Acclaimed Academic Curriculum
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Theological education at EDS is an interrelated process of intellectual, spiritual, and professional formation of women and men for Christian ministry in the church and world. EDS seeks to foster a lifelong process of critical reflection upon faith and praxis.
Central to EDS' educational programs and community life is our emphasis on antiracist and multicultural learning. The curriculum also values adult learners and acknowledges the variety in students' ages, races, cultures, life experiences, motivations, preparation, and possibilities for ministry. As a result, students work in peer groups with faculty support (called conferences) to create their own cogent and coherent learning goals and then set about acquiring and demonstrating the skills to fulfill those goals. The conferences become a crucible in which the integration of learning and working, doing, reflecting, and praying takes place.
The challenge for theological education in the 21st century is how to offer various education options that fill the needs of students, maintain academic excellence, and offer solid ministerial formation. EDS developed a Distributive Learning Option designed for students who feel called to pursue a seminary education, but who have been unable to relocate to a seminary setting. Course work for the Distributive Learning Option is offered both on campus, in intensive January and June courses and weekend courses, and online.
The curriculum and course listings at Episcopal Divinity School are structured around the seven theological disciplines, the canonical areas required of candidates for ordination in the Episcopal Church: Biblical, Historical, Liturgical, Theological, Ethical, Pastoral, and Studies in Contemporary Society. In addition, EDS emphasizes throughout the curriculum three particular Areas of Emphasis, which intersect these seven theological disciplines and each other: Anglican, Global, and Ecumenical Studies (AGE); Congregational Studies (CSt); and Studies in Feminist Liberation Theologies (FLT). Together they promote an integrated theological education that is rooted in local communities of faith, committed to liberatory praxis, and critically engaged with global and ecumenical issues.
Episcopal Divinity School is a member of the Boston Theological Institute, a consortium of nine theological schools in the Boston area. Through this institute, those attending any one of the member schools may participate in the life of the other schools by registering for classes, using the libraries, or attending special lectures or workshops for classes. EDS is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
