Career Compass

Master of Divinity: MDiv Degree Program

The Master of Divinity (MDiv degree) is a professional graduate degree program designed to prepare students for ministry leadership and service. As one of the most common graduate degrees pursued by those entering professional Christian ministry, the MDIV degree provides a strong theological foundation as well as practical skills and knowledge for effective ministry roles.

What is the MDIV Degree?

The Master of Divinity (MDiv degree) is generally considered the baseline professional degree for careers in ministry. An MDiv degree is the required credential for ordination in many Christian denominations. It is also necessary for work as a military, hospital, or hospice chaplain. The MDiv degree covers a broad range of theological disciplines, biblical languages, ministerial studies, and practical learning experiences. It aims to provide a well-rounded graduate divinity education that equips graduates intellectually, spiritually, and practically for full-time ministry leadership roles.

MDiv programs focus on training students to interpret and communicate the Bible, think theologically, lead and care for a community of faith, and engage the wider culture. MDiv degree coursework covers topics like biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, ethics, pastoral care, preaching, leadership, worship, evangelism, and missionary work. Students also gain hands-on ministry experience through required internships, mentoring, or supervised ministry courses.

The MDiv degree typically takes 3-4 years of full-time study to complete. MDiv programs range from 72-96 credit hours depending on the institution. Some seminaries also offer part-time, online, and accelerated MDiv degree options. Admission usually requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5-3.0 GPA.

Houston Christian University’s Master of Divinity degree is a 75-hour program that is built upon study in core areas (Practical Theology, Biblical Studies, and Systematic Theology), but you can also choose one of two tracks in Biblical Languages and the English language, and you have a large number of electives within each of these areas as well as further general electives, which can be in one of the areas above or in our other MA program areas: biblical languages, apologetics, classics, and philosophy.

MDiv Program of Study: Typical MDiv Courses

While specific MDiv degree requirements vary by seminary, a standard MDiv curriculum includes:

  • Biblical Studies: Old Testament, New Testament, biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), hermeneutics
  • Theology: Systematic theology, historical theology, constructive theology, philosophy, Christian ethics
  • History: Church history, history of global Christianity
  • Practical Ministry: Preaching, pastoral care, counseling, worship, evangelism, missions, leadership, administration
  • Field Education: Internships, mentoring, clinical pastoral education, supervised ministry courses
  • Electives: Courses like world religions, intercultural studies, Christian education allow customization
  • Biblical Languages: Some MDiv programs may also require Greek and Hebrew proficiency exams.
  • A final thesis, project, or capstone course is common.

Careers with an MDiv Degree

The MDiv degree prepares graduates for various forms of professional Christian ministry:

  • Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor
  • Youth Pastor, Family Pastor, Children’s Pastor
  • Military Chaplain
  • Hospital or Hospice Chaplain
  • Campus Minister
  • Missionary
  • Parachurch or nonprofit ministry leadership
  • Director of Christian Education
  • Seminary professor
  • Worship Pastor

Additional careers may be available in theological education, counseling, chaplaincy, social work, and other faith based organizations. An MDiv degree also provides a solid foundation for further academic study like a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Why Pursue a Master of Divinity Degree?

There are several benefits that make the MDiv a worthwhile divinity degree:

  • It provides comprehensive biblical and theological training from faculty experts, allowing you to immerse yourself in deep study of God’s Word.
  • You’ll grow tremendously in your relationship with God as you wrestle with complex theological issues while earning your divinity degree.
  • You’ll gain ministry skills and real-world experience that translate directly into professional ministry roles.
  • The MDiv degree allows you to serve the church in positions that require a divinity degree like ordained pastoral ministry.
  • It develops pastoral identity and character alongside knowledge and skill.
  • You’ll build relationships, mentors, and a professional network within the seminary environment while completing your degree in divinity.
  • It lays a scholarly foundation for advanced study like a PhD, such as HCU’s Doctor of Ministry degree.

For those pursuing ordained pastoral ministry or chaplaincy, the Master of Divinity is an essential credential. The theological grounding, biblical fluency, and practical applicability make the MDiv degree a wise investment for deepening your faith and preparing for service, no matter what ministry path God leads you toward.

Comparing the MