How many years does the seminary take?

[QuantaCura]

How many years does it take to become a priest?

What if one has already achieved their BA at a four year school?

Thanks ahead of time for the replies!!!

 

[SMHW]

QuantaCura:

How many years does it take to become a priest?

What if one has already achieved their BA at a four year school?

Thanks ahead of time for the replies!!!

I think it generally takes about 4 years of graduate work to became a diocesan priest. Religious orders probably have additional study. A priest generally has a master’s degree or the equivalent.

While many seminaries offer undergraduate as well as graduate programs, this is not always the case. Different seminaries have different rules about where undergraduate work can be done and what degrees would be appropriate. As in many graduate programs, it may be necessary to complete additional undergraduate level coursework in addition to what’s required for one’s major.

You would have to check the requirements of specific seminaries for more information. Most seminaries these days probably have web sites which could tell you more.

 

[Brendan]

Most seminaries require a BA or equivelent in Philosophy before you are accepted into the Masters of Divinity program (seminary proper). Most also require a year of Latin as part of undergrad work as well

If a canidate applies with a B.S. in Chemistry, for example, they will most likely spend 1-2 years in full time Philosophy studies prior to the M.Div work.

So their seminary training would be 1-2 years in addition to the 4-5 years for the M.Div and and the various ministry practica.

Here are the entry requirments for Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (2.5 cumulative GPA).
A minimum of 24 semester hours in Philosophy and 12 in Theology as required by the Program of Priestly Formation.
One year (two semesters) of Latin; a course in Psychology or Sociology.
Official transcripts from all colleges and theologates attended sent from the student’s institution(s) to the SHMS Registrar.
Application form and fee.
Official letter of recommendation from the sponsoring (Arch)diocese or religious institute.
Certificates of Baptism and Confirmation.
Evaluations and recommendations from previous seminaries.
Autobiography.
Physical Examination report.
Psychological Assessment.
Scores from the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Examination (minimum scores set by Admissions Committee).
Three recent photos or snapshots.
Personal interview with the Dean of Studies, Dean of Seminarians, and a designated faculty member.
Certification of canonical freedom from impediments.

aodonline.org/SHMS/Academic+Programs+13375/Master+of+Divinity+5977/Master+of+Divinity+Program.htm

 

[Fortiterinre]

Canon law actually requires five (5) years of formation, so even if one could earn the M.Div. in four, there will be a fifth year. Unless you majored in philosophy, the first year is almost always a “pre-theology” year to earn these necessary credits. Many seminaries and dioceses are using a “spiritual year” or “pastoral year” which is almost like a novitiate for the diocesan priest and can really be a great way to let the ordinand develop good habits of prayer.

 

[marty1818]

In my diocese(Peoria), the requirement is 6 years of formation, one year being a pastoral year. If you go to a minor seminary, straight after high school, its 8 years, opposed to 4 years of undergrad and 6 years of formation which adds up to 10.

matthew