Master of Divinity, M.Div.
[Master of Divinity - 2301.00]
The Master of Divinity degree provides the premier theological and vocational preparation for those preparing for ordained Christian ministry. Students are immersed in Scripture, theology, history, and spiritual formation as the essential foundation for Christian ministry. In addition, the M.Div. curriculum prepares persons with the broad array of skills necessary for effective service to the church and the world. Normally a four-year program, students may accelerate program completion by maximizing semester loads.
Admissions Process:
Northeastern Seminary seeks students whose personal and professional lives are characterized by honesty, integrity, and commitment to high academic, moral, and ethical standards. Applicants must present credentials that demonstrate aptitude for the academic work they will pursue and which indicate they meet other criteria of character and conduct.
Persons seeking admission must complete an online application with the Admissions Office of the Seminary. Along with the online application itself, applicants must also furnish:
- Two recommendations able to speak to the student's aptitude for ministry and academic study. Persons providing recommendations may not be related to the applicant.
- An autobiographical statement: In this statement, the applicant will narrate his or her spiritual pilgrimage, history and vision for Christian service, and career goals and plans.
- Official transcripts from every college or university where the applicant has received a degree (i.e., associate's, bachelor's, master's and/or doctoral) or any program you hope to use for graduate or post-graduate transfer credits. Those who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university at the time of applying may be accepted under the non-baccalaureate designation. Note: Additional documentation is required along with the application for those seeking admission in this category.
- In the case of international students who have not done previous studies in an English language institution, a TOEFL score of 79 or higher is required.
Courses in the Program:
- The Great Conversation Competency (18 Credits)
- GBHT 5210-Biblical Worldview (3)
- GBHT 5220-Exploring the Bible (3)
- GBHT 5240-The Early Church (3)
- GBHT 5250-Reformation and Renewal (3)
- GBHT 5260-Mission in the Modern World (3)
- GSOC/GPSF 6240-Social Justice and Spirituality (3)
- Biblical Interpretation Competency (18 Credits)
- GBIB 5110-Introduction to Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching (3)
- Choose one of the following:
- GGRK 5100-Biblical Greek I (3)
- GHEB 5100-Biblical Hebrew I (3)
- Choose one of the following:
- GBIB 5150-New Testament Epistles* (3)
- GBIB 5160-New Testament Gospels* (3)
- Choose one of the following:
- GBIB 5170-Old Testament Narrative* (3)
- GBIB 5180-Old Testament Poetry* (3)
- Choose one of the following:
- GMIN 6300-Preaching (3)
- GMIN 6280-Teaching the Bible* (3)
- Select one elective in Bible, Hebrew, or Greek (3)
- Pastoral Ministry Competency (18 Credits)
- GPSF 6110-Pastoral Formation (3)
- GPSF 6120-Spiritual Formation (3)
- GSOC 6250-Foundations in Social and Theological Ethics (3)
- GMIN 6210-Worship (3)
- GMIN 6240-Care and Counsel (3)
- GMIN 6750-Renewing Congregations (3)
- Elective Competency built around the student's interests (18 Credits)
- Supervised Ministry Internship (6 Credits)
- GMIN 7310-Field Education I (3)
- GMIN 7320-Field Education II (3)
- Capstone: GMIN 7900-M.Div. Integration Seminar (2 Credits)
*Prerequisite or corequisite is GBIB 5110.
Minimum Total Hours: 80
Minimum Graduation Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 2.7 and a completed degree application submitted to academic services by October 1 prior to the May Commencement in which the student intends to graduate.
Electives and Focused Elective Competencies
Students in the M.Div. program are given the opportunity to tailor their studies to fit their specific needs, interests, and ministry. The 18-credit elective competency block allows students to design their own elective competency by selecting a blend of courses that fulfill their interests and goals, or students may choose a structured focused elective competency in one of the following areas: Advanced Biblical Studies, Black Church Studies, Chaplaincy, Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation, Theology and Social Justice, or Transformational Leadership.