Bible Exposition Concentration (Chinese), MDIV

Program Description and Purpose

The Master of Divinity program equips students with a comprehensive range of biblical-theological knowledge and practical ministry skills for ministry leadership in various contexts. Through a personalized curriculum, this program prepares students for effective ministry in a local church, with a para-church organization, or with a mission agency.

The Bible Exposition concentration provides students with specialized knowledge and skills to understand, apply, and communicate the Scriptures effectively regularly in a local church context, to teach in a college or seminary context, or to position themselves for doctoral work, especially in Old or New Testament studies.

Admission Requirements 

• Online application
• Application fee
• Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith 
• Official transcript for highest earned degree and any master’s level credits earned
  • A minimum 2.5 GPA (or equivalent) for the most recent degree obtained
  • A bachelor’s degree or an overseas equivalent from an accredited university
• Personal Statement (1,000 words in Chinese) detailing the following:
  • The applicant’s motivation in applying to the program
  • Possible vocations or ministries the applicant intends to pursue upon successful completion of the degree
• Church Leader Reference

Transfer Credit

Students may receive transfer credit for a maximum of two-thirds of the Master of Divinity, subject to the provisions of CIU’s Transfer Credit Policy.

Dual Degree Credit

Students may apply credit from a previously completed graduate degree for a maximum of two-thirds of the Master of Divinity. Students must satisfy all requirements for both degrees, including the integrative exercise or internship experience of each degree.

Time Limitation

The expected time limit for completing all the requirements for the Master of Divinity degree is ten years, measured from the date a student begins coursework in the degree. Students may request that courses completed outside the expected limit be reviewed by the dean’s office on a case-by-case basis.

Completion Requirements

Students must satisfy the following requirements to graduate:

• Complete all required hours of specified coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Complete the internship experience of the Master of Divinity degree.
• Complete reading of the entire Bible following admission, including selections assigned in Bible courses. This requirement must be completed six weeks before graduation.
• Affirm CIU’s doctrinal statement.

SSM Graduate Internships

Graduate students pursuing the Master of Divinity degree (all concentrations) complete an internship as the capstone experience for their studies. In preparation for their internships, students complete INT 6110 Foundations of Internship at least one semester before the term they engage in their supervised ministry activities. In addition to demonstrating progress in the practice of ministry, interns are also evaluated on their character and spiritual maturity. After completing all internship requirements, the student will meet with his/her academic advisor to discuss the information gathered during the internship. Should the advisor deem it necessary, the appropriate Student Life dean may be invited to the meeting. The student may also request a specific faculty member be included if he/she desires.