Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Description
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree is a three-year program enabling students to develop their ministerial leadership identity and skills. To provide guidance in this endeavor, the Faculty has identified six broad objectives for students pursuing the MDiv degree and has refined these objectives in specific required courses and the stated course objectives for each. Achieving these degree and course objectives is also designed to set students on a trajectory of life-long personal, spiritual, and professional growth in the arenas detailed in the Essential Leadership Characteristics identified by the Faculty.
This degree is offered at all campuses. See
below for list of concentrations offered.
Degree Objectives
By the completion of the MDiv the student will:
1. Exhibit an introductory graduate-level understanding of the Bible's content, contexts, structure, and message; and demonstrate the ability to conduct solid research with a goal of properly applying the Bible to modern life. (S1112, S1113, S1312, S1313, S1213, S1214, S1413, S1414, S2521)
2. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Christian historical, theological, and ethical frameworks commonly held in the believers' church tradition to sustain ministerial leadership to God's glory. (L1111, L1112, L1113, L1211, L1212, L1411)
3. Affirm God’s calling and explore areas of spiritual formation and self-awareness appropriate for ministry leadership. (P1111, P1115, P1116, P1121/22)
4. Demonstrate basic comprehension of the theology and theory and develop competence in the practice of pastoral care, counseling, proclamation, and worship leadership. (P1411, P1511, P1512, P1916)
5. Understand theory and develop practical skills to be effective in communicating and living the Gospel in ecclesiological, missional, and intercultural contexts. (I1113, I1211, I1311)
6. Demonstrate comprehension of effective leadership principles and Bible teaching skills in Christian education ministries. (E1113, E1312, E1314)
Vocational Roles
The Curriculum is designed to provide preparation for the following occupational roles: Pastor, Associate Pastor, Missional Strategist, Church Planter, Chaplain, Student or Collegiate Minister, Director of Missions, Denominational Worker, Evangelist, Social Work Minister, Parachurch Ministry Leader, Minister of Counseling or Outreach and Visitation, or Minister of Education.
Prerequisites
An appropriate accredited bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required.
Course Requirements
This section is designed to help you keep a record of courses taken and courses needed to complete your 90-hour MDIV degree.
| School of Theology |
Course # |
Hours |
| Old Testament Introduction I |
S1112 |
3 |
| Old Testament Introduction II |
S1113 |
3 |
| Introduction to Biblical Hebrew I |
S1213 |
2 |
| Introduction to Biblical Hebrew II |
S1214 |
2 |
| New Testament Introduction I |
S1312 |
3 |
| New Testament Introduction II |
S1313 |
3 |
| Introduction to Biblical Greek I |
S1413 |
2 |
| Introduction to Biblical Greek II |
S1414 |
2 |
| Biblical Hermeneutics |
S2521 |
2 |
| Church History I |
L1111 |
3 |
| Church History II |
L1112 |
3 |
| Baptist Heritage and Practice |
L1113 |
2 |
| Christian Theology I |
L1211 |
3 |
| Christian Theology II |
L1212 |
3 |
| Christian Ethics |
L1411 |
2 |
School of Christian Leadership |
| Foundations for Ministry |
P1111 |
2 |
| Integration into Ministry |
P1116 |
2 |
| Leadership in Ministry Practicum I* |
P1121 |
2 |
| Leadership in Ministry Practicum II* |
P1122 |
2 |
| Principles & Approaches to Bible Teaching |
E1113 |
3 |
| Ministry Leadership |
E1312 |
2 |
| Administration and Church Growth |
E1314 |
2 |
| Worship & Music in the Faith Community |
P1916 |
3 |
| Spiritual Formation |
P1115 |
2 |
| Introduction to Preaching or Introduction to Public Speaking |
P1411 or E1211 |
3 |
| Pastoral Ministry |
P1511 |
2 |
| Christian Counseling |
P1512 |
3 |
School of Global Missions |
| Intercultural Communication |
I1113 |
3 |
| Introduction to Missions |
I1211 |
3 |
| Basic Evangelism |
I1311 |
2 |
| Free Electives |
16 |
| Minimum hours to graduate |
90 |
*P1121 & P1122 (TFE) must be taken in two consecutive terms in a fall-spring sequence only. A total of 4 semester-hours credit for the courses will be given at the end of the second term. No credit is earned if both courses are not completed. Variable credit is available by contracting with the TFE Office and identified on the TFE Application. Students must remain in the same Peer Reflection Group for the two terms.
For full-time student verification, students must be registered for 9 semester hours in any given semester and 24 hours for the year. VA students, please see Registrar for full-time student verification and additional information.
Master of Divinity Concentrations
A Concentration consists of at least ten hours of specialized study focused on a designated academic area and/or vocational objective. Most can be achieved by utilizing the free electives in the standard MDIV so do not require lengthening the degree.