Master of Divinity (MDiv)
MDiv Program Purpose
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is the normative professional degree to prepare persons for ordained ministry and for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings. The MDiv is also the required prerequisite degree for Doctor of Ministry programs and is the recommended graduate theological degree for those intending to pursue advanced theological research degrees (ThM, PhD). Trinity’s distinction is that our MDiv as a ministerial leadership degree heavily emphasizes general biblical and theological studies. Those persons anticipating ministerial leadership in the local church and other settings are likely best served by the MDiv degree. In dependence upon God, and with the diligence of students and faculty, graduates of the Master of Divinity program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School will be:
- Grounded in Scripture and the Gospel
As evidenced by:- An understanding of and commitment to the gospel and Evangelical orthodoxy within its historical context.
- An understanding of and commitment to Scripture as the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged.
- Hermeneutical competence in bringing Scripture, in its original languages, to bear on oneself, the church, and society.
- Growing in Christian Maturity and Faithfulness
As evidenced by:- A growing understanding of one’s own creatureliness, depravity, and Christian identity in the light of God’s grace.
- A growing dependence upon God’s grace through the regular practice of “means of grace” both privately and in Christian community.
- A life that demonstrates commitment to being a disciple of Christ and growing in obedience to his commands.
- A growing dependence on and submission to the Holy Spirit as is evidenced by fruit of the Spirit in the context of relationships.
- Equipped for Leadership and Pastoral Ministry
As evidenced by:- The ability to articulate a biblical vision for the local church and pastoral leadership; engaging the multifaceted challenges of ministry with integrity and growing wisdom.
- A growing proficiency in the ministry of the Word and the “care of souls,” both in corporate and individual contexts.
- An understanding of and commitment to a biblical strategy for educating, equipping, and leading the whole church toward Christian discipleship and maturity.
- An understanding of a biblical theology of Christian worship, as well as competence in planning and leading the corporate gatherings of the church.
- An understanding of one’s own gifts for ministry, reflection on God’s vocational leading, and a commitment to ongoing growth as a leader and minister.
- Able to Engage with a Diverse World for the Sake of the Gospel
As evidenced by:- An understanding of God’s historical-redemptive mission in the world and commitment to being a partner in that mission through word and deed.
- An understanding of and commitment to cross-cultural engagement for the sake of the gospel, critically reflecting on one’s own cultural biases and seeking to be a learner from other cultures for the sake of the gospel.
- Competence in “cultural exegesis,” both in reference to congregational culture and broader society.
Program Outcomes:
Students graduating with a Master of Divinity degree will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the Gospel and Evangelical orthodoxy within its historical context
- demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Scripture as the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged
- demonstrate hermeneutical competence in bringing Scripture, in its original languages, to bear on oneself, the church, and society
- demonstrate a growing understanding of one’s own creatureliness, depravity, and Christian identity in the light of God’s grace
- demonstrate a growing dependence upon God’s grace through the regular practice of “means of grace,” both privately and in Christian community
- demonstrate commitment to being a disciple of Christ and growing in obedience to his commands
- demonstrate a growing dependence on and submission to the Holy Spirit as is evidenced by fruit of the Spirit in the context of relationships
- demonstrate the ability to articulate a biblical vision for the local church and pastoral leadership engaging the multifaceted challenges of ministry with integrity and growing wisdom
- demonstrate a growing proficiency in the ministry of the Word and the “care of souls,” both in corporate and individual contexts
- demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to a biblical strategy for educating, equipping, and leading the whole church toward Christian discipleship and maturity
- demonstrate an understanding of a biblical theology of Christian worship as well as competence in planning and leading the corporate gatherings of the church
- demonstrate an understanding of one’s own gifts for ministry, reflection on God's vocational leading, and a commitment to ongoing growth as a leader and minister
- demonstrate an understanding of God’s historical-redemptive mission in the world and commitment to being a partner in that mission through word and deed
- demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to cross-cultural engagement for the sake of the Gospel, critically reflecting on one's own cultural biases and seeking to be a learner from other cultures for the sake of the Gospel
MDiv Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
In addition to the general admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the following further requirements are specific to the Master of Divinity program:
- The applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; however, since GPA is not always an accurate indication of an applicant’s abilities for graduate work, those with a lower GPA are encouraged to consult with our admissions counselors. Alternative evaluation is sometimes possible, as is admission status that will permit the applicant to demonstrate the ability to do graduate work.
- Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 2.5 and is required upon request from the Admission Office for others.
- A demonstrated working knowledge of the content of the English Bible by either
- Completion of a full beginning Greek sequence, normally involving two years of undergraduate study. If a Greek sequence has not been completed, several options are available to early meet this requirement. In all cases, students are required to complete the Greek Proficiency Exam for placement in the Greek Exegesis course sequence:
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Note: Complete the Standard Bible Content Test (SBCT) online by logging in to MyTIU > Academics > Exams for the instruction sheet. One must pass OT or NT sections of the SBCT at 70 percent or above (sections graded separately). If a section is failed, it may be taken only one additional time. If failed a second time, enrollment in the requisite OT 5000 or NT 5000 is required. The SBCT measures biblical competency at a level approximate to a Bible college undergraduate or strong evangelical Bible program in a liberal arts undergraduate college.
In every case, this demonstration of English Bible content knowledge must occur prior to enrolling in canon courses (OT 6251, OT 6252, OT 6253, NT 6251, NT 6252, NT 6253).
Preparation in Greek
If still completing undergraduate studies, it is advisable to incorporate Greek into your coursework. Students may also study Greek independently or through a repeatable online course (available through TEDS Online Distance Education Office). Additional study in syntax is usually recommended in conjunction with the DE course. A popular option is to complete Trinity’s beginning Greek sequence (NT 4030, NT 4031) offered in a July/August six-week summer session or during the first two fall/spring semesters of your enrollment. These are undergraduate-level courses not credited toward your graduate degree.
For those who have completed prior study, Greek proficiency is examined through a proficiency exam offered each spring and summer. Registration for the exam may be completed online at MyTIU > TEDS Academics > Exams > Greek Proficiency Exam. Placement in the appropriate level of Greek language sections is based on this exam.
Preparation in Hebrew
Matriculating MDiv students who have previously completed a minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Elementary Hebrew (graduate or undergraduate level) may demonstrate language proficiency by writing the Hebrew Language Proficiency Exam. Masters students who receive a passing grade of C (i.e., no less than 75%) on the exam will be deemed proficient and are authorized to register for OT 5242 Hebrew Exegesis. Students who receive a grade of C- or below (i.e., less than 75%) on the exam will be required to remediate their language deficiency. Upon recommendation of the department, the student will register for either OT 5240 Elementary Hebrew I and/or OT 5241 Elementary Hebrew II, depending on the nature of the deficiency.
For Masters students who qualify to write the Hebrew Language Proficiency Exam and who receive a passing grade of C (i.e., no less than 75%) or better on the exam, they will receive “advanced standing without credit” for OT 5240 Elementary Hebrew I (3 hrs.) and OT 5241 Elementary Hebrew II (3 hrs.), thus meeting the prerequisite for OT 5242 Hebrew Exegesis. Since the advanced standing is without credit, these hours must be fulfilled through additional OT electives in order to achieve the required hours for graduation.
MDiv and MA/TS Degree
TEDS students who have completed the MA (Theological Studies) degree program may apply all hours in the degree program to the MDiv. See Degree Combinations for details.
MDiv Residency Requirement
There is no residency requirement for the MDiv. However, remote learners are strongly encouraged to spend time on the Bannockburn campus either by way of modular courses or intensive courses in order to have a fuller Trinity experience.
The final 8 hours must be taken through Trinity.
MDiv Statute of Limitation
All Master of Divinity program requirements must be completed within eight years of matriculation into the program. Petition to extend the statute of limitation may be made by a student to the Academic Exceptions Committee.
MDiv Candidacy Requirements
Admission to the Master of Divinity program must be followed by achievement of candidacy for the degree. A minimum of 25 hours in the program and good academic standing are prerequisites to achieving candidacy. The student should normally attain candidacy by the end of the third semester of full-time study (or its equivalent, approximately 45 hours).
Electronic forms are used to track student progress toward fulfilling candidacy requirements. The candidacy process is designed to encourage active student learning and development, as well as assess the appropriateness of the student’s vocational goals in light of evident character, gifts, and abilities. The process is as follows:
- During the first semester of studies, students are to begin completing the candidacy requirements stipulated by the Master's Program Office. Initial requirements include completing a Ministry Track Declaration and the 1st Candidacy Interview (the first of two candidacy interviews with their faculty advisor). Students not completing these initial steps of the candidacy process by 25 hours may not register for further coursework.
