FAQ
1. What programs does AHOS offer?
AHOS provides the following graduate-level theological programs:
- Master of Theological Studies (MTS) – 3-year degree (online + Residency)
- St. Stephen’s Certificate in Orthodox Theology – Non-degree program (2.5 years)
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) – Professional ministry preparation (3 years + Residency)
- Master of Pastoral Care & Counseling (MPCC) – Clinical and pastoral training (66 credits)
- PhD in Orthodox Studies – Doctoral research program (ATS-accredited)
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) – Eastern Christian Focus – Partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- Audit Student Program – Non-credit course participation (excluding PhD)
2. Who is eligible to apply??
1. St. Stephen’s Certificate in Orthodox Theology
- Education: High school diploma (no bachelor’s required).
- Ideal for:
- Laypeople seeking theological education.
- Church workers without a degree.
- Those considering future graduate studies.
2. Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline).
- Ideal for:
- Lay leaders, educators, or catechists.
- Students planning to pursue a PhD.
- St. Stephen’s graduates (via Bridge Application).
3. Master of Divinity (MDiv)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline).
- Additional for Antiochian students: Must complete Arabic I & II.
- Ideal for:
- Seminarians pursuing priesthood (with hierarch approval).
- Deacons or lay leaders preparing for ordination.
- Those seeking chaplaincy or doctoral studies.
4. Master of Pastoral Care & Counseling (MPCC)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline).
- Ideal for:
- Clergy enhancing counseling skills.
- Healthcare professionals integrating Orthodox theology.
- Chaplains (hospital/military) or social workers.
- Cohorts begin every odd year (2025, 2027).
5. PhD in Orthodox Studies
- Education: Master’s degree in theology or related field.
- Ideal for:
- Academics pursuing research/teaching.
- Priests or scholars deepening expertise.
6. Doctor of Ministry (DMin) – Eastern Christian Focus
- Education: MDiv or equivalent + ministry experience.
- Ideal for:
- Ordained clergy seeking advanced training.
- Senior lay leaders in pastoral roles.
7. Audit Student Program
- Education: High school diploma (for non-credit courses).
- Excluded: PhD programs.
- Ideal for:
- Lifelong learners not seeking a degree.
Additional Notes
- Language Requirements:
- MDiv: Greek/Hebrew (all students); +Arabic for Antiochians.
- Others: None unless specified.
- Residency: All programs require in-person participation (exceptions rare).
- Ordination: MDiv does not guarantee priesthood—approval rests with hierarchs.
- Language Requirements:
3. Can I switch from the St. Stephen’s Certificate to the MTS program?
Yes! The Bridge Application allows qualified St. Stephen’s students/graduates to transition into the MTS program by completing additional requirements (e.g., thesis semester).
4. What is the difference between the MTS and St. Stephen’s Certificate?
| Feature | St. Stephen’s Certificate | MTS |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Awarded | Certificate (non-degree) | Master’s Degree |
| Thesis Required | No | Yes |
| Residency | 2 weeks total | 2 weeks total |
| Admissions Requirement | High school diploma | Bachelor’s degree |
5. Is there a counseling-focused program?
Yes! The Master of Pastoral Care & Counseling (MPCC) trains:
- Clergy, chaplains, and healthcare professionals.
- Uses Orthodox Christian theology alongside psychological methods.
- Requires 66 credits and Residency participation.
6. Can I audit courses at AHOS?
- Yes, except for PhD programs.
- Auditors do not earn credits but must meet admission standards.
- Ideal for those seeking non-credit theological education.
7. What doctoral programs are available?
- PhD in Orthodox Studies:
- ATS-accredited, research-focused.
- Requires annual two-week Residencies.
- DMin (Eastern Christian Focus):
- Partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
- Focused on applied ministry practice.
8. How do I apply?
- Visit the respective program pages for admission requirements.
- Then Please visit:🔗 Apply Now
9. Are online courses available?
All programs (except Residency components) are offered online.
10. Who can I contact for more information?
- Please visit :🔗 Contact US
1. Who is considered a transfer student?
An applicant is a transfer student if they:
- Graduated from high school or
- Attended another accredited postsecondary institution and attempted at least one course.
Maximum transfer credits allowed: Two-thirds of the total credits required for the AHOS degree program.
