Master of Divinity

Degree Description

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is the premier seminary degree and is designed to equip students for a wide range of ministries in the church and other Christian organizations in positions such as pastor, missionary, chaplain, or parachurch leader. The degree is meant not only to provide knowledge in biblical and theological content, but also to equip whole and holy persons who demonstrate authenticity, integrity, humility, strong relational skills, and spiritual, emotional and psychological maturity.

Objectives of the MDiv Program

  1. An informed and discerning approach toward biblical interpretation, a solid understanding of biblical content, and theological reflection informed by historical traditions.

  2. Growth toward emotional, spiritual, and relational health and maturity that demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit and authentic love for God and for others.

  3. The skills for competent research and effective teaching of biblical and theological content.

  4. A world-Christian outlook, including awareness and sensitivity towards global issues and strong intercultural competence.

Academic Requirements

A prospective student will need an earned Bachelors from an approved or accredited institution.

Length of Study

The MDiv requires 78 units to complete. Students may complete the program in 4 years, but may take up to 8 years to finish all requirements for the program depending on the number of credits taken each term. All credits earned at PTS are semester-credits.

Required Coursework

Core Requirements (27 credits)

  • Hermeneutics

  • Church History

  • New Testament Survey

  • NT Exegetical Explorations

  • Old Testament Survey

  • OT Exegetical Explorations

  • Systematic Theology I & II

  • Christian Social Ethics

Degree Specific Requirements (21 credits)

  • Introduction to Preaching

  • Global, Cultural and Contextual Ministry

  • American Christianity

  • Discipleship in Community

  • Missional Outreach and Evangelism

  • Introduction to Transformational Leadership

  • Leading Worship in the Christian Life Cycle

  • Organizational Leadership and Church Government

  • Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling

Additional Degree Requirements

  • Internship (3 credits)

  • Formation Course Requirements (7.5 credits)

  • Concentration and Electives (4.5-12 credits)

Biblical Languages (7.5-15 credits)

Courses in Greek, Hebrew, or both

Concentrations

No two callings are alike. Students in the MDiv program are not required to choose a concentration, but may take any elective courses that interest them. However, students have the option to choose from one of three concentrations if they would like to specialize their study and demonstrate competency for ministry in a particular context. Below you will find more information on each concentration along with a list of the required courses.

Anglican Studies (12 credits)

The Anglican Studies courses are intended primarily for Master of Divinity students seeking ordination in the Anglican Church of North America; however, these courses can be used as an Anglican Studies concentration.

  • The Anglican Way in History

  • The Anglican Way in Liturgy

  • The Anglican Way in Theology

  • The Anglican Way in Ministry

Chaplaincy (12 credits)

This program will enable chaplains and those preparing for chaplaincy to train for ministry in contexts such as healthcare services, educational institutions, businesses and corporations, correctional facilities, and the military. In addition to theological and ethical training, graduates of the program will be knowledgeable of the ways in which pastoral care is put into practice in non-church/parish settings.

  • Instruction to Pastoral Care and Counseling

  • Lifespan Development and Aging

  • Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response

  • Chaplaincy in Contemporary Society

Pastoral Care and Counseling (12 credits)

This concentration enables students to prepare for the counseling tasks common in ministry settings as well as for preventive educational efforts in the church. The curriculum provides preparation in pastoral care and counseling that would enable those involved in local church as well as agency ministries to enhance health and wholeness in the variety of organizational and social contexts served by these ministries.

  • Instruction to Pastoral Care and Counseling

  • Lifespan Development and Aging

  • Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response

  • Community Mental Health