Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity is the foundational degree for Christian vocation. Our entire curriculum has been crafted in pursuit of learning and growing in love for the missional character of God and to train leaders to shepherd God’s people in His global Kingdom mission within each community’s distinct context.

It is through Missio’s MDiv that we are ever mindful of this rich, Gospel-shaped vision as we study the church, conscious that we do so as one small part of a global community that God’s Spirit has cultivated. We understand ourselves to be part of a conversation that encompasses not only Western Christianity but also the global church, not only our time but also the ages past, not only men but also women, not only the educationally and economically privileged but also the unprivileged.

All classes and programs are available on-line. The majority of our on-line classes are in a synchronous format. This means that you can engage with your professors and classmates from the comfort of your own home! For more information please contact our admissions department here.

Why choose our Master of Divinity degree?

One word – flexibility. The MDiv at Missio can be completed in as few as 3 years, attending class one night a week and one Saturday a month.

Missio currently offers five tracks for the MDiv program: Language, Pastoral Ministry, Urban Ministry, Counseling Concentration, and Missiology.

In our Language track, MDiv students pursue both reading of the Scriptures and theological reflection under the conviction that God has determined to unite all things in heaven and on earth in Jesus Christ. By learning Greek and Hebrew students get a snapshot of the past and better understand the redemptive-historical narrative that culminates in God’s taking on human flesh in Jesus Christ as His mission to restore His creation, especially human beings precious to Him.

In our Pastoral Ministry Track, students are prepared to be missional ministry leaders in contemporary cultural settings. This program is designed for the working professional as classes are generally scheduled in the evenings and on a few Saturdays. Along with engaging the culture, students in this program will receive practical training to help effect change within their current ministries.

In our Urban Ministry Track, students are prepared to develop an awareness of and appreciation for their social, political, economic, historical, and cultural context, enabling them to construct a theology that speaks to urban issues such as gentrification, racial reconciliation, community development, and systemic injustice.

In our Counseling Concentration Track, students are taught Bible and theology, as well as given basic counseling competencies to be used in a church environment. For the licensure-oriented program, see our Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program.

In our Missiology Track, students are equipped with the necessary tools in theology, anthropology, missiology, elenctics (Christian encounter with world religions), and communications for missiological engagement in various contexts. This track will benefit those desiring to be either a pastor or a missionary.

Available tracks and curriculum

Language Track Distinctives

Our foundational ministry degree opens up the most options for vocational ministry, and equips students for further academic and professional training (PhD or DMin degrees). It offers original biblical languages as a pathway for exegetical study of the scriptural text.

Core Courses – 63 Credits

Foundations
Hermeneutics
Reading the OT Missionally
Reading the NT Missionally
(5 out of 6 book studies:) Pentateuch, Prophets, Wisdom, Gospels, Acts and Pauline studies, and General Epistles
Theology 1, 2, and 3
World Christian History 1 and 2
Missiology
Formation and Mission
Leadership Development
Pastoral Counseling
Homiletics

Track Courses – 15 Credits

Hebrew 1 and 2
Greek 1 and 2
6th Bible book study (5 of 6 are core courses)

Electives – 12 Credits

3, 1-credit seminars offered every fall and spring

Other courses (9 credits, generally taken in summer)
Students may take any combination of classes to meet the 9 credit requirement. Please see our current term schedules for the classes being offered this year.

*Counseling ministry track students complete only three, 1-credit seminars

Notes regarding the program:

Students must take Formation and Mission within the first year (and preferably within the first nine credits). Students must pass the Bible Knowledge exam to qualify for graduation. Students who select the Master of Divinity program without a concentration may choose most of Missio’s offerings as electives.

Total Required Credits - 90

Pastoral Ministry Track Distinctives

Students are prepared to be missional ministry leaders in contemporary cultural settings. This program is designed for the working professional as classes are generally scheduled in the evenings and on a few Saturdays. Along with engaging the culture, students in this program will receive practical training to help effect change within their current ministries.

Core Courses – 63 Credits

Track Courses – 15 Credits

Organizations and Change
Community and Mission
Christianity and World Religions
Pastoral Skills
Advanced Homiletics

Electives – 12 Credits

3, 1-credit seminars offered every fall and spring

*Counseling ministry track students complete only three, 1-credit seminars

Notes regarding the program:

Total Required Credits - 90

Urban Ministry Track Distinctives

Students are prepared to develop an awareness of and appreciation for their social, political, economic, historical, and cultural context, enabling them to construct a theology that speaks to urban issues such as gentrification, racial reconciliation, community development, and systemic injustice.

Core Courses – 63 Credits

Track Courses – 15 Credits

Exegeting the City
Community and Mission
Christianity and World Religions
Anthropology
Difficult Issues in Counseling

Electives – 12 Credits

3, 1-credit seminars offered every fall and spring

*Counseling ministry track students complete only three, 1-credit seminars

Notes regarding the program:

Total Required Credits - 90

Counseling Concentration Track Distinctives

Students are taught Bible and theology, as well as given basic counseling competencies to be used in a church environment. For the licensure-oriented program, see our Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program.

Core Courses – 63 Credits

Ministry Courses – 15 Credits

Organizations and Change
Community and Mission
Christianity and World Religions
Pastoral Skills
Advanced Homiletics

Electives – 12 Credits

3, 1-credit seminars offered every fall and spring

*Counseling ministry track students complete only three, 1-credit seminars

Notes regarding the program:

Students must take Formation and Mission within the first year (and preferably within the first nine credits). Students must pass the Bible Knowledge exam to qualify for graduation. Students who select the Master of Divinity program without a concentration, may choose most of Missio’s offerings as electives.

Total Required Credits - 90

Missiology Track Distinctives

Students are equipped with the necessary tools in theology, anthropology, missiology, elenctics (Christian encounter with world religions), and communications for missiological engagement in various contexts. This track will benefit those desiring to be either a pastor or a missionary.

Core Courses – 57 Credits

Track Courses – 15 Credits

Contextual Theology and Constructive Local Theology
Christian Encounter with World Religions
Globalization, Urbanization, and World Christianity
Mission Anthropology
Missiological Practicum

Electives – 12 Credits

3, 1-credit seminars offered every fall and spring

*Counseling ministry track students complete only three, 1-credit seminars

Notes regarding the program:

Total Required Credits - 90

How long will it take?

The Master of Divinity program can be completed in three years. However students may pursue the program on a part-time basis for all or part of their course of study.

What are the entrance requirements?

Missio welcomes men and women who have or are about to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Prior study in Bible or theology is not required. International applicants have additional requirements that are posted on our website.

The admissions committee assesses each applicant on the basis of academic ability, personal characteristics, and educational and ministry goals and objectives.

Ready to start your journey?

Whether you are looking for more information regarding a program, scheduling a visit, starting the application process, or just wanting to talk to someone about your dreams, our admissions department is always available to assist you and answer any question that you might have.

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