The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is recognized as the standard degree for vocational Christian ministries that communicate the Word of God. Generally, graduates may serve in senior leadership positions in the pastorate, missions, Christian education, youth ministry, chaplaincy, evangelism, denominational settings, and social work. By taking a full-time load of 9 units each trimester, the program can be completed in four years. Course availability, student load, adherence to student advisement, how soon the student completes the capstone doctrinal summary requirement, and other factors may extend or shorten the anticipated completion timeline.

PURPOSE

The MDiv degree is primarily designed to prepare students for:

1. Pastoral roles that Bible exposition or related senior leadership positions within the local church;
2. Chaplaincy in the military, law enforcement, governmental, or hospital settings; and
3. Post-graduate studies leading to a terminal degree such as the Doctor of Ministry or Doctor of Education.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the Master of Divinity program students will be able to:

1. Interpret the content of the Old and New Testaments utilizing a literal-grammaticalhistorical hermeneutic.
2. Demonstrate a graduate-level proficiency in theological research and writing.
3. Articulate and defend a robust understanding of the foundational theological doctrines of the Christian faith.
4. Communicate biblical truths in a variety of settings.
5. Exegete both the Hebrew text of the Old Testament and the Greek text of the New Testament.
6. Exhibit advanced skills for Christian leadership and ministry within the local church.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each candidate for the MDiv degree must meet the general graduation requirements and:

1. Complete 96 units of graduate-level courses.
2. Complete the program curriculum with not less than a 2.5 GPA.
3. Take a minimum of 78 units of the 96 units required for graduation through the MDiv program at SCS.
4. Complete PM-751 and PM-752 Ministry Internship 1 and 2 (100 hours total of supervised ministry).
5. Complete RS-795 Doctrinal Summary 1 and RS-796 Doctrinal Summary 2.

Doctrinal Synopsis: Doctrinal Synopsis is the capstone project which is designed to provide students with an opportunity for the writing of a summative research paper on the major areas of Christian doctrine in preparation for ordination and professional ministry. Completion of this project is a two-staged process. In the first stage, the student registers for RS-795 Doctrinal Synopsis 1, and writes the first three chapters. In the second stage, the student registers for RS-796 Doctrinal Synopsis 2, and prepares and defends the remaining chapters.