Program Description and Purpose
The Master of Divinity degree provides students with a comprehensive range of biblical-theological knowledge and practical 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 Missiological Studies concentration prepares students for life and work in a multicultural world by providing them with specialized knowledge and skills to engage, encourage, and support people from another culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith
- Official transcript for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and any master’s degree work with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Essay (1,000 words total, typed)
- 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 for 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.