Programs

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at Claremont School of Theology is designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their understanding, gain fresh inspiration, and enhance their ministry practice. This program offers a revitalizing experience for those at a point in their careers where new ideas, external influences, and imaginative recharging are needed. It provides an environment to engage with mentors and academics, connect with a diverse cohort of thinkers, and test innovative ideas in a supportive setting, serving as a form of career therapy or professional development.

Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Innovation and Creativity in Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Innovation and Creativity in Ministry is designed for clergy and other spiritual leaders, including those in transition, to equip them with new models for ministry. It leverages theories and practices from innovation to foster new approaches in spiritual leadership. The program integrates online and in-person learning, with core courses held during multi-day intensives each fall. Up to half of the degree requirements can be completed online. The program is structured to be completed in a minimum of three years and must be finished within five years.

Doctor of Ministry in Contemplative Leadership (DMin)

The Doctor of Ministry in Contemplative Leadership is a 30-credit doctoral program designed for professionals in ministry, community work, non-profit management, or corporate leadership. It aims to enhance the inspiration and resilience leaders bring to their organizations and communities by focusing on contemplative practice, engaged compassion, discernment-based leadership, and new approaches to conflict. The program provides practical skills and confidence for both personal and institutional guidance, fostering practical and transformative leadership.

Doctor of Ministry with Spiritual Renewal, Contemplative Practice and Strategic Leadership Track

Doctor of Philosophy in Religion, Concentration in Contextual Theologies (Global PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Religion with a concentration in Contextual Theologies, often called the "Global PhD", is designed for individuals already involved in theological education, particularly in Asia. This program offers broad, interdisciplinary training enabling graduates to teach various courses and specialize in a chosen research area. It is a collaborative program with Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU) in Tainan, Taiwan, with all instruction conducted in English. The program combines intensive on-campus seminars in Taiwan with online coursework, making theological education accessible without requiring relocation.

Doctor of Professional Counseling

Doctor of Spirituality (SpD)

The Doctor of Spirituality (SpD) is a fully online professional doctorate program designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of compassion-based leadership. This 36-credit program emphasizes the spiritual dimensions of contemporary leadership and aims to equip students to become agents of transformation and healing in various settings, including communities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and religious or spiritual groups. The SpD is particularly suited for early- and mid-career professionals such as healthcare providers, artists, civic leaders, educators, and social workers who are dedicated to integrating spiritual practices into their work. The program offers a rigorous academic experience that is also culturally informed and transformative. It is structured around themed cohorts, with initial cohorts focusing on spiritual direction. Future cohorts may explore areas like climate justice, arts-based activism, and community organizing. The SpD equips students with advanced skills in theory, practice, and resources for spiritually-based leadership and conflict resolution.

Graduate Theology Programs

Claremont School of Theology offers a range of Master's and Doctoral programs designed for individuals seeking advanced study in theological fields. Whether you are preparing for ordination, chaplaincy, religious leadership, academic research, or personal enrichment, our programs provide a foundation for theological exploration and vocational application. We cater to diverse interests within religion and ministry, offering specialized tracks and concentrations to tailor your educational journey.

MA Religious Wisdom Cultural Intelligence Spiritual Future: Education

Master of Arts in Engaged Jain Studies

The Master of Arts in Engaged Jain Studies is a unique, remotely delivered program offered by Claremont School of Theology in partnership with the Arihanta Institute. This program is designed for individuals, Jain or non-Jain, who wish to understand and apply the timeless wisdom of Jain philosophy and principles to contemporary global challenges such as environmental sustainability and social justice. It focuses on integrating rigorous academic study of Jainism with practical application in daily personal, professional, and social life. The curriculum offers insights from yoga and other dharma traditions, emphasizing core Jain principles like non-violence (ahimsa), non-possession (aparigraha), and openness to diverse viewpoints (anekantavada).

Master of Arts in Religion: Religious Wisdom, Cultural Intelligence, and Spiritual Future

This Master of Arts in Religion program equips you to apply religious wisdom to contemporary challenges and opportunities. It moves beyond dogma, fostering insight and transforming religious traditions into psychological, social, and cultural intelligence. You will learn to introduce ancient knowledge to the modern world, translating its gifts for the 21st century and becoming a leader in religious practice and research. The program offers flexibility with both fully remote and hybrid modalities, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career aspirations, whether in education, religious leadership, or building new spiritual communities.

