Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity is the basic degree oriented toward ministerial leadership. The purpose of this program is to develop Christian leaders to interpret God’s Word (Biblically and theologically), engage God’s world (historically and culturally), do God’s work (locally and globally), and explore God’s will (individually and communally). This three-year, 75-hour program allows students to pursue these four foundational themes for leadership ministry through a series of core courses and electives as noted below.
1. Interpreting God's Word *
21
BI 501 Introduction to God’s Word **
3
BI 810 Biblical Interpretation for Ministry
3
NT 610 Interpreting the New Testament:
Greek Basics
3
NT 611 Interpreting the NT: Greek Exegesis
3
OT 610 Interpreting the Old Testament:
Hebrew Basics
3
OT 611Interpreting the OT: Hebrew Exegesis
3
TH 600 Turning Points in Systematic Theology
3
2. Engaging God's World *
15
BI 610 Scripture in Context
3
CH 701 Christianity through the Ages
3
CH 801 Implementing Restoration Movement
Principles
3
IC 603 Intercultural Insights for Ministry
and Missions
3
TH 710 Insights for Ministering to
Contemporary Minds
3
3. Doing God's Work *
18
CD 700 Principles for Growing Healthy
Churches
3
CE 801 Teaching Ministry of the Church
3
LS 602 Biblical Leadership for Today
3
WS 705
Foundations for Worship Ministry
3
PC 600 Basic Types of Counseling Ministry
3
PR 601 Preparing to Preach
3
4. Exploring God's Will *
21
LS 600 Lifelong Learning for Leaders ***
3
LS 601 Shaping the Heart of a Leader
3
LS 701 Mentored Ministry Experience
3
Electives/Major
^
12
TOTAL
75
Notes to Master of Divinity program:
* Any of the core (required) courses listed in any of the four parts of the Master of Divinity program above may be replaced with another course in the same area (i.e. with the same course prefix) upon the approval of the student’s faculty advisor. Exceptions are LS600, NT610, and OT610, which require proficiency exams (contact Seminary Office) and which then allow students to take any elective course in their place. Students who demonstrate proficiency in NT610 or in OT610 must still take either NT611 or OT611, or an exegetical course in that area.
** Students with an undergraduate major in Bible may substitute any 3- hour elective course in lieu of BI501, thus reducing the first part of their program from 21 hours to 18 and increasing the fourth part of their program from 21 hours to 24 (i.e. 15 hours of electives instead of 12). Students without an undergraduate major in Bible may choose to proficiency out of BI501 by successfully completing a Bible knowledge exam (available from the Registrar’s Office).
*** This course serves as an academic introduction to Seminary studies and lifelong learning and is offered as a semester-long course each fall, as an intensive course in January, or via video. Students may also proficiency out of this course (see note above and “Proficiency” policy in Chapter 5) and substitute any elective.
^ Students may choose all 12 hours of their electives in one area of study in order to graduate with a specialization in their Master of Divinity program or choose courses from a variety of areas. Students may also complete up to 9 of these 12 elective hours in practicum-based experiences on the field by enrolling in LS890 Leadership Ministry Practicum.