🔗 Public Transfer of Credit Policy
2. What are the general application deadlines?
- St. Stephen’s Certificate, MTS, MDiv: April 30, 2025 (2025-26 academic year)
- PhD in Orthodox Studies: April 30, 2026 (next intake in even-numbered years)
- Master of Pastoral Care & Counseling (MPCC): April 30, 2025 (next intake in odd-numbered years)
Note: No mid-year entry is permitted for any program.
3. What are the residency requirements?
- St. Stephen’s Certificate & MTS: 1-week residency in Pennsylvania (required for first-year students).
- MDiv: 2-week residency.
- MPCC: 1-week residencies (one per year).
🔗 Tuition & Fees (for residency costs)
4. What is the application process for each program?
5. What documents are required for application?
Common requirements for most programs:
- Recent photograph
- Statement of purpose
- Autobiography (emphasizing church involvement)
- Pastoral Reference (or bishop/clergy reference)
- $75 non-refundable application fee
Additional requirements vary by program:
- MTS/MDiv: Academic reference, undergraduate transcripts.
- PhD: CV, research proposal, academic writing samples, language proficiency proof.
- MPCC: Interview, psychology/sociology background preferred.
- (See individual program links below)
🔗 Full list of program-specific requirements
6. How do I apply for credit transfer?
- Review the Transfer Credit Policy.
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended to admissions@ahos.edu.
- Credits must align with AHOS’s Orthodox theological standards.
Current students: Contact the Office of the Dean for course reviews.
7. What are the language requirements for the PhD?
- Ancient Languages: Proficiency in Biblical Greek + one other (e.g., Latin, Syriac, Hebrew).
- Modern Languages: French/German recommended (others accepted based on research topic).
- English Proficiency: IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 100 (waived if prior degree was in English).
🔗 PhD Application Process
8. Is there a “Bridge” option for Certificate students?
Yes! The Bridge Application allows St. Stephen’s Certificate students/graduates to transition into the MTS program for thesis work.
Deadline: Submit during Unit III (third semester).
🔗 Bridge Application Process
9. How do I apply?
Visit the Apply Now portal:
🔗 Apply Now
10. Where can I find tuition and fee details?
1. What is the AHOS Residency, and why is it important?
The Residency is a mandatory in-person component of AHOS education, held at the Antiochian Village in western Pennsylvania, USA. It serves as the official start of the academic year and includes intensive study, daily church services, meals, and fellowship.
2. Where does the Residency take place?
The Residency is held at the Antiochian Village Conference & Retreat Center, a scenic facility in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania. It includes:
- Comfortable accommodations
- On-site meals
- A theological library, chapel, museum, and bookstore
- A Meditation Trail
3. Who is required to attend Residency?
- New students must attend a one- or two-week Residency at the start of their first year.
- Continuing students must attend Residency at the beginning of each academic year.
- PhD and MDiv students have extended Residency requirements.
4. How long is the Residency for each program?
| Program | Residency Requirement |
|---|---|
| MTS, MPCC, St. Stephen’s Certificate | Two one-week Residencies (usually one per year) |
| MDiv | Two weeks per year (first three years) + a final one-week Residency |
| PhD in Orthodox Studies | Two weeks per year |
Note: International students may request approval to complete both weeks in a single year.
5. What are the 2025 Fall Residency dates?
- Week 1 (New MTS & SSC Students): Aug 22 – Aug 29, 2025
- Week 2 (Continuing MTS, SSC & MPCC Students): Aug 30 – Sept 6, 2025
- MDiv & PhD Students: Aug 22 – Sept 6, 2025 (two weeks, with optional weekend departure for PhD students)
6. How do I register for Residency?
Starting June 2025, active and newly accepted students can:
- Log into Populi.
- Click “Files” (top left black bar).
- Open the “Fall Residency” folder for registration details.
7. What costs are associated with Residency?
Students are responsible for:
- Transportation to/from Antiochian Village
- Lodging & meals during Residency
Note: These costs are separate from AHOS tuition & fees.
8. Can graduates attend Residency?
Yes! Graduates are invited to attend the Graduation ceremony held during Residency. Details will be provided later.
9. What if I have special circumstances (e.g., international travel)?
Students with unique situations (e.g., needing to complete both weeks in one year) should contact the Registrar and Residency Director for approval.