING AID

13

10:1

71%

Our smaller class size encourages collaboration and offers more individualized instruction.

A lower student-to-faculty ratio offers students more personalized attention.

Our school staff actively look for scholarship, grant, and loan resources for our students.

Admissions To learn more about our admission process visit seattleu.edu/stm/admissions

Scholarships The School of Theology and Ministry offers financial aid and multiple scholarship opportunities to our graduate students. More than 71% of our students receive aid.

Visit seattleu.edu/stm/admissions/scholarships for more information.

Accreditation

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