Student Experience

Our student body is on the evolutionary
cusp of emerging interspirituality.

The APDS Experience

Join the APDS Community. Become the Change!

The APDS student feels called to pursue an intensive educational process in one of our fields of study. These programs include various interfaith/interspiritual certification programs, ordination, and our Master of Divinity and Master of Theology courses. APDS courses are self-paced, self-managed, and designed for students who live in the real world, with real responsibilities. 

Our programming supports those who do not have the ability to pursue a degree in the traditional full-time fashion. Our academic staff and program advisors are noted theologians, academics, ministers, spiritual directors, spiritual counselors, and mentors. Together, they represent some of the world’s most preeminent thought and religious education leaders today.

 

 

 

Welcome to the APDS Family!

APDS is home to students from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Our student body is inclusive of all traditions, faiths, races, orientations, gender identities, national, and cultural backgrounds. Our student body represents is on the evolutionary cusp of emerging interspirituality. The APDS staff and students are reflective of those in the world who are independent thinkers, innovators, and those who don’t fit into a traditional mold. Together, we are a global community reflecting the essence of an awakening humanity in an ever-smaller world of oneness. At APDS, our spiritual family is our first value, and all are welcome to join!

Interfaith/Interspiritual Networking

Building connections with individuals, groups, and associations leading the interfaith/interspiritual movement

The Tuesday Call

A weekly videoconference call featuring presentations, student-led conversations, and community building

Self-Paced Studies

Move through the coursework at a pace that best suited for you! Self-managed courses with mentor support and guidance.

Cutting Edge Curriculum

APDS curriculum is meticulously curated to prepare students for a widest possible variety of ministry in an interfaith/interspiritual world.

Wednesday Spiritual Development Meeting

A weekly videoconference call exploring such topics as interspiritual non-duality, cross-cultural understanding, and spiritual insight across all traditions.

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We are entering a new age of spirituality that beckons a holistic way of seeing, being, and tending to the world as Love. All Paths Divinity School holds the sacred space for this expansive, interspiritual work with profound wisdom, depth, and competence. The education and relationships I have experienced have been nothing short of magical as I continue to learn and transform, again and again, amid the deep waters of APDS.

Trina Riley
Rev. Trina Riley
Interspiritual Minister and Spiritual Director
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I thought I knew why I was applying for the ordination program. As a former evangelical worship pastor, I knew I wanted to serve, just in a more open way. But as I began to work through the courses, I realized that I wasn’t just here for the academics. In the open arms of this community where all of my questions are welcome, I’ve been able to heal and learn what it means to become a healer. And thanks to APDS, I know that opportunities to offer healing in our ever-changing world are limited only by our hearts and imaginations.

Kara Fortier
Kara Fortier
Founder
PlayGrounding

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't find an answer to your question here, please reach out to us by emailing Pathways@allpathsdivinityschool.org.

How much is tuition?

See the table below for the cost of each program. 12-month payment plans are available, but there is a substantial savings when full tuition is paid up front.

For each program, attendance at one retreat is required. The cost is approximately $800, which includes tuition, food, and accommodation.

 

Program

Duration

Cost

Discounted Cost
(In Full Upfront)

Interfaith/Interspiritual Ordination 24 Months $9,800

$9,350
(Save $450)

Interfaith/Interspiritual Master of Divinity 36 Months $12,500 $11,875
(Save $625)
Interfaith/Interspiritual Master of Theology 36 Months $12,500 $11,875
(Save $625)

Interfaith/Interspiritual Doctoral Program

  • Sacred Leadership Track
  • Sacred Activism Track
  • Sacred Wisdom/Spirituality Track
TBD $9,800 $9,350
(Save $450)
Are payment plans available?

Yes. Tuition payments may be spread out over 12 months.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Limited scholarships are available. Our scholarship process does not need to be renewed annually. Students need to demonstrate need and should include a request with your application form and supporting materials an essay which describes why you should be considered for a scholarship. Be sure to include information about yourself, your talents, goals, or vision. We recommend you don’t delay in applying for scholarships which are extremely limited.

Are there opportunities for workstudy?

These too are limited, but do let us know what your particular skillset might be that could support an online educational program.

Is there a cost for webinars, retreats, or events?

Many of our online webinars and public events are FREE to students. However, some are deeply discounted if there is a cost. Other courses or certifications that have a fee offer reduced fees to current students and alumni. Retreats do incur an additional expense of approximately $800. We require attendance at least one retreat through the programs, though we strongly recommend more. Unregistered students may access webinar content for a fee and may also apply to attend our spiritual retreats when they are open to the public. Please join our mailing list so you be notified of upcoming events.

