The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is the basic professional theological degree. The program is typically completed in three years. The M.Div. is designed to prepare men and women for ordination into the Christian ministry. However, not all students pursuing an M.Div. degree feel called to ordination. Some desire to teach. Others desire to serve in some form of extension ministry. Many are still discerning where God is calling them.

Academic Requirements

The M.Div. has four basic requirements - academic preparation, spiritual formation, field education and compilation of a student portfolio. All four requirements are designed to work together to not only teach or touch a student, but to literally transform them - preparing them to go and transform God’s people.

The four requirements are:

  1. Academic: Twenty-four courses and six or more semesters of residency are required for graduation. Of these twenty-four courses, the Divinity School selects twelve requirements. Each student then selects twelve electives.
  2. Field Education: Each student is required to complete two approved units of field education.
  3. Spiritual Formation: All M.Div. students are required to participate in a spiritual formation group during their first year of seminary.
  4. Student Portfolio: All M.Div. students are required to compile a portfolio consisting of certain papers with faculty feedback, evaluations from field education and spiritual formation leaders, and student reflections. The portfolio will be reviewed by a faculty member twice during the program. The portfolio will demonstrate the formation of the student in the areas of exegesis of Christian texts, the ability to think theologically, cultivation of spiritual disciplines, and preparedness for ministry.
Admissions Requirements

Those persons are encouraged to apply:

  • who have or will have been awarded a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to their intended date of enrollment
  • who have attained at least an overall B- (2.75 on 4.0 scale) academic average
  • who are committed to some form of ordained or lay ministry

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of academic attainment, future promise for ministry, and vocational clarity and commitment.

Application information and deadlines