St. Alcuin Theological Seminary
Academic Programs
Twelve degree programs across four levels — from Certificate to Doctorate. Designed for lay leaders, clergy, counselors, and scholars. Delivered online and through local Study Centers, completely tuition-free.
St. Alcuin Theological Seminary Academic Catalog
Institutional Information
St. Alcuin Theological Seminary (SATS) is the official seminary of the Communion of Anglican Churches International (CACI). We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Our Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN) is [EIN Number].
Mission Statement
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
(Ephesians 4:11–12).
General Academic Information
- Instruction: Primarily offered through local Study Centers and online coursework.
- Tuition: The seminary operates on a tuition-free model; donations are accepted.
- Transfer & Experience: Credit transfer options and ministry practicum waivers are available based on documented experience.
- Ordination Path: Admission to the seminary does not guarantee candidacy for ordination, which requires a separate process.
- Credit System: 1 course = 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted. Full-time status = 9+ credits per semester.
Graduate Certificate in Anglican Studies
Designed for mature clergy and lay leaders pursuing Anglican ordination or licensing, this certificate provides a focused grounding in the history, doctrine, liturgy, and polity of the Anglican tradition. Participants engage the foundational texts and practices that shape Anglican identity and ministry.
Admission Requirements
- Active membership in a CACI-affiliated congregation
- Written endorsement from a bishop, rector, or licensed ministry supervisor
- Brief statement of ministry purpose and goals
- Demonstrated commitment to Anglican formation and service
Online + Local Study Centers
Diploma in Pastoral Ministry
A practical formation program for lay leaders and deacons entering frontline ministry. Students develop competencies in preaching, pastoral care, liturgical leadership, and church administration, culminating in two supervised practicums in active ministry contexts.
Admission Requirements
- Active membership in a CACI-affiliated congregation
- Letter of recommendation from a bishop or rector
- Statement of pastoral calling and ministry experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
Online + Local Study Centers
Master of Divinity
The M.Div. is the flagship degree for those pursuing ordained ministry in the Anglican tradition. Spanning biblical theology, sacramental practice, homiletics, ethics, and supervised ministry, it forms graduates who are intellectually grounded, spiritually mature, and pastorally equipped.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent life and ministry experience
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a bishop or senior clergy)
- Personal statement of call to ordained ministry
- Interview with the admissions committee
- Admission to the program does not guarantee candidacy for ordination
Online + Local Study Centers
Master of Arts in Holistic Health & Pastoral Care
An integrative degree at the intersection of faith, healing, and community health. Students explore biblical and theological foundations of wholeness, pastoral counseling, public health principles, and Anglican healing traditions, preparing them for ministry in healthcare, chaplaincy, and faith-based community service.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a health-related, ministry, or social sciences field, or equivalent experience
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose describing ministry in health and healing contexts
- Active involvement in a faith community or healthcare ministry
Online + Local Study Centers
Master of Arts in Theological Studies
An academically rigorous degree for lay educators, scholars, and those preparing for doctoral study. The MATS provides broad formation across biblical studies, historical and systematic theology, ethics, and Anglican spiritual classics, with a capstone thesis or comprehensive exam.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Two academic or ministerial letters of recommendation
- Writing sample demonstrating theological reflection
- Statement of academic and vocational goals
Online + Local Study Centers
Master of Christian Leadership
A professional degree for church executives, wardens, and ministry directors who lead organizations rather than congregations. Coursework integrates biblical foundations of leadership with practical skills in finance, strategic planning, conflict transformation, and staff development.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or significant ministry/organizational leadership experience
- Minimum 3 years in a leadership role within a faith-based organization
- Two letters of recommendation from supervisors or senior clergy
- Statement of leadership philosophy and goals
Online + Local Study Centers
Master of Sacred Theology
A post-M.Div. advanced terminal master's degree for experienced clergy and scholars seeking deeper specialization. Through intensive research seminars in dogmatic and moral theology, graduates produce a substantial thesis that contributes to theological scholarship.
