The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the most widely recognized and accepted degree for religious professionals. The M.Div. emphasizes foundational principles necessary in the practice of ministry. Candidates are expected to gain understanding in the Christian faith and in the capacity to interpret that faith to the contemporary world; to grow as persons of faith while exercising the responsibilities of the pastoral office; to become aware of social processes that bear upon pastoral leaders and the interactions of the church and society; and to develop professional competencies important to an effective ministry.

Program Duration and Location

The M.Div. program may be completed in three years of full-time study. Students who carry heavy employment or other responsibilities may extend this an additional year by carrying a lighter but still full-time load. Financial assistance may be awarded for no more than eight semesters (four years) and all requirements for the degree must be completed within 14 semesters (seven years) of the date of initial matriculation. Students may not take more than 15 credits in the fall or spring semester or 3 credits in the January term without approval of the Academic Standing Committee.

Students who cannot attend seminary full time may apply for the Extended Track Program of the Theological School. In this program, students take 15-18 credits per year including fall and spring semesters, January term, and summer terms. The program takes 5-6 years to complete on this track. Scholarships apply to all courses (even if the student is enrolled in only three credits) up to a total of 12 semesters (6 years).

There are a limited number of spaces available for Extended Track students. Students should indicate an interest in this program on their application form. Contact the Associate Academic Dean for more information on this program.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Students must have met the following requirements for admission to the M.Div. program:

  1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or from an equivalent overseas institution;
  2. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a previous degree program. This capacity may also be indicated by “B” work in a selected group of courses pertinent to theological study;
  3. Capacity for leadership and, if appropriate, the potential for ordination;
  4. Personal interviews with an admissions representative may be required.

Curriculum

Program Curriculum

The M.Div. is awarded at the satisfactory completion of 84 credits, 51 required and 33 elective. Students are encouraged to use elective credits to shape the curriculum to their own professional goals, to fulfill specific denominational requirements for ordination, and to become more proficient in areas where future ministry needs may have been identified.

  • BBST 501 Biblical Literature 1 ( Was BIBST 101)
  • BBST 511 Biblical Literature 2 ( Was BIBST 111)
  • CHST 502 Church History 1 (Was CHIST 202)
  • CHST 503 Church History 2 (Was CHIST 203)
  • TPHL 501 Systematic Theology (Was THEPH 301)
  • THPL 508 The Challenge of World Religions to Christian Practice (or another course in world religions) (Was THEPH 308)
  • THPL 600-697 An advanced elective in theology
  • CSOC 501 Christian Ethics (Was CHSOC 400)
  • CSOC 500 Religion and the Social Process (Was CHSOC 401)
  • PSTH 501 (Was PASTH 501a and 501b)
  • PSTH 503 Introduction to Educational Ministries
  • PSTH 504 Introduction to Pastoral Care
  • PSTH 505 The Church at Worship: Liturgy
  • PSTH 506 The Church at Worship: Preaching
  • PSTH 521,522 Supervised Ministry (2 semesters)
  • A cross cultural experience
  • CRCL 724 Cross Cultural Pre-Departure Course (1) (Was CRCUL 724)
  • CRCL 725 Cross Cultural Immersion Trip (2) (Was CRCUL 725)

 

Students with no prior experience in Philosophy are also required to take TPHL 500 (Was THEPH 300) Philosophical Resources for Theological Study.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are anticipated for Master of Divinity students:

  1. the ability to see the holy in all life –in the entirety of creation
  2. the ability to read and interpret scripture and other sacred texts with cultural sensitivity, ethical awareness, and a critical understanding of their histories, interpretations, and applications in church and society
  3. the ability to think theologically with imagination,  openness, and analytical insight
  4. the ability to interpret histories of Christian thought and practice critically and creatively, engaging the otherness of the past while also rendering it relevant to current contexts and emerging possibilities
  5. the ability to hear God’s call to recognize and address injustice and inequality in the social structuring of gender, ethnicity, race, class, disabilities,and sexual identity
  6. the capacity to exercise effective leadership in both ecclesial and public contexts through, for example, preaching, teaching, pastoral care, worship, and justice ministries
  7. the development of communal and personal practices that nourish spiritual and moral well-being.
  8. transformative engagement during the seminary years with religious pluralism and cultural difference in the classroom, on cross cultural trips, and in community life

Suggested Courses

Suggested Course Sequence For Required Courses (Full-Time)

Fall Semester First Year

  • BIBST 101/Biblical Literature 1
  • PASTH 501a/Pastoral Formation 1
  • CHIST 202/Church History 1
  • THEPH 300/Philosophical Resources for Theology (when required)
  • PASTH 503/Introduction to Educational Ministries (first or second year)
  • THEPH 308/Challenge of World Religions to Christian Practice (first or second year)

Spring Semester

  • BIBST 111/Biblical Literature 2
  • PASTH 501b/Pastoral Formation 2
  • CHSOC 401/Religion and the Social Process
  • CHIST 203/Church History 2
  • THEPH 301/Systematic Theology

Fall Semester Second Year

  • CHSOC 400/Christian Ethics
  • PASTH 505/The Church @ Worship: Worship
  • PASTH 521/Supervised Ministry Practice
  • PASTH 504/Introduction to Pastoral Care

Spring Semester

  • PASTH 506/The Church @ Worship: Preaching
  • PASTH 522/Supervised Ministry Practice
  • PASTH 503/Introduction to Educational Ministry