Overview
The Master of Divinity program is designed to guide students in a process of growth through cognitive studies, skill courses and experiences, self-assessment measures, counseling, and community life that leads to self-understanding and spiritual maturity. The degree is designed to prepare persons for professional ministry in the church and other organizations through positions such as pastor, missionary, chaplain, denominational minister, or parachurch leader. It seeks to graduate people who have knowledge and experience of the Christian faith, who show evidence of emotional and spiritual maturity, who relate to others with integrity, who possess skills for ministry, and who meet the educational requirements for ordination. Specifically, it seeks to develop whole and holy leaders who demonstrate to the satisfaction of the faculty and ministry supervisors the following:
- A comprehensive understanding of biblical content, a discerning approach to biblical interpretation, and theological reflection informed by historical traditions;
- Growth in emotional, spiritual, and relational health resulting in observable love for God and neighbor;
- The capacity and skills for effective ministry leadership;
- Intercultural competence for the purpose of advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and
- Intentional integration of faith, learning, life, and practice.
Graduation and Progression
For graduation with a Master of Divinity degree, a student must complete a minimum of 78 semester credits and maintain at least a C (2.0) average. In addition, all candidates for a degree must complete all the supervised ministry requirements, including the assessment and evaluation program. Failure to meet the deadlines indicated in the calendar will incur forfeiture of candidacy for a year. However, graduation is not automatic when academic requirements have been met. Since the seminary aims to graduate qualified Christian leaders, the faculty and staff will, on an ongoing basis, evaluate a student’s readiness in terms of spiritual, developmental, doctrinal, and professional standards as well as academic standards.
Language Tracks
Preaching the biblical Gospel is central to Christian ministry. Therefore, Bethel’s faculty believes that Master of Divinity students should learn the biblical languages and be required to take a biblical language track.
Single Language Track
-
Greek Track: In the Greek language track, students take Greek I: Beginning Greek (NT 541), and Greek II: Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis (NT 625). Students with sufficient knowledge of Greek may take a qualifying examination for advanced standing.
- Hebrew Track: In the Hebrew language track, students take Hebrew I: Beginning Hebrew (OT 541), and Hebrew II: Intermediate Hebrew Grammar and Exegesis (OT 625). Students with sufficient knowledge of Hebrew may take a qualifying examination for advanced standing.
Dual Language Track
The Greek and Hebrew Track is for students desiring competency in both biblical languages or who are required to take both languages by the denomination in which they seek to be ordained. Students in this dual language track take Greek I: Beginning Greek (NT 541), Greek II: Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis (NT 625), Hebrew I: Beginning Hebrew (OT 541), and Hebrew II: Intermediate Hebrew Grammar and Exegesis (OT 625). Students with sufficient competency in either language may take a qualifying examination for advanced standing.
Degree Requirements
Master of Divinity
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| BT 510 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 4 |
| BT 615 | Exegesis and Biblical Theology | 4 |
| HS 510 | Church History | 4 |
| ML 540 | Transformational Leadership | 4 |
| NT 516 | Reading New Testament Literature | 4 |
| NT 541 | Greek I: Beginning Greek | 4 |
| or OT 541 | Hebrew I: Beginning Hebrew | |
| NT 625 | Greek II: Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis | 4 |
| or OT 625 | Hebrew II: Intermediate Hebrew Grammar and Exegesis | |
| OT 516 | Reading Old Testament Literature | 4 |
| SP 540 | Spiritual and Personal Formation | 4 |
| TS 535 | Theology and Ethics I | 4 |
| TS 536 | Theology and Ethics II | 4 |
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| CP 510 | Preaching for Transformation | 4 |
| GC 520 | Mission and Evangelism | 4 |
| GS 780 | Senior Integrative Seminar | 4 |
| ML 545 | Discipleship and Worship | 4 |
| PC 512 | Pastoral Care | 4 |
| Supervised Ministry and other Requirements | ||
| GS 001 | Graduate Research Seminar: Masters Level | 0 |
| SP 001 | Formation Assessments: Masters Level | 0 |
| TL 002A & TL 002B | Professional Internship Assessment and Preparation A and Professional Internship Assessment and Preparation B | 0 |
| TL 566A | Professional Internship for MDiv A | 2 |
| or PC 566A | Chaplaincy Internship A | |
| TL 566B | Professional Internship for MDiv B | 2 |
| or PC 566B | Chaplaincy Internship B | |
| Concentration Coures and Electives * | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 78 | |
- *
Students may complete a thesis to fulfill a portion of the required elective credits
A minimum of 78 semester credits is required for graduation in the M.Div. program. The student is responsible for meeting all graduation deadlines and requirements.
Concentrations
Biblical Studies Concentration
- M.Div., M.A. (Theological Studies)
The Biblical Studies concentration deepens students’ understanding of the Bible’s history and its integrative themes, and equips them with additional skills for responsible interpretation of the biblical message. The concentration is also recommended as preparation for advanced degrees in biblical studies. Concentration requires 10 credits of courses in the Biblical Interpretation, Biblical Theology, Old Testament, and/or New Testament subject areas.
Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry
- M.Div. only
Concentration requires students to complete 10 credits of courses in the Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry subject area. Possible CF courses in this area include CF 510 Introduction to Children's, Youth and Family Ministry; CF 610 Ministry with Families Throughout the Life Cycle; CF 620 The Teaching Learning Process; CF 630 Leadership in Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry; and PC 632 Pastoral Care of Children, Youth and Families.
Christian Thought Concentration
- M.Div.
A concentration in Christian Thought is designed to enable M.Div. students to focus on the intellectual exploration of the Christian faith and the intersection of Christianity and culture. It serves students who desire church ministry vocations in teaching, discipleship, and apologetics as well as students who may wish to go on for further graduate study in theological studies. Students participate in internships with the Office of Formation, Supervised Ministry, and Placement. Those who sense a call to teaching, outreach, or discipleship ministry using the concentration in Christian Thought may develop their internships with those ministries in view. Concentration requires 10 credits of courses in the Theological Studies and/or Philosophy of Religion subject areas.
Theological and Historical Studies Concentration
- M.Div., M.A. (Theological Studies)
This concentration acquaints students more fully with the theological resources of the Christian tradition and the church’s experience through the centuries. It provides opportunity to develop theological skills and to selectively appropriate from the Christian heritage what may be usefully applied to contemporary challenges and opportunities. The concentration is also recommended as preparation for advanced degrees in these fields. Concentration requires: 10 credits of courses in the Historical Studies, Theological Studies, and/or Philosophy of Religion subject areas.