Admission Requirements
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in prior theological studies
- Two letters of recommendation from theological faculty or senior clergy
- Proposed thesis topic and research statement
Online + Local Study Centers
Doctor of Ministry
A professional doctorate for experienced ministry practitioners ready to engage advanced theological reflection on their ministry context. The program develops research competencies, leadership in crisis and transition, and culminates in a ministry project that addresses a real need in the student's community.
Admission Requirements
- Master of Divinity or equivalent master’s degree in theology or ministry
- Minimum 3 years of active ordained or licensed ministry
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a bishop or judicatory leader)
- Ministry project proposal outlining a specific need and approach
- Interview with program director
Online + Local Study Centers
Doctor of Theology
An advanced research degree for scholars pursuing academic careers in theology. Students engage patristic, medieval, Reformation, and contemporary theological thought through seminars, comprehensive examinations, and an original doctoral dissertation supervised by faculty.
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree in theology or related field
- Writing sample of 15–25 pages demonstrating advanced theological scholarship
- Two letters of recommendation from theological faculty
- Dissertation research proposal
- Reading proficiency in at least one ancient or modern research language
Online + Local Study Centers
Doctor of Christian Leadership
A professional research doctorate for senior church leaders who shape institutions, dioceses, and mission initiatives. Combining advanced organizational theory, ethics, Anglican canon law, and doctoral-level research methods, the program culminates in a dissertation addressing a significant leadership challenge in the Church.
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree in theology, leadership, or organizational management
- Minimum 5 years of senior leadership in a church or faith-based institution
- Two letters of recommendation from diocesan or institutional leaders
- Dissertation research proposal addressing a leadership challenge
- Interview with program faculty
Online + Local Study Centers
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
The highest academic research degree offered by SATS, the Ph.D. in Theology prepares scholars for university and seminary faculty positions. Students undertake rigorous work in historical doctrine, biblical interpretation, philosophical theology, language requirements, and an original dissertation that advances the field.
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree in theology or cognate field (M.Div., MATS, S.T.M., or equivalent)
- Academic writing sample of 20–30 pages
- Two letters of recommendation from qualified theological scholars
- Dissertation prospectus (3–5 pages)
- Demonstrated reading proficiency in Greek, Latin, or Hebrew
- Interview with the doctoral committee
Online + Local Study Centers
Doctor of Counseling
A professional doctorate for pastoral counselors integrating classical therapeutic models with Christian faith and ministry practice. Covering twelve distinct therapeutic approaches — from psychoanalytic to solution-focused — graduates are equipped to provide spiritually informed counseling in parish, chaplaincy, and clinical settings.
Admission Requirements
Note: This doctorate does not confer a license to practice as a clinical counselor.
- Master’s degree in counseling, pastoral care, theology, or related field
- Evidence of active pastoral or counseling ministry
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of counseling philosophy and ministry context
Online + Local Study Centers
Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Health & Pastoral Care
A post-master's research doctorate integrating biblical theology of health, public health principles, pastoral psychology, and Anglican healing traditions. Students progress through three years of coursework and a doctoral dissertation.
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree in health, pastoral care, theology, or public health
- Evidence of ministry or professional work in health or healing contexts
- Two letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
- Dissertation research proposal in the area of holistic health and faith
- Interview with program faculty
Online + Local Study Centers
Doctor of Divinity
Usually honorary, the D.D. may also be earned by senior scholars through a portfolio of published works and a minimum of 15 years of ministry, subject to faculty nomination. The earned track includes a focused Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
Admission Requirements
The Doctor of Divinity is typically conferred as an honorary degree. For the earned track:
- Portfolio of significant published theological works
- Minimum 15 years of active ordained ministry or theological faculty service
- Nomination by a SATS faculty member
- Review and approval by the academic committee
Online + Local Study Centers