Master of Divinity

M.Div. Overview
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Students interested in preparing for effective ministerial and public leadership often select the specialized study found in the Master of Divinity program. The Master of Divinity is founded on the educational disciplines of professional ministry as well as the scholarly fields of biblical studies and theology. The curriculum for this program attends to various sub-categories within theological disciplines – biblical, historical, systematic, and practical theology. Students are required to complete 96 graduate credits.

Description
The M.Div. is a 96-hour program designed to provide in-depth biblical and practical preparation for those desiring to minister in churches or parachurch organizations, whether in the United States or abroad. This program consists of 12 hours of coursework and six hours of internship credit. The program is focused upon Bible and ministry. Attention is given to courses in Bible analysis, biblical and systematic theology, church history, ministry, preaching and a user-friendly approach to the study of biblical languages. In this focus, the program features the academic application of biblical truths to the practical problems graduates face in ministry around the world. By providing an understanding of the Scriptures, followed by the integration of this knowledge with modern strategies for ministry, the program seeks to provide the capabilities needed for ministry. Ministry skills, as well as effective written and verbal expression, are highlighted.

*Advanced standing, validation, and transfer credit are available; see Special Credit Options.

Goals
The program seeks to foster growth in three areas of student life: academic, professional and relational.

Academic
The program enables the student to develop intellectually. The criteria to determine intellectual ability are the student's capacity to demonstrate practical working knowledge of computer-based analysis of the Hebrew and Greek biblical text and articulate traditional evangelical doctrinal beliefs.

Professional
The criterion to determine professional ability is the capacity to incorporate biblical knowledge with preaching skills, so that the Scriptures are communicated with accuracy and relevance. Also, students will have opportunities to develop their skills under guided supervision through an internship.

Relational
The program enables the student to develop relationally. The criterion to determine relational ability is the capacity to demonstrate satisfactory character for a vocational Christian field worker during internship experiences.

In Action
The Master of Divinity program is designed to provide in-depth biblical and practical preparation for those desiring to minister in churches or Christian organizations, whether in the United States or abroad. Some of the ministry positions that graduates have pursued are: Pastor, Associate Pastor, Christian Education Director, Youth Pastor, Women’s Ministry Director, Bible Teacher, Bible Researcher, Missionary, Church Planter, Christian Service Organization Employee, Christian School Administrator, Chaplain, Relief Worker and Pastoral Counselor.