Master of Divinity
The program leading to the Master of Divinity degree provides professional theological education for qualified college graduates in preparation for the practice of ministry and other forms of religious leadership.
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of those preparing for ordained ministry or other forms of contemporary religious leadership. It acknowledges the ideological, ethnic and cultural diversity of Christianity; examining its traditions and contemporary circumstances in a global context and in relation to other religious faiths. Students are encouraged through these courses to be self-conscious about their own moral environments, to think critically about their assumptions, and to develop theological frameworks for their participation in the processes of changing ideas, personal relationships, and social structures. The traditions of Christianity serve as the primary context for developing the practice of ministry.
The curriculum is organized into five sequences. Each sequence has a thematic focus, and the courses within the sequence explore its diverse dimensions.
- Sequence 1: Religions in a Changing World
- Sequence 2: Bible, Canons, and Criticism
- Sequence 3: Christianity and Cultures in Historical Perspective
- Sequence 4: Theology and Moral Practice
- Sequence 5: Religious Leadership and Christian Ministry
The Master of Divinity degree requires at least 120 quarter credits (or 80 quarter credits and a two-year theological degree from an accredited seminary) with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. These include:
- 61 credits from required Sequence courses
- 9 credits in Personal and Professional Formation
- At least 50 elective credits
Students wishing to write a master’s thesis may petition to do so.
For greater detail, read the Masters Student Handbook.