Master of Theological Studies (MTS) - Interdisciplinary Track

The MTS Interdisciplinary track is designed as a starting point for a career or a catalyst for change. It offers a flexible structure allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests. You can build a strong foundation in core theological areas like Hebrew Bible, New Testament, World Christianity, Systematic Theology, and Christian Ethics, while also engaging in practical formational work. With guidance from an academic advisor, you can create a unique direction for your future studies and career path.

Master of Theological Studies (MTS) in Theological Disciplines

This Master of Theological Studies (MTS) track focuses on the intersection of theology and culture, exploring core questions of meaning, purpose, ethics, and values. It equips students to engage with critical challenges facing individuals and communities, drawing on the rich history of theological inquiry. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to diverse goals such as interfaith work, liberation theology, religion and the arts, spiritual formation, and understanding complex religious bonds. Core studies include the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, World Christianity, systematic theology, Christian ethics, and spiritual practices. Students then choose an area of focus for deeper study in consultation with an advisor, enabling them to forge a unique academic path. This program is ideal for those seeking to understand evolving religious landscapes and recurring fundamental questions.

MDiv Future Church Modern Ministry Professional Coaching: Interfaith Chaplaincy Interreligious Multifaith Pastoral Care

MDiv in Ministerial Leadership: Future Church, Modern Ministry, Professional Coaching

This Master of Divinity (MDiv) track focuses on developing strong leaders grounded in Christian wisdom, ethics, and practice. It equips students to confidently and compassionately lead ministries in a diverse and rapidly changing world. The program integrates thousands of years of Christian experience with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, fostering cultural fluency alongside theological understanding.

Ph.D. in Practical Theology - Education and Formation Concentration

The Ph.D. in Practical Theology with a concentration in Education and Formation offers a program where theological insights are integrated with educational theory and practice, or combined with spiritual formation. This approach equips students with enhanced skills to broaden their understanding and improve their practical application in the field. Through independent research, students are encouraged to develop their creativity and insights, contributing to the evolution of their chosen vocations. The concentration allows for specialization in one of three tracks: Spiritual Formation, Religious Education, or Interreligious Education. Depending on prior experience, a practicum or internship may be required.

Ph.D. in Practical Theology, Concentration in Spiritual Care and Counseling

This Ph.D. concentration focuses on advanced research and theory development at the intersection of theological studies, related disciplines like the social sciences, and caregiving practices. It aims to equip students with the skills to contribute to the growing understanding of the importance of spiritual care and counseling for human well-being. The program offers three distinct tracks: Clinical Spiritual Care, preparing graduates for roles in various community settings like chaplaincies and residential services; ACPE Supervision, training students to become certified supervisors in Clinical Pastoral Education; and Spiritually Integrative Psychotherapy, enabling graduates to provide advanced spiritual counseling and psycho-educational services.

PhD in Practical Theology

PhD in Practical Theology

The PhD in Practical Theology is designed for serious students aiming to achieve the highest level of scholarship and contribute original research. The program begins by exploring current standards in education, formation, spiritual care, and counseling, then challenges students to push these boundaries. Guided by faculty advisors and supported by an academic community, students will make significant contributions in their chosen specialization.

PhD in Religion

The PhD in Religion at Claremont School of Theology offers an advanced academic program for students seeking to engage deeply with religious traditions. This program encourages original research and critical interpretation, aiming to foster inspired leadership and teaching within theological and community contexts. It emphasizes personal growth alongside intellectual development, preparing students to contribute to the evolution of religious thought and practice. The curriculum is designed for disciplined, dedicated, and visionary individuals. Students will develop both knowledge and imagination as they formulate their unique interpretations of religious studies. The program facilitates a reciprocal learning environment where students learn from their studies, and their religion, in turn, learns from their insights and contributions.

PhD in Religion

PhD in Religion - Philosophy of Religion and Theology Concentration

Claremont School of Theology's PhD concentration in Philosophy of Religion and Theology (PRT) offers a religiously inclusive and critically informed approach to fundamental philosophical and theological questions. The program emphasizes a cross-cultural perspective, engaging in philosophical and theological examination of key themes within various religious traditions. This includes exploring topics such as religious epistemology, religious language, faith and reason, religion and science, metaphysics, concepts of truth, ethics, diversity, pluralism, social and political issues, and the very nature of religion. By approaching the philosophy of religion and theology in a comparative and cross-cultural manner, this concentration specifically engages with diverse traditions and minority voices. This unique positioning places the CST program at the forefront of religiously inclusive and critically informed scholarship in the field, aligning with the leading edge of academic inquiry.