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Explore: Degree Programs Overview

Master of Divinity 

Curricular GoalsCharles and Ramona Myers Center at night

The Master of Divinity curriculum integrates theological studies with the practice of ministry to prepare faithful and effective pastors:

  • 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.
Course of Study

The Master of Divinity curriculum roots Christian leaders in the Scriptures, tradition, and practices of the church with an overarching focus on building missional communities that form fervent disciples. Students in the Master of Divinity program are required to complete 75 credit hours. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 is required for graduation. In addition, MDiv students are required to successfully complete core courses in the three divisions of the seminary curriculum, Bible, History/Theology and Ministry, as well as SPM and Integrative courses. These include:


Two people walking near Stoltz Sports Center at UD

Bible (12 credits):
God's Word: The Old Testament (3)
God's Word: The New Testament (3)
Old Testament Exegesis (3)
New Testament Exegesis (3)

History/Theology (12 credits):
Early and Medieval Church History (3)
Reformation and Modern Church History (3)
What Christians Believe: Christian Doctrine I (3)
What Christians Believe: Christian Doctrine II (3)

Ministry (12 credits):
Caregiving (3)
Proclaiming the Word (3)
Making Disciples (3)
Leading Worship (3)

Field Education (6 credits):
Pastoral Leadership (1)
Leadership Ethics (1)
Christian Leadership in Context (1)
Supervised Practice of Ministry (3)

Integrative (12 credits):
God's Redemptive Mission (4)
Gospel in Context (3)
Starting Missional Communities (3)
Disciple Formation (2)

Electives:
21 or more credits (3 of which must be Bible)


Sample Paradigms

MDIV 3-Year Paradigm

MDIV 4-Year Paradigm


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