Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is the traditional seminary degree that will prepare you for a professional ministry leadership role and ordination, whether in a church or parachurch organization or in a specialized ministry setting. This comprehensive degree incorporates elements of both the Master of Theological Studies and Master of Arts in Practical Theology degrees, and is the standard prerequisite for the Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Philosophy and other post-graduate degrees. Students planning to pursue ordination or terminal degrees should consult providers of those opportunities to determine specific requirements.
The Master of Divinity degree prepares people for religious leadership or service in congregations and other settings, as well as for advanced degrees. The Master of Divinity (abbreviated as MDiv) is the standard nomenclature for this degree. The school may offer this degree with specializations or tracks and use those names in official publications, but the Commission recognizes and records this degree only as Master of Divinity.
The Master of Divinity degree is broadly and deeply attentive to the intellectual, human, spiritual, and vocational dimensions of student learning and formation in ways consistent with the school’s mission and theological commitments. The degree has clearly articulated learning outcomes that address each of the following four areas, though the school may use different terms for these areas: (a) religious heritage, including understanding of scripture, the theological traditions and history of the school’s faith community, and the broader heritage of other relevant religious traditions; (b) cultural context, including attention to cultural and social issues, to global awareness and engagement, and to the multi-faith and multicultural nature of the societies in which students may serve; (c) personal and spiritual formation, including development in personal faith, professional ethics, emotional maturity, moral integrity, and spirituality; and (d) religious and public leadership, including cultivating capacities for leading in ecclesial or denominational and public contexts and reflecting on leadership practices.
The Master of Divinity degree requires supervised practical experiences (e.g., practicum or internship) in areas related to the student’s vocational calling in order to achieve the learning outcomes of the degree program. These experiences are in settings that are appropriately chosen, well suited to the experience needed, and of sufficient duration. These experiences are also supervised by those who are appropriately qualified, professionally developed, and regularly evaluated.
The Master of Divinity degree program as a whole and each of its specific student learning outcomes are regularly evaluated, with the results discussed by faculty and used to improve student learning and formation.
