Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) 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.

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 611 Interpreting the OT: Hebrew Exegesis 3
TH 600 Turning Points in Systematic Theology 3
BI 610 Scripture in Context 3
CH 600 Christianity through the Ages 3
CH 801 Implementing Restoration Movement Principles Today 3
IC 603 Intercultural Insights for Ministry and Missions 3
TH 710 Insights for Ministering to Contemporary Minds 3
CE 600 Teaching Ministry of the Church 3
LS 602 Biblical Leadership for Today 3
LS 800 Shaping the Ministry of a Leader** 3
PC 600 Basic Types of Counseling Ministry 3
PR 601 Preparing to Preach 3
WS 705 Foundations for Worship Ministry 3
LS 501 Graduate Research and Writing 0
LS 601 Shaping the Heart of a Leader*** 3
LS 701 Mentored Ministry Experience 3
Electives#
15 credit hours
75 credit hours

NOTE: Students who have had course work comparable to any of the core (required) courses listed in the Master of Divinity program and have passed those courses with a “C” or better may substitute another course in the same area with the approval of the student’s faculty adviser. Exceptions are NT 610, and OT 610, which require proficiency exams (contact Seminary Office) and allow students to take any elective course in their place. Students who demonstrate proficiency in NT 610 or in OT 610 must still take either NT 611 or OT 611, or an exegetical course in that area.

*Students with an undergraduate degree from a Bible college may substitute a Bible or theology course for this requirement. Students without a Bible college degree may proficiency out of this course and substitute a Bible/Theology elective. See page 21 for proficiency information.

**LS800 is designed to be a capstone course and is intended to be taken during the last year of the MDiv program.

***Students are strongly encouraged to take LS601 during their first or second semester of study. This course is foundational and needs to be completed early in the program.

#Students work with an advisor to make selections. They may choose all 15 hours of their electives in one area of study in order to graduate with a specialization in the Master of Divinity program or choose courses from a variety of areas. Students may also complete up to 9 of these 15 elective hours in practicum-based experiences on the field by enrolling in LS890 Leadership Ministry Practicum.