AN 84-HOUR NON-THESIS PROGRAM
Adviser: Dr. Tim Sensing
The Master of Divinity is the basic degree in theological education. This degree is a comprehensive program of studies designed to prepare graduates to serve as pulpit ministers, counselors, Christian educators, campus ministers, other ministers of the church, and chaplains, and it provides the foundation for the Ph. D., Th. D., and D. Min. degrees. This three-year program (84 hours) seeks to provide a knowledge of the Bible and related disciplines, to integrate the knowledge of these disciplines with the skills for various ministries, and to provide the opportunity for spiritual formation. Co-curricular experiences, such as the mentoring program and the Supervised Practice of Ministry, seek to nurture the whole person in preparation for ministry.
The Master of Arts in Missions (MAMI), the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM), and the Master of Divinity (MDIV) are formational degrees. It is critical that students preparing for ministry imporve in their academic, personal, and professional formation. Therefore, upon completion of 21-27 hours, students will be required to apply for candidacy to the MAMI, MACM, AND MDIV programs. To access this application click on the following link. Application for Candidacy
Degree Requirements
M. Div. CompetanciesNo prerequisites in Bible and Religion are required for the Master of Divinity.
Tools (15 hours)
- BHEB 671 Introduction to Hebrew
- BHEB 672 Introduction to Hebrew
- BGRK 611 Elementary New Testament Greek
- BGRK 612 Elementary New Testament Greek
- BIBL 627 Biblical Exegesis
Advanced placement by exam is possible for students who have completed Greek and Hebrew. Students who have taken Biblical Exegesis at the undergraduate level may substitute another course for Biblical Exegesis.
Bible (21 hours)
- BGRK 621 Intermediate Greek OR
BIBH 681 Intermediate Hebrew
- BIBL 610 Advanced Introduction to the Old Testament
- BIBL 620 Advanced Introduction to the New Testament
- BIBL 684 New Testament Hermeneutics
- BIBL 611 OT Theology OR BIBL 621 NT Theology OR Text Elective
Electives (6 hours)
Advanced Introduction to the Old Testament and New Testament will focus primarily on the theological issues of the OT and NT.
History and Theology (15 hours)
- BIBH 651 History of Christianity I: Early and Medieval
- BIBH 652 History of Christianity II: Reformation to Present
- BIBD 660 Introduction to Systematic Theology I
- BIBH 664 Advanced Restoration History
BIBD 661 Introduction to Systematic Theology II OR Any THEO/PHIL
Ministry (21 hours)
- BIBM 607 Introduction to Christian Ministry
BIBM 670 Worship OR
BIBM 648 Christian Spiritual Formation
Ministry Courses -- 3 hours
Mission/Evangelism course -- 3 hours
Preaching/Communication course - 3 hours
- BIBM 651 - 652, 656 Supervised Practice of Ministry (1 hour each)
- BIBM 629 Field Work
BIBD 672 Introduction to Graduate Studies (Required if the undergraduate degree is not in Biblical studies. Must be taken within first 12 hours.)
General Electives (9 hours)
Comprehensive Examinations
During the last semester of course work, each student must take 6 hours of oral exams relating their academic work to ministry. Orals are generally scheduled in April and November of each year.
English Bible Requirement
All students are required to take an exam over the English Bible prior to entering the second calendar year of the M.Div. program. This exam will involve knowing a basic outline of each book of the Bible as well as basic themes, key interpretive issues, and selected texts of each book. Students who do not pass this exam must complete it successfully during the semester after the exam is first administered. Students who do not pass this second exam will not be able to enroll in classes until the exam is successfully completed.
Missions Emphasis
Students planning to do mission work may pursue a mission emphasis M. Div. For the specific course work, see the MASTER OF DIVINITY (MISSIONS TRACK) .
