Our accrediting body, the Association of Theological Schools, allows us to offer all four of our master’s degrees as a combination of on-campus and distance-learning options. One-third of each degree’s credit hours must be earned through courses taken on our Chicago campus; no degree from North Park Theological Seminary can be completely fully online.
- Master of divinity: 27 credit hours completed in residence
- Master of arts in Christian formation: 17 credit hours completed in residence
- Master of arts in Christian ministry: 13 credit hours completed in residence
- Master of arts in theological studies: 24 credit hours completed in residence; additional library access for thesis requirements must also be demonstrated for admission to this program
Residency requirements may be met through either semester-long or one- or two-week intensive courses on our Chicago campus. Our regional courses on the West Coast cannot be counted toward residency requirements.
Along with academic credits, you will need to be on campus to complete other program requirements, such as the Bible exam, degree candidacy and end of studies evaluations, and assessment requirements. The Seminary makes every effort to offer options in these areas when you will likely be on campus for classes so you don’t have to make special trips to Chicago to complete them.
When you come to Chicago for class, you’ll also be able to participate in a range of community activities, from chapel to meals with faculty, staff, and other students; to living in campus housing and spending social time with your classmates. These relationship-building activities are important elements of your vocational development as you connect with the individuals who will be your colleagues in ministry for many years to come.
And, of course, you’ll have access to all that Chicago has to offer, in our own neighborhood and beyond. While we expect you’ll be busy with classwork during your weeks on campus, we hope you will find an opportunity to explore the city and take advantage of the many great cultural experiences it has to offer.