Master of Divinity: (72 credit hours)
The Master of Divinity program is designed for men and women preparing for pastoral ministry with a well-rounded curriculum in biblical studies, theology, church history, and church ministries. The M.Div. can be completed with as little as three years of full-time study and up to seven years of part-time study. Students will develop biblical and theological competence, as well as prepare students for a variety of ministries and vocations including pastorate, chaplaincy, teaching, and other related careers. The M.Div is available in six tracks: General Studies, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Biblical/Theological Studies, and Leadership Studies.
Download the MDIV: General Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
The Intercultural Studies concentration equips leaders with an understanding of God’s mission for the Church and the interpersonal and intercultural communication skills essential for productive ministry in cross-cultural settings at home and abroad. The program integrates a range of disciplines and methodologies that inform and affect the task of world evangelization, the planting and nurturing of the Church, and the discipling of God’s people. It also trains, empowers, and prepares missionaries and other cross-cultural workers for roles in the intercultural application of theological education, education abroad, chaplaincy, community involvement, and the development of leaders.
Download the MDIV: Intercultural Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
The Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration responds to the urgent needs of pastors, ministers, and caring members of the body of Christ to receive training in the best practices for helping the hurting. This concentration offers the student an opportunity to study the integration of theology with counseling theory and provides training in the tools and techniques necessary to meet the counseling challenges faced by pastoral staff. While this concentration does not lead to the qualifications for state counseling licensure, with this education students will be prepared to provide comprehensive care and counseling ministry of various types and diverse settings.
Download the MDIV: Pastoral Care and Counseling Track Degree Completion Plan
The Biblical/Theological Studies concentration offers both Greek and Hebrew along with a variety of book studies and theological courses. Old Testament courses feature professors with expertise in narrative criticism, the Pentateuch, historical books, wisdom literature, and poetic books. New Testament classes provide the opportunity for students to study with professors whose interests include Johannine literature, ancient media culture, and apocalyptic literature. The concentration is a good fit for thesis writers wishing to pursue future academic work in Biblical Interpretation and for those who desire to more effectively utilize Scripture in ministry.
Download the MDIV: Biblical/Theological Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
The Leadership Studies concentration offers courses in communication, leadership, structure, team building, values, and cultural understanding from a Christian perspective. Through this concentration, Christian leaders will establish a strong foundation in theory and practical components essential to success in the leadership of churches and other Christian organizations.
Download the MDIV: Leadership Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
Program Learning Outcomes
The UGST faculty has identified the following program learning outcomes for the M.Div. degree which are aligned with the Degree Program Standards of the Association of Theological Schools. Students will be responsible for demonstrating the achievement of all objectives through the development of the M.Div. portfolio.
1. Graduates of the MDiv program will be able to produce graduate-level biblical and theological reflection from an Apostolic Pentecostal tradition that is in conversation with the context of broader Christianity.
2. Graduates of the MDiv program will engage with diverse contexts in which ministry occurs using multiple theoretical perspectives.
3. Graduates of the MDiv program will develop in the practice of ongoing Spiritual Formation.
4. Graduates of the MDiv program will practice a breadth of pastoral competencies in accordance with the nature of the student’s calling.
5. Graduates of the MDiv program will conduct research in pastoral ministry.