Residential Degree Program

Curriculum | Course Requirements | Residential 4 Year MDiv Paradigm

The Master of Divinity degree roots Christian leaders in the Scriptures, tradition, and practices of the church with an overarching focus on building missional communities that form fervent disciples. The MDiv prepares people for ordination in most Protestant communions. The residential program, designed especially for working adults, can be completed in four years. By creating hybrid classes that marshal the best in distance and residential pedagogy, the MDiv can be earned by coming to campus for the annual August Residency and for residential courses each Monday of the fall and spring semesters.

Curriculum

The Master of Divinity curriculum integrates theological studies with the practice of ministry to prepare faithful and effective pastors:

• Nurture habits and disciplines of study, prayer and reflection that increase their love of God and neighbor and shape their personal and professional lives.
• Be formed by, live in, and minister out of scripture and the historical and theological tradition of the church
• Interpret the Christian Scriptures through faithful exegesis and in light of the Christian tradition
• Preach the Word of God with faithfulness and clarity.
• Lead worship and administer the sacraments with theological integrity and to the glory of God.
• Engage contemporary theological and ethical issues with insight and humility.
• Evangelize the world with faithfulness and contextual sensitivity.
• Educate and equip individuals and congregations to live and minister joyfully and faithfully as part of their own denomination and the ecumenical church.
• Provide pastoral care for individuals and congregations in daily life and moments of transition and crisis.
• Lead and nurture congregations to promote peace and justice in the public arena and encourage the witness and service of the church in mission to the world.
• Integrate theology and practice in all areas of life and ministry.

In this, the seminary seeks to advance the great ends of the church: "the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness, and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world." (PC(U.S.A.) Book of Order)

Course Requirements

The Master of Divinity curriculum roots Christian leaders in the Scriptures, tradition, and practices of the church with an overarching focus on building missional communities that form fervent disciples. Students in the Master of Divinity program are required to complete 75 credit hours. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 is required for graduation. In addition, MDiv students are required to successfully complete core courses in the three divisions of the seminary curriculum, Bible, History/Theology and Ministry, as well as SPM and Integrative courses. These include:

Maximum semester credit load for residential students: 15 credits
Full time for Financial Aid: 6 credits per semester