Distance M.Div. Overview

Curriculum | 5 Year Paradigm | Academic Schedule | Projected Costs | E-Application

The University of Dubuque is the first seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to offer a Master of Divinity distance education program. This accredited distance degree program allows you to take the majority of classes from home.  Two-thirds of the courses are taught online over a five-year period.
           
The curriculum and faculty for the online M.Div. are the same as those in our residential program.  Interaction with instructors and other students occurs through email and discussion boards. Small classes encourage an intimate and productive learning environment.
 
Semesters begin with a two-week residential intensive in Dubuque followed by online courses. This gives new students an opportunity to meet and interact with classmates and the professors who are responsible for your online education. The friendships you’ll develop while taking your courses will last for years and your instruction will prepare you for a lifetime of service.

Online learning may not be for everyone. Learning styles are as unique as each individual. If you are self-motivated and disciplined, however, this may be the program that will allow you to pursue your vocation.

Class size is limited. If you’re interested in this program you should contact Ms. Peggy Sell, Director of Admissions, at 1.800.369.UDTS to explore your call.

M.Div. Curriculum

The Master of Divinity curriculum integrates theological studies with the practice of ministry to prepare faithful and effective pastors.   Students are required to successfully complete core courses in the three divisions of the seminary curriculum ~ Biblical, History/Theology, and Ministry ~ and interdisciplinary courses.  A cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 is required for graduation. 

The Distance M.Div. curriculum fulfills the same set of curricular goals as our residential program:

• 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.

Distance MDiv Program 5 Year Paradigm

Unlike the residential program, which is normally completed in three or four years, the distance program, which operates on a cohort model, takes five years to complete.  Fifty-nine credits are earned online and thirty-seven in residence.  The following schedule of courses for the online M.Div is subject to change.

Our distance M.Div. program at UDTS combines the convenience of online courses with the community of residential intensives. The following schedule provides the dates and duration for the online and residential portions. Note that the 2008-09 schedule includes pre and post load work for the 2nd year students during the August intensive. First year students do not have this requirement.

*Academic Schedule

*Schedule is subject to change.

Application Deadline is April 15th.

Projected Costs for Distance M.Div. Program
(Subject to change)

Application Fee:  $30 non-refundable
submitted with application

Enrollment Confirmation Fee:  $500 refundable upon graduation
payable within two weeks of acceptance into the program

Student Activity and Parking Fee:  $100 per semester
due July 27 and Dec. 17

Tuition:  $515 per credit hour

• August Intensive and Fall semester
  $4,635* due July 27
• January Intensive and Spring semester
  $4,635* due December 17

*  based upon full time student status

Intensive Sessions Room and Board:  approximately $750 per intensive
due July 27 and Dec. 17

Books and Supplies:  estimated at $1000 per year

Health Insurance:  Students must supply proof of health insurance coverage.  Students needing health insurance can sign up through our Student Accounts office.  The cost is $398 (single) for 2008-2009 school year.

Payment Options

We do take credit cards!
Call Student Accounts at 563.589.3208 directly to make a payment by phone. 

Checks payable to: 
University of Dubuque
Attn:  Student Accounts
2000 University Avenue
Dubuque, IA  52001

Financial Aid:
The only financial aid available now to Distance MDiv students is federal student loans.  Stafford Loans are need-based loans insured by the federal government and allow repayment to begin after graduation.  Students who are seeking federal loans must complete a FAFSA, available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our FAFSA code is 001891. FAFSA applications are due July 1. 

Students are encouraged to speak with their church and judicatory to determine if other financial support is available.