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. CurriculumThe 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 ParadigmUnlike 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. *Paradigm is subject to change. Year 1 | | | August Intensive | Fall Semester | January Intensive | Spring Semester | | | ~ IN521 SFG (Spiritual Formation Group) (1) | ~ BI502 New Testament Greek I (3) | ~ IN522 SFG (1) | ~ BI550 New Testament Introduction (3) | | | ~ MN593 Technology in Ministry (1)
| ~ BI511 Old Testament Introduction (3)
| ~ BI504 New Testament Greek II (2) | ~ IN 581 Theology of Mission and Evangelism (3)
| | | ~ MN564 Theological Research (1)
| | | | | | | Year 2 | | | August Intensive | Fall Semester | January Intensive | Spring Semester |
| ~ MN501 Foundations of Worship (3)
| ~ BI657 New Testament Exegesis I (3)
| ~ BI658 New Testament Exegesis II (3)
| ~ MN555 Presbyterian Polity (3) [or denominational elective] |
| ~ BI546 Bible Survey (1)
| ~ HT500 Early and Medieval Church History (3)
| ~ 1 credit elective (TBA) | ~ HT502 Reformation and Modern Church History (3) | | | | Year 3 | | | August Intensive | Fall Semester | January Intensive | Spring Semester |
| ~ MN640 Foundations of Preaching (3)
| ~ BI500 Hebrew I (3) [or BI540 OT English Exegesis] | ~ IN782 Evangelism and Mission in Context (3) | ~ BI503 Hebrew II (3) [or OT Exegesis] |
| ~ 1 credit elective (TBA) | ~ HT540 Christian Doctrine I (3)
| ~ 1 credit elective (TBA) | ~ HT556 Christian Doctrine II (3)
| | | | Year 4 | | | August Intensive | Fall Semester | January Intensive | Spring Semester |
| ~ MN572 Foundations of Pastoral Care (3)
| ~ HT615 Presbyterian History and Confessions (3)
[or denominational elective] | ~ MNxxx Advanced Preaching (2)
| ~ MN709 Worship in the Reformed Tradition [or denominational elective] | | | ~ FE600 Essential Functions of the Pastor(1) | ~ FE670 SPM I (1) | ~ HT688 Social Ethics (2)
| ~ FE670 SPM II (1) | | | | ~ 2 credit elective (TBA, Bible Div.) | | ~ FE602 Understanding Context & Change (1)
| | | | |
| ~ 1 credit elective (TBA) | | | Year 5 | | | August Intensive | Fall Semester | January Intensive | Spring Semester |
| ~ MN530 Discipleship and Teaching (3)
| ~ FE670 SPM III (1)
| ~ Bixxx OT/Biblical Theology (2)
| ~ IN783 Missional Church (2)
|
| ~ 1 credit elective (TBA) | ~FE603 Clergy Ethics (1) | ~ IN722 SFG III (1)
| ~ FE670 SPM IV (1) | | | | ~ HT775 Theology of John Calvin (3) [or denominational elective] |
| ~ FE604 Pastoral Identity (1)
| | | | | | ~ Capstone Elective (2):
[HT/MN612 The Ministerial Vocation or HT647- Redeeming the Routines] |
Our distance M.Div. program at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary 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 2009-10 schedule includes pre and post load work for the 2nd year students during the August intensive. First year students do not have this requirement. *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 nonrefundable fee, applied to account upon matriculation
payable within two weeks of acceptance into the program Student Activity and Parking Fee: $155 per semester
due July 27 and Dec. 17 Tuition: $560 per credit hour - August Intensive and Fall semester
due July 27 - January Intensive and Spring semester
due December 17
* based upon full time student status Intensive Sessions Room: approximately $750 per intensive
due July 27 and Dec. 17 Food: Select meal plan Books and Supplies: estimated at $1000 per year Health Insurance:
Students are encouraged to supply proof of health insurance coverage. Payment OptionsWe 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. | 
