Academic Programs & Degrees
Explore our accredited theological and pastoral degrees rooted in Orthodox Christian tradition
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Comprehensive theological education for ministry preparation
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is designed to equip students with comprehensive theological knowledge and train them for various ministries in the Church. It is also intended to prepare qualified Orthodox students and seminarians for ordination.
- Over 35 years of distance-learning excellence
- Western Rite and Eastern Rite options available
- Flexible 3-year and 4-year completion paths
- ATS Accredited theological program
Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
Rigorous theological education across diverse topics
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is designed for those interested in a rigorous theological education across a range of topics. The program may be completed in three years (6 semesters) but may take four years or more to complete.
- Flexible 3-4 year completion timeline
- Comprehensive theological curriculum
- Graduate-level Orthodox studies
- Distance learning format for flexibility
Master of Pastoral Care & Counseling
Orthodox Christian pastoral theological foundation
A 66-credit degree program with a specific focus of training clergy, chaplains, health care professionals, and laity to provide complex supportive care to individuals and families from a uniquely Orthodox Christian pastoral theological foundation.
- 66-credit comprehensive program
- Orthodox Christian pastoral foundation
- Training for clergy and chaplains
PhD in Orthodox Studies
First ATS-accredited distance-learning Orthodox PhD
The PhD in Orthodox Studies was introduced in 2016 and has since received accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The PhD program is the first of its kind to be offered in distance-learning format.
- ATS accredited
- First distance-learning Orthodox PhD
- Advanced scholarly research focus
- Comprehensive doctoral training
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) – Eastern Christian Focus
Partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree with Eastern Christian Focus is offered in partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS). A Memorandum of Understanding partners AHOS and PTS in offering this degree with concentration on Eastern Christianity.
- Partnership with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- Eastern Christian concentration
- Advanced ministry training and development
- Professional doctoral degree
St. Stephen's Certificate in Orthodox Theology
Graduate-level education without degree requirement
A non-degree program for those seeking education in Orthodox theology at the graduate level, but who do not wish to obtain a degree. Open to students with a high school diploma, the certificate may be completed in 2-1/2 years (5 semesters).
- 2.5 years to completion (5 semesters)
- High school diploma requirement only
- Graduate-level Orthodox theology courses
- Bridge option to MTS available
Audit Student Program
Non-credit participation in graduate courses
AHOS offers the opportunity for students who wish to audit a class or program. An audit student may register for credit courses on a non-credit basis. Students must comply with AHOS admission standards as outlined in the requirements for each program.
- Non-credit course participation available
- Same admission standards apply
- Access to all programs except PhD
- Flexible learning opportunity
Bridge Application to MTS
For St. Stephen's Certificate students and graduates
The Bridge Application is designed for qualified Certificate students and graduates of the St. Stephen's program who wish to be considered for the thesis semester and Master of Theological Studies degree. This program bridges the gap between certificate and master's level studies.
- Exclusive to St. Stephen's Certificate students
- Pathway to MTS degree completion
- Thesis semester preparation included
- Seamless transition to graduate degree