Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree Program
Degree Requirements
The Master of Divinity degree is conferred upon the attainment of certain personal and academic requirements. In addition to the general seminary requirements outlined on pages 30-31, degree candidates must (1) give evidence of a genuine Christian character, orthodox belief, and conduct consistent with a God-given call to a position of leadership; (2) complete all courses in the prescribed M.Div. curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students may complete their studies in nine semesters (three years), including practicum.
The M.Div. degree requires a minimum of 90 credit hours. The program is designed around a common core of 76 hours and an elective track of 14 hours. The 76 hour core includes six hours of mentored field ministry. The elective track involves either the completion of a ministry specialization (totaling 14 hours of prescribed and elective credits) or the Open Track (14 hours of elective credits approved by a faculty mentor). In addition, students in either track may choose a concentration (open track students may choose up to two concentrations). Each concentration requires 6 elective hours in a particular subject, with the course selection requiring faculty mentor approval. Students in a specialization who also desire a concentration may apply up to two hours for both specialization and concentration credit. No course may can be applied to more than one concentration. Please consult with the Registrar’s Office for additional information.
Biblical Language Options
The seminary offers Master of Divinity students two options to complete their requirements in the biblical languages: the exegetical language track and the functional language track. The exegetical language track equips students with both the foundations of the Greek and Hebrew languages, including the elements of grammar, syntax, and reading, and with the skills of exegesis--the interpretation of the text. Then students will be able to read the Bible as it was written and encounter the depths of meaning that can get lost in translation. Students are introduced to a wide range of language tools, including computer programs. Following this track will lay a foundation for in-depth study in advanced classes. It will give students the strongest foundation as life-long learners to teach and preach the biblical text in an informed manner and/or to pursue advanced studies in which this level of original language competence would be expected. In addition, students in this track will be able to read advanced commentaries with greater understanding, be able to take additional elective
courses in the interpretation of various biblical books, and be better equipped to evaluate commentaries, articles and theological books on their own. If the study and the preaching of God’s Word is your main focus of ministry, this is the recommended track to take. Students in the exegetical language track enroll in NTS 508-509 and OTS 508-509.
For students who choose not to develop the skill to read and translate the Bible in the original languages, the seminary offers the functional language track. It is designed to give students the practical ability to access the original languages through the Bible Works computer program and other contemporary reference tools. Using these tools, the student will learn the essential grammar and syntax of the biblical languages. Students will use the computer to find word meanings, parsing, etc. By the end of the two-semester sequence, students will be able to use original language commentaries with discernment and do many steps of the exegetical process as they prepare sermons and lessons in ministry. Students in the functional language track enroll in NTS 501-502 and OTS 501-502.
M.Div. Core (76 HRS)
Spiritual formation: 6 hours
SFS 501 Learning to Love God and Others (2)
SFS 502 Practicing Prayer and Other Key Disciplines (2)
SFS 504 Growing into Ethical Maturity (2)Biblical studies: 16 hours
DBS 506 Learning to Interpret Scripture (4)
BLS 501X Interpreting Old Testament I: Genesis - 2 Samuel (2)
BLS 501Y Interpreting Old Testament II: 1 Kings - Song of Solomon (2)
BLS 502X Interpreting Old Testament III: Isaiah to Malachi (2)
BLS 502Y Interpreting New Testament I: Gospels (2)
BLS 503X Interpreting New Testament II: Epistles 1 (2)
BLS 503Y Interpreting New Testament III: Epistles 2 (2)Biblical language studies: 12 hours
NTS 508 Introducing Foundation for Greek Exegesis (3)
NTS 509 Greek Reading and Syntax (3)
OTS 508 Introducing Foundation for Hebrew Exegesis (3)
OTS 509 Hebrew Reading and Syntax (3)Theological studies: 16 hours
CHS 505X Wisdom from Church History I (2)
CHS 505Y Wisdom from Church History II (2)
THS 501 Knowing the Triune God: Theology I (4)
THS 502 Glorifying the God of our Salvation: Theology II (4)
THS 503 Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III (2)
THS 508 Integrating Ministry and Theology (2)Ministerial studies: 20 hours
DIS 501 Communicating Christ in Culture (2)
DMS 501 Thinking Theologically about Ministry (2)
DMS 502 Introducing Theology and Practice of Worship (2)
DMS 506 Developing Godly Leadership for the 21st Century (2)
EMS 505 Growing Disciples Intentionally (2)
PTS 503 Practicing Evangelism and Apologetics (2)
PTS 504 Maximizing the Church’s Redemptive Influence (2)
PTS 507 Providing Pastoral Counseling (2)
PTS 508 Developing Strong Families (2)
PTS 510 Preparing and Preaching Expository Sermons (2)Mentored ministry: 6 hours
MFM 500 Discovering and Developing Ministry Potential (2)
MFM 501-504 Mentored Field Ministry (1+1+1+1)M.Div. Specialization or Elective Tracks (14 hrs)
The 14 hours of course work in the elective tracks may be taken in one of two ways: (1) a ministry specialization (minimum of 10 hours in expositional, pastoral, or Chinese ministry courses); or (2) an integrated sequence of electives chosen with faculty guidance. The choice among these three options is based on student goals, talents, God-given gifts, and prior experiences.MDiv program total: 90 hours
Ministry
Specialization Options
The intent of a ministry specialization is to further equip an individual with the skills, insights, and training experiences necessary for a distinctly defined ministry role. Like the divinity core, the ministry specializations are outcome-driven. Ten hours of course work reflect a thoughtful blend of required courses and restricted electives designed to impart the character, knowledge, and skill competencies deemed essential for each particular role. Choices from the restricted electives are informed by each student’s strengths, interests, and ministry goals, as identified in consultation with each specialization’s faculty mentor. More detailed statements of the outcomes
that guide each of the ministry specializations can be obtained by request from the Admissions Office.
Ministry specializations are currently offered in the following ministry roles: pastoral ministry and expositional ministry.
Students enrolled in ministry specializations also design their mentored field ministry practicum courses under the guidance of that specialization’s faculty mentor. These course experiences will further the development of gifts and skills for ministry identified in the specialization.
- Master of Divinity Expositional Ministry Specialization
- Master of Divinity Pastoral Ministry Specialization
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