The Master of Divinity is a professional degree designed to help men and women preparing for Christian ministry and especially congregational ministry.  This degree is required for ordination by many denominations. The online and intensive residential degree provides flexibility and accessibility and can be completed in three years of full-time study combined with the practice of ministry.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum for the M.Div. represents a significant turn in theological education.  The program interweaves important values for the spiritual, intellectual and practical formation of students for ministry:

• a congregational-centered model of theological education
• flexible and accessible to traditional as well as underserved ministry condidates
• students in an accountable ministry site throughout the degree
• diverse preparation for ministry
• competency-based, developmental education
• teaching congregations and local mentors as key partners
• emphasis on community building.

The five primary learning goals for this degree are the following:

• Students will learn to think critically and creatively about the Christian faith.
• Students will gain the skills and knowledge in the fields of theology, church history, ethics, and Biblical studies that are needed for effective leadership in the Christian community.
• Students will gain specific pastoral and leadership skills appropriate to ordained ministry, including teaching, preaching, and pastoral care.
• Students will learn to appropriate the Gospel for their varying contexts.
• Students will learn to integrate the spiritual, intellectual, and practical aspects of ministry.

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Level 1 – Apprentice Level                                                                        Credit Hours

Areas of Ministry

Succeeding in Seminary                                                                                                     2

Interpreting the Scriptures for the Church                                                                    10

Interpreting the Past for the Church                                                                               4

Interpreting the Faith for the Church                                                                             10

Interpreting the Behavior of the Church                                                                         4

Leading the Church through Care                                                                                    4

Leading the Church in Worship                                                                                        6

Leading the Church into Mission                                                                                     6

Leading the Church in Formation                                                                                    4

Total for Apprentice Level                                                                                   50

Level 2 – Journeyer Level                                                                            18

Level 3 – Master Level – Capstone Project                                             6

Covenant Groups                                                                                              2

Total Credit Hours for M.Div. Degree                                                               76

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View the Complete MDiv Curriculum Overview »

View the MDiv Curriculum Worksheet »

View the Complete MDiv Capstone Project »

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♦ UPDATED: August 14, 2012