How quickly can I earn my ordination/degree?

Our degree programs are intended to be 2 years but advanced students devoted to full-time study can complete their program (fast track) in as little as 18 months, however, we allow 36 months to complete the program. The Ordination (no degree) program is designed to be 24 months but advanced students devoted to full-time study may be able to complete their Ordination program in as little as 1 year. Those wishing to “fast track” either program need to make a special request based on ability and need.

How long can I take to earn my degree?
All students must complete their degrees within three years.
Do you accept international students?
At this time we do accept international students who can correspond in English and are proficient in basic computer skills. In the future we plan to accept Spanish speaking students.
Do I need to have a Bachelor's degree?

We require most of our students to have a Bachelor’s degree but exceptions are made on a case by case basis. However, life experience, related education, and depth of personal study, might assist in this consideration. Such students will need to demonstrate the ability to study and write at a college level.

Do you give credit for prior life learning experience?
Yes, but on a case by case basis. All such considerations are made during your application process. Because All Paths’ curriculum is innovative and thematic not all college coursework is transferable.
Are the teachers/faculty qualified?

Many of our faculty members are among the most qualified people in their field and pioneers in their areas of expertise, especially in interfaith/interspiritual leadership. Many hold advanced degrees from prestigious American universities and seminaries, including Harvard Divinity School, Graduate Theological Union, McCormick Theological Seminary, and Hartford Seminary. Several of them lecture and teach internationally.

How does mentoring work?

Your studies are primarily self-directed but you will assigned a primary mentor to assist you through the program, both to affirm that the benchmarks are being met and to answer any questions you might have with the coursework and with your ministry as it unfolds. We have experts in many fields relevant to your studies who can be consulted if you are needing further guidance or clarification on a given topic of study which cannot be satisfied in your own research. Mentors do not provide spiritual counseling. Spiritual counseling is required and available.

Do you provide spiritual counseling?

Yes. Spiritual counseling is a requirement for each student. At enrollment they are required to purchase a minimum of 5 sessions.

Is the school accredited?

At this time, there are no accrediting agencies positioned to provide accreditation for cutting-edge interfaith/interspiritual education. APDS is open to accreditation that would embrace and support our innovative approach. We have focused on building a robust and rigorous academic program, together with a heart-centered approach to spiritual development. We have developed affiliations with some of the world's most prominent religious organizations, most notably including the Parliament of the World's Religions, United Religions Initiative, and The John Cobb Institute. These affiliations speak volumes about the APDS academic program's integrity while allowing the flexibility necessary to address a new field of ministry. APDS continues to build and grow affiliations and certifications. The calibre of our faculty speaks volumes to the quality of education provided.

What kinds of electives are there?

Gods & Goddesses
Prophets & Saints
Ancient Mystery Schools
New Media Ministries
Magick, Miracles, & Divination
Angels & Demons
Enlightenment, Salvation, Liberation
The Afterlife
Science & Religion
Religious Freedom
A World of Prayers
Spiritual Healing
The Divine Feminine
Spiritual Development
Religion & Peacemaking

How is coursework completed?
Each student goes through the coursework at their own pace but within the parameters of the program. The vast majority of the coursework is completed through our online portal. Webinars are occasionally offered via online technologies which have virtual classroom features, but live real time participation is not required.
Is there a sense of community?

Yes there is a rich sense of community at All Paths. Many of our students have shared that this is a community that they have been looking for! We are proud of our brilliant, diverse and gifted students who find their way to us, whether beginners, young or college professors. We have weekly Zoom calls where students, faculty and spiritual friends gather for what we term “Community Communing,” and "The Divine Dance" to share topics of interest, presentations by guest speakers and student-led discussion on the concerns of the day. We also have a student-led prayer call each week. These opportunities provide a very rich source of fellowship, support, ministerial practice, and spiritual intimacy.

If I complete the Master of Divinity, can I also be ordained?

Yes. All ordination courses are included in the Master of Divinity curriculum.

Are there regular classes like a brick and mortar institution?

All Paths was conceived as an online model of education. At this time, there are no regular classes outside of the Tuesday/Wednesday Calls. Our curriculum is meticulously curated to be an immersive experience for the student, both as an intellectual and heart-centered, subjectively integrated understanding. The process is managed at the students pace, allowing them to move through the process providing space and time for growth and insight. You will have regular meetings with mentors and spiritual counselors.