Master of Divinity
Purpose and Objectives
The Master of Divinity degree provides students with a comprehensive range of biblical-theological knowledge and practical skills for ministry leadership in a variety of 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.
In addition to the mission statement and general objectives and requirements of a CBS degree, the objectives of the Master of Divinity degree are to enable students to:
- Analyze and synthesize the basic content, context, and themes of the Old and New Testaments, with an emphasis on God’s historical-redemptive mission, as revealed through Scripture’s metanarrative and exemplified in the Great Commission.
- Practice sound exegesis and exposition of the biblical text in its original languages, with an emphasis on how passages speak to contemporary issues in individual and corporate contexts.
- Engage contemporary global challenges to orthodox belief and practice based on support from key biblical passages that undergird foundational doctrines, applying insights from the history of global Christianity to twenty-first-century issues, needs, and challenges.
- Analyze cultures and worldviews from a biblical perspective as the basis for effective, biblically-contextualized ministry that equips and encourages others to grow as disciples and disciple-makers in the church, mission field, and/or marketplace.
- Apply biblical principles, techniques, and paradigms to the practice of leadership, pastoring, preaching, teaching, and counseling.
- Demonstrate proficiency in ministry and organizational knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through MDiv studies in a focused internship under the supervision of an on-site mentor and a faculty advisor.
The Master of Divinity degree is available fully online in an 8-week format or in a residential 16-week format.
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 with a minimum 2.5 GPA for the most recent degree obtained.
- Essay (800 words total)
- 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 in order 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 prior to graduation.
- Affirm CIU’s doctrinal statement.
SSM Graduate Internships
Graduate students who are 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 in which 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.
Program Options
The Master of Divinity offers 2 program options. Further information can be found here .
Bible and Hermeneutics (15)
Choose one of the following Biblical Languages sequences (12)
History and Theology (12)
Worldview and Spiritual Formation (6)
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