- As one of the course requirements for PT 5100, students will develop a Personal and Professional Development Plan to be submitted with their 2nd Candidacy Interview form.
- One year of Formation Group participation is required as part of the MDiv candidacy process. It is strongly recommended that this requirement be completed in two consecutive semesters, normally the first two semesters for full-time students.
- After completing two semesters of Formation Group, students will write and submit a Development Plan Progress Report (with their Personal and Professional Development Plan attached) per instructions provided by the Master's Program Office and initiate the 2nd Candidacy Interview (the second formal interview with the faculty advisor).
- Following the second interview, the Master's Programs Director and the Student Life Committee review the recommendations from candidacy interviews, vocational and personality assessment, academic status, and related student files. MDiv candidacy will then either be granted or the prospective candidate will be contacted with any pending questions or conditions related to candidacy.
MDiv students not achieving candidacy by 60 hours (45 hours for AP MDiv students) may not register for further coursework.
If candidacy has been deferred, consultation must be made with the MDiv Director until pending questions related to readiness for candidacy are resolved. Failure to achieve candidacy may result in dismissal from a program or expulsion from the institution.
Should serious concerns regarding a student’s fitness for vocational ministry be raised subsequent to the granting of candidacy, candidacy may be revoked. The Director of the MDiv Program and the Student Life Committee will investigate grounds for these concerns and provide the student an opportunity to address them. If, upon further consideration, the Student Life Committee decides to revoke candidacy, appeal may be made to the TEDS’ Academic Dean, whose decision is final.
MDiv Graduation Requirements
The following requirements must be completed to earn the Master of Divinity degree:
- Complete the General Graduation Requirements for all master’s programs.
- Complete 87 semester hours required by the MDiv program with a minimum cumulative grade point average for program course work of 2.0, with no course work below a “C-” applicable to the degree.
- Complete all internship requirements.
- Complete all requirements for MDiv candidacy.
- Exemplify the character, emotional stability, maturity, and leadership ability that are essential to effective service in Christian ministry.
The curriculum begins in Scripture and Interpretation, our source for understanding how to develop effective ministry practice. The curriculum moves to Theology and Tradition, our considered formulations of biblical truth into a coherent theological framework. Next, the curriculum explores Worldview and Culture, our understanding and relation to God’s world. The curriculum culminates in Ministries and Practices, our theologically rooted skills and practices, in which students choose from one of six different foci for specialization in applied ministry skills. Additional elective hours provide opportunity for participants to further design a program suited to their ministry calling. The curriculum begins in biblical theology and culminates in a capstone seminar designed to address specific issues in ministry, thus moving from biblical foundations to ministry practice.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scripture and Interpretation | ||
| Our source | ||
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 3 |
| NT 5251 | Greek Exegesis I | 2 |
| NT 5252 | Greek Exegesis II | 2 |
| NT 5253 | Exegesis for Preaching | 2 |
| NT 6251 | Interpreting the Synoptics and Acts | 3 |
| NT 6252 | Interpreting Paul and General Epistles | 3 |
| NT 6253 | Interpreting Johannine Literature | 2 |
| OT 5240 | Elementary Hebrew I | 3 |
| OT 5241 | Elementary Hebrew II | 3 |
| OT 5242 | Hebrew Exegesis | 3 |
| OT 6251 | Interpreting the Pentateuch and Former Prophets | 3 |
| OT 6252 | Interpreting the Latter Prophets | 3 |
| OT 6253 | Interpreting the Writings | 3 |
| Theology and Tradition | ||
| Our considered formulations of biblical truth | ||
| CH 5051 | History of Christianity I | 3 |
| CH 5052 | History of Christianity II | 3 |
| or CH 5060 | American Church History | |
| ST 5201 | Theology I: The God of the Gospel | 3 |
| ST 5202 | Theology II: The Gospel of God | 3 |
| ST 7200 | Theological Ethics | 3 |
| Advanced Theological Course - Choose from: | 3 | |
| Seminar: Current Issues in Theology (eligible for 3rd MDiv Requirement) | ||
| Divine Action and the Doctrine of Providence | ||
| God in Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology | ||
| The Doctrine of the Trinity: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues | ||
| Models of Sanctification | ||
| Justification | ||
| Pneumatology | ||
| Christology: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues | ||
