Master of Divinity (MDiv)

The M.Div. is a three-year master’s degree that is designed to help people enhance and develop inclusive and justice-oriented ministries in the 21st century. It is a the primary degree designed for people pursuing ordained and specialized ministries in congregational, chaplaincy, non-profit and other various contexts. They will engage a comprehensive range of ministerial responsibilities, skills and capacities – intellectual and affective, individual and corporate, ecclesial and public – that inform and support a life of prophetic religious leadership.

Years Full Time

Year Part Time

Quarter Credits

Tuition Cost Per Year

Daniel Klawitter

Email: dklawitter@iliff.edu
Phone: 303-765-3118

Who should pursue a Master of Divinity from Iliff?

Those interested in serving in professional ministry leadership, including pastoral and congregational ministry, chaplaincy, advocacy, or nonprofit leadership, the Master of Divinity might be the right degree for you. The MDiv is the primary degree essential for meeting the educational requirements for those seeking ordination in most traditions and is often required for chaplaincy positions.

MDiv Graduates Lead In

  • Pastoral and congregational leadership – senior pastors, associate pastors, local church pastors, ordained clergy, youth and young adult ministers, religious educators
  • Chaplaincy – spiritual caregivers in hospitals, hospice care, prisons, military, corporate environments
  • Advocacy, Public Sector and Nonprofit Leadership – executive directors, diversity officers, community organizers, entrepreneurs, social justice policy makers, and development officers
  • Higher Education – campus chaplains and ministers, directors of programs, senior level administration, student affairs, admissions officers
  • Meet our students

Degree Requirements

The MDiv offers an opportunity to engage in a full array of theological studies, including an internship and personal and professional formation. Students must meet the requirements as specified in the Student Handbook of their year of matriculation. Degree requirements for previous years can be found at the bottom of the online Student Handbook main page. For specific denominational requirements, click here.

Requirements for Specific Denominations

Whatever denomination you belong to or whether you belong to a faith tradition or not, Iliff welcomes you to our community. Specific requirements and decisions regarding ordination or other certifications are managed by each of their denominations. Students are encouraged to learn their denominational processes and requirements and to use this knowledge in selecting their degree program and courses. Visit our Denominational Relationships, Ordination, and Certification page to find out more.

Requirements Include

  • First Year Interdisciplinary Seminar (4 Credits)
  • Core Areas (48 Credits) 2 courses from each of the six curricular areas
  • Personal and Professional Formation Courses (4 Credits)
  • Internship (12 Credits)
  • Other/Elective Courses (52 Credits)

Core Areas

  • Comparative Religious Traditions
  • Sacred Texts
  • Social/Ethical Analysis
  • Historical Development/Exploration of Religious Traditions
  • Constructive Theology
  • Theology and Religious Practices

Example Classes in the MDiv Program

  • Hebrew Bible and New Testament Literature
  • Practical Theology
  • Feminist Theology
  • Media, Religion, and Culture
  • Preacher as Self: Cultivating an Authentic Voice
  • Ancient and Emerging Practices
  • More information – Student Handbook