Master of Divinity Degree (MDIV)

Upon completing the MDiv program, students will be able to:

• Situate biblical, historical, and theological documents within historical, religious, and cultural contexts;
• Engage and interpret contemporary justice-related texts and movements that seek the transformation of church and society;
• Reflect on and speak to their own personal and spiritual formation in the way of Jesus in light of course experiences;
• Demonstrate their ability to exercise and reflect on appropriate practices of leadership in ecclesial and/or public context.

Qualified applicants for the Master of Divinity program must have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a 2.7 GPA in undergraduate work, and a completed application including the following items:

• Application form and $60 application fee (fee is waived if application is submitted by November 1)
• Essay, described on the application
• 1 Denominational reference (see list below to determine who should be utilized):
  • Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) applicants: regional minister
  • United Methodist applicants: district superintendent
  • United Church of Christ: conference minister
  • Presbyterian Church (USA): chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church of America applicants: bishop
  • Episcopal Church applicants: bishop
  • All other applicants: the pastor of your church
• 3 references from the following individuals:
  • Professor (or business associate for those who have been out of college for awhile)
  • Professional associate
  • Lay leader in your church
• Official transcripts from any undergraduate school where you received a degree and from any graduate school where you have completed work for credit. Official transcripts are ones that have the official institution seal and are mailed directly from the institution, not by the applicant. For full admission, the undergraduate transcript must show the degree and the date received.
• Authorization for criminal background check
• FAFSA for anyone interested in taking out a student loan
• TOEFL Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit an official TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 80 (internet-based)