BETHLEHEM, PA, November 7, 2023: Today, Moravian University, Lancaster Theological Seminary and Moravian Theological Seminary announce that they will launch a joint curriculum – taught on both campuses – that will include three new, shared graduate degree programs in Fall 2024, pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The three programs in the new joint curriculum, recently accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, are a Master of Divinity degree (MDiv), a Master of Ministry degree (MMin), and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS). The faculty of the two graduate theological schools will teach the joint curriculum. The joint curriculum offers students flexible options for enrollment and attendance. Students will be able to take classes in person at either campus or fully online or by combining onsite and online learning and may choose either full-time or part-time studies. Course schedules are designed to be convenient, especially for working adults, with classes held on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.
“Our new joint curriculum both honors the ecumenical and denominational heritages of both seminaries and advances our mission to educate and nurture transformative leaders to serve in a world of change so that all God’s creation may flourish,” said The Very Rev. Katherine H. Ragsdale, Moravian University interim vice president and dean of Lancaster and Moravian Theological Seminaries. “Our new, joint curriculum with fresh, relevant courses strengthens our ability to serve an even wider global faith community and gives students more choices to pursue their call and fit graduate studies into their busy lives.”
The faculty of the two seminaries worked together for two years to create the three curricula that refresh and replace existing degree programs. They began revising the curriculum after the two seminaries and Moravian University entered into a partn
ership in 2021. Since then, the seminaries have combined facility operations and administrative services while awaiting final regulatory approval to combine as part of the Moravian University education system.
Two additional graduate programs remain available while awaiting accreditation approval to be added to the joint curriculum: the Master of Arts in Chaplaincy (MACh), offered at Moravian Theological Seminary, and the Doctor of Ministry program (DMin), at Lancaster Theological Seminary. Non-degree certificate programs in Anglican Studies, Theological Studies, Formative Spirituality, and Spiritual Direction also continue.
About Moravian UniversityMoravian University is the nation’s sixth-oldest university, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs. For more than 275 years, the Moravian University degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian University is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to midsize independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian University focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.
About Moravian Theological SeminarySince its earliest days in Bohemia and Moravia, the Moravian Church has promoted education and has provided the best possible training for its leaders. Until the beginning of the 19th century, clergy for the Moravian Church in America were trained in European universities and in the Moravians’ own theological schools in Germany. A growing sense of American national identity, however, coupled with the difficulties of transatlantic travel, led to the founding of Moravian Theological Seminary in October 1807. In the mid-19th century the seminary moved from Nazareth to Bethlehem and grew into Moravian College and Theological Seminary (chartered 1863).
Today, Moravian Theological Seminary continues to serve the Moravian Church, but has become an active and progressive ecumenical seminary that continues to innovate in order to prepare faith leaders for the 21st century. Moravian Theological Seminary offers graduate and continuing education programs that equip persons with the knowledge, skills, and being to engage in vocations in ministry, chaplaincy, counseling, spiritual direction and other settings. Rooted in the Moravian heritage of ecumenism and service, we welcome students preparing to serve in diverse socioeconomic, intercultural, and interfaith contexts. Six full time professors and 11+ adjunct faculty members come from a variety of denominations, including The Moravian Church, The American Baptist Church, The United Methodist Church, The United Church of Christ, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The student body represents 20 denominations. The Seminary offers 4 degree programs and 4 certificate programs. Visit moravianseminary.edu to learn more.
About Lancaster Theological SeminaryFounded in 1825, Lancaster Theological Seminary is an inclusive, ecumenical community of faith and learning. It is one of six seminaries associated with the United Church of Christ, a progressive denomination committed to a just world for all. The mission of Lancaster Theological Seminary is to educate and nurture leaders to join in God’s redemptive and liberating work so that all creation may flourish. The Seminary is known for academic excellence, celebration of differences across Christian faith traditions, and creative engagement on issues important to our world. At any one time, Lancaster Seminary’s student body may represent 20 or more different denominations as well as individuals without denominational affiliation. The Seminary offers four graduate degree programs and two certificate programs. Visit lancasterseminary.edu to learn more.