| The Doctrine of the Atonement: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues | ||
| Theologies of the Sacraments/Ordinances | ||
| Theologies of Prayer | ||
| Worldview and Culture | ||
| Our understanding of and relation to God's world | ||
| ID 6500 | Understanding the Social and Cultural Contexts of Ministry | 2 |
| ME 5000 | Foundations of Christian Mission | 2 |
| ME 5001 | Foundations of Evangelism | 2 |
| PR 5600 | Christian Faith and Contemporary Challenges | 2 |
| Ministries and Practice | ||
| Our theologically rooted skills and practices | ||
| CM 5000 | Intro to Counseling Ministries | 2 |
| CM 6000 | Issues in Counseling Ministries 1 | 1 |
| EM 5100 | Educational Ministries and Leadership | 3 |
| HM 6200 & HM 6201 | Theology and Methodology of Biblical Preaching and Preaching Lab | 2 |
| HM 7000 | Preaching from the Old Testament | 1 |
| ID 5080 | Formation Group (2 semesters; recommended during first two semesters) | 0 |
| PT 5100 | Spiritual Formation for Ministry | 2 |
| PT 7250 | Christian Worship and Pastoral Practices | 3 |
| PT 7481 | Internship I | 3 |
| Tracks | ||
| Select one of the two Tracks below | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 87 | |
Tracks
Church and Parachurch Ministry
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PT 7482 | Internship II 1 | 3 |
| or PT 7482 & PT 7483 | Internship II and Internship III | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Academic Ministry
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ID 8100 | Scholarship and the Christian Mind | 3 |
| Electives - 7000 or above | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
AP MDiv Purpose
The Advanced Placement MDiv (AP MDiv) is designed for graduates of an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts school who seek to build on an undergraduate ministry degree to complete the MDiv at TEDS, and provides opportunity to take additional advanced electives. To qualify, applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree in a field related to Christian ministry, pre-seminary studies, biblical studies, or theological studies in the past five years and have undergraduate coursework to satisfy Trinity prerequisites for the AP MDiv program (outlined below). Applicants with 15 or more hours of prerequisite deficiencies are not eligible for the AP MDiv but may apply to the standard MDiv program.
The requirements for the AP MDiv are the same as the regular MDiv, except as noted below.
AP MDiv Additional Requirements for Admission
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Seminary Studies, Christian or Pastoral Ministry, or a similar Christian ministry-based degree during the previous five years
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher with a grade of “B” or better in each required prerequisite course
- Documentation of completion of specific prerequisite courses below from the bachelor’s program
Applicants must complete the AP MDiv Supplemental Application (found online at https://www.tiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TEDSAPMDivSupplementalApp-MDiv_2017.pdf) describing completed course work.
Required Prerequisites
- Church history or history elective covering the broad scope of the history of the Christian church, from Acts to today: 6 hours
- Pastoral counseling, including lab counseling experiences: 2-3 hours
- Christian education or educational ministries in the local church: 3-4 hours
- Christian mission: 2-3 hours
- Evangelism: 2-3 hours
- Christian worldview & contemporary challenges core to Christian claims and responses to those challenges: 2-3 hours
- Biblical or systematic theology covering the scope of theology: 6 hours
- Students with three or more years of full-time ministry experience may apply for a waiver of internship requirements. See the Office of Supervised Ministries for details.
Optional Prerequisites
For applicants who majored in Biblical or Theological studies and who do not fulfill all required prerequisites, up to 6 hours of advanced Bible and/or theology courses (300-400 level) may be credited to the AP MDiv program as electives. Please note; however, that the total hours of prerequisites (required and optional) cannot exceed 25 hours. (Most students will not receive more than 15 hours of prerequisite credits.)
Recommended
Biblical Greek language: 6-8 hrs (two years)
Applicants with prerequisite deficiencies must complete the TEDS graduate-level MDiv course in addition to the required 75-hour curricula. All prerequisite deficiencies will be clearly articulated in the letter of admission. Advanced standing for credit is not available in this program. Waiver of Field Education deficiencies is not available in this program. Transfer coursework is generally not accepted in the AP MDiv.
Note: A student accepted in the AP MDiv program and later opting to change programs must complete Admissions Requirements and Program Prerequisites for the new program. AP MDiv waivers are not transferable.
