Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree Program
Program
Objectives
The Master of Divinity degree program is designed for men and women engaged in or preparing for a wide range of ministry leadership roles with a major emphasis upon the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Most M.Div. graduates enter vocational ministry roles such as pastors, educators, missionaries, evangelists, chaplains, and other related areas of service. Historically, the M.Div. has been the appropriate educational preparation for those seeking ordination.
The M.Div. program requires a divinity core of biblical, theological, and applied ministry studies. In addition, students select an elective track consisting either of a ministry specialization of a self-designed sequence of electives approved by a faculty mentor.
M.Div.
Core Outcomes
The explicit outcomes which the M.Div. seeks to produce encompass multiple dimensions of the graduate’s life and work. This means that the M.Div. student’s educational experiences are intended to produce growth in knowledge, character, and skills for ministry. Many of these outcomes are best achieved and measured in the field, rather than the classroom. Consequently, many of the educational experiences bring the classroom and the church together in partnership to prepare the student for a life of fruitful ministry.
In addition to the Seminary’s general educational goals, the Master of
Divinity program attempts to achieve specific outcomes:
- Be a person whose Christ-like character is worthy of being emulated, and whose integrity imparts credibility to his/her ministry
- Be a person who understands his/her optimal role in the furthering of God’s purposes
- Be a person who experiences healthy interdependency and genuine community with other believers
- Be a person
with a global vision who thinks, acts, and prays
strategically - Know the nature and mission of the church, being able to implement a biblically-based philosophy of ministry in various contexts and cultures
- Be able to interpret and apply biblical texts using sound hermeneutical principles and the biblical languages
- Know the major themes and developments of God’s redemptive activity revealed in Scripture
- Know the historical tenets and contemporary significance of evangelical theology and practice
- Be able to think biblically and critically so that various truth claims can be effectively evaluated
- Know the leading figures, movements, and events of church history world wide
- Be able to discover those elements of culture that must be understood for effective ministry
- Be able to
communicate God’s truth clearly, accurately, and
convincingly - Be able to lead and equip a group of people so that God’s purposes are efficiently accomplished in and through them
- Be a true life-long learner, building upon his/her seminary training
Admission
Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary given on pages 18-19, applicants for the M.Div. program are expected to present an accredited baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) with a cumulative
grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including a breadth of liberal arts. Applicants who do not meet these general academic requirements may petition the Admissions Committee for consideration. A recommendation from the applicant’s pastor and three personal recommendations
regarding the applicant’s Christian character and leadership potential also are required.
Degree
Completion Options
Course scheduling permits individuals who commute long distances or who are employed in occupations or ministry vocations to make significant academic progress. Students are recommended their first year to enroll in the weekend sequence as the initial seminary experience. This three-term introduction to theological education provides a base of personal direction, biblical and theological foundation, and ministry orientation for subsequent advanced study and skill development.
Three-Year Sequence. The three year program includes classes in Hebrew and Greek one or two evenings per week each semester of the first two years and one day of weekend classes per week each semester of all three years.
Five-Year Sequence. The five year program begins with one day of weekend classes each week during each semester of the first year. Hebrew and Greek are taken during the evenings of the second and third years. The degree program is completed with weekend classes the fourth and fifth years.
Distance Learning. A number of required and elective courses are offered through the Center for Lifelong Learning. Students may enroll in CLL courses with program advisor approval.
- Master of Divinity Degree Requirements
- Master of Divinity Expositional Ministry Specialization
- Master of Divinity Pastoral Ministry Specialization
