The M.Div. degree is the school's central degree, enrolling the majority of students who are preparing for professional ministry. The purpose of the degree is to provide leadership for the worldwide church by educating women and men in the classic disciplines of theological training-language competency, biblical exegesis, theological constructs, historical perspective, and ministry skills. The curriculum of the M.Div. degree, therefore, seeks to inculcate in students' knowledge and ability to:

• engage in biblical exegesis competently using the original languages of Greek and Hebrew;
• understand the historical and theological development of the Christian faith;
• expound and proclaim effectively the biblical message of redemption;
• develop skills appropriate for church leadership as a pastor, teacher, counselor, evangelist, chaplain, church planter, missionary, or other role as a leader; and
• appreciate and be committed to the worldwide proclamation of the gospel.

With the foundation of the Bible as the center of our entire instructional program, the M.Div. degree seeks to expose students to the breadth of disciplines necessary for ministry in the world today. The Division of Biblical Studies endeavors to prepare students to interpret the Bible accurately. The Division of Christian Thought endeavors to prepare students to think biblically about the issues of life, aided by historical perspective and theological reflection. The Division of the Ministry of the Church endeavors to train students to apply the Word of God through preaching, counseling, teaching, administering the life of the church, and giving pastoral care.

Designed primarily for individuals who expect to enter some form of ministry in the church, especially pastoral ministry, this program also prepares those interested in serving in parachurch ministries, as well as those considering doctoral studies. The M.Div. degree prepares students to meet ordination requirements for the major Protestant denominations in America, as well as hospital and military chaplaincy.

Students must complete 30 courses (90 credit hours), and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or more in order to graduate. Of the 30 courses, eleven must be completed in Biblical Studies (including Greek and Hebrew), seven in Christian Thought, ten in Ministry, and two as general electives. Options exist within each division for satisfying requirements. Some denominations also require a course in denominational standards which the seminary is pleased to offer in consultation with a given denomination as a general elective.

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Graduation Requirements

Students participating in the Master of Divinity degree must complete 30 courses, six units of Mentored Ministry, maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and be present for graduation exercises.

Degree Requirements

CORE REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates are required to complete eleven courses in the area of
Biblical Studies, seven courses in Christian Thought and eight courses in Ministry.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Each student must complete two elective courses.

MENTORED MINISTRY:
Students must complete six units of Mentored Ministry
(See Mentored Ministry under Ministry course descriptions in the Catalog).

DENOMINATIONAL STANDARDS:
Most denominations require a course in denominational standards. This is not a Seminary requirement, but the student should carefully observe the relevant requirement of his or her denomination.

BIBLE COMPETENCY:
All M.Div. students must demonstrate Bible competency either by
successfully completing the Old and/or New Testament Survey courses, or by
passing the Bible Competency Exams. Those who do not pass the Competency Exams, or elect not to sit for the exams will be required to complete OT 500,
Old Testament Survey and/or NT 501, New Testament Survey as electives.
(See Bible Competency Exams)

M.DIV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Please consult the following checksheet for a breakdown of course requirements.

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Click here to view the Master of Divinity Degree Checklist in Adobe PDF Format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader (required for viewing PDF files), you may download it for free from Adobe Systems.

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