AP MDiv Program Requirements
Initial Program Placement
Applicants who have completed undergraduate coursework in Greek or Hebrew must take the TEDS Greek and/or Hebrew placement exams for language placement. AP MDiv students are not required to take the Standard Bible Content Test as the criterion for English Bible competency is met through the undergraduate program.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scripture and Interpretation | ||
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 3 |
| NT 5251 | Greek Exegesis I | 2 |
| NT 5252 | Greek Exegesis II | 2 |
| NT 5253 | Exegesis for Preaching | 2 |
| NT 6251 | Interpreting the Synoptics and Acts | 3 |
| NT 6252 | Interpreting Paul and General Epistles | 3 |
| NT 6253 | Interpreting Johannine Literature | 2 |
| OT 5240 | Elementary Hebrew I | 3 |
| OT 5241 | Elementary Hebrew II | 3 |
| OT 5242 | Hebrew Exegesis | 3 |
| OT 6251 | Interpreting the Pentateuch and Former Prophets | 3 |
| OT 6252 | Interpreting the Latter Prophets | 3 |
| OT 6253 | Interpreting the Writings | 3 |
| Theology and Tradition | ||
| ST 7200 | Theological Ethics | 3 |
| Advanced Theological Course, Choose from: | 3 | |
| Seminar: Current Issues in Theology (eligible for 3rd MDiv Requirement) | ||
| Divine Action and the Doctrine of Providence | ||
| God in Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology | ||
| The Doctrine of the Trinity: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues | ||
| Models of Sanctification | ||
| Justification | ||
| Pneumatology | ||
| Christology: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues | ||
| The Doctrine of the Atonement: Classical Formulations and Contemporary Issues | ||
| Theologies of the Sacraments/Ordinances | ||
| Theologies of Prayer | ||
| Worldview and Culture | ||
| ID 6500 | Understanding the Social and Cultural Contexts of Ministry | 2 |
| Ministries and Practices | ||
| HM 6200 & HM 6201 | Theology and Methodology of Biblical Preaching and Preaching Lab | 2 |
| HM 7000 | Preaching from the Old Testament | 1 |
| ID 5080 | Formation Group (2 semesters) | 0 |
| PT 5100 | Spiritual Formation for Ministry | 2 |
| PT 7250 | Christian Worship and Pastoral Practices | 3 |
| PT 7481 | Internship I | 3 |
| Tracks | ||
| Select from one of two Tracks below | 3 | |
| Elective Courses 1 | 15 | |
| Total | 72 | |
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Prerequisite deficiencies cannot apply as electives in the AP MDiv. All AP MDiv electives must be 6000 level or above with the exception of all BE classes, EM 5210, EM 5510, CH 5060, CO 5210, and PT 5155. Exceptions are occasionally granted by the Program Director, but only if the course does not significantly overlap with undergraduate study.
Tracks
Church and Parachurch Ministry
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PT 7482 | Internship II 1 | 3 |
| or PT 7482 & PT 7483 | Internship II and Internship III | |
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Academic Ministry
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ID 8100 | Scholarship and the Christian Mind | 3 |
| Electives must be 7000 or higher | ||
| Total Hours | 3 | |
Suggested MDiv Course Sequence
Detailed suggested course sequences are available to students through the MDiv program office (online at MyTIU > TEDS Academics > Departments & Program Offices) and address a number of typical student scenarios. In general those entering the MDiv with all prerequisites met (English Bible competency, Greek) can anticipate approximately three years of full-time study for completion of the program. Those needing to complete prerequisites during their program can anticipate approximately four years. Students admitted to the AP MDiv without deficiencies (i.e., having all prerequisites completed) will generally find it feasible to complete the program in six consecutive semesters (including summers).
Overall, there are a host of variations to such templates, depending on the exact courses that are offered in a particular semester, the scheduling limitations of the student, and so on. In addition, summer school courses provide students opportunity to accelerate or catch up on program coursework.
Upon admission, students are encouraged to consult with the Academic Handbook, the MDiv Office (for resources and advisement), their faculty advisor and student colleagues. Note also particular course descriptions and catalog curricula, including any course prerequisites. Projected course schedules are published in MyTIU>TEDS Academics as soon as available. Generally all MDiv core courses are offered at least once each fall and/or spring semester, rotate through a three-year summer cycle, and rotate through a four-year evening school schedule. Field education requirements and the intense period of MDiv internship near the end of the program when accompanied by additional ministry responsibilities often lengthen a student’s program.