Master of Divinity
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The M.Div. degree is a three-year, 84 credit professional
program
in preparation for a variety of ministries. It is designed to prepare
men and women for the practice of ministry, although a definite commitment
to the ministry is not prerequisite to admission.
The vocation of Christian ministry is to interpret and represent Christian faith and to explore ways by which that faith can be embodied in the lives of people, the churches, and society. The aim of the program is to begin a process of education focusing on understanding the Christian faith and its implications for human life.
The faculty believes that all courses in the curriculum should contribute to this aim: the study of backgrounds, origins, and traditions; reflection on problems of faith and on moral, ecclesiastical, and social issues in the contemporary situation; and consideration of occasions of ministry, such as worship, preaching, counseling, administration, education, and social reform. All of these studies and activities presuppose each other and relate to each other in essential ways. The minister is a theologian, and as such draws on the full range of critical studies and reflection in his or her varied activities.
The curriculum is structured to combine:
- A foundational required ministry component including two field education placements designed to help each student secure an educational grounding for the practice of ministry;
- A program focus organized around a question, theme, issue, or aspect of ministry, individually designed by the student in association with his or her academic advisor;
- Coursework in a series of special "cluster" areas to insure familiarity with world religions and inter-religious dialogue, feminist and sexuality studies, and African American and race studies electives of the student's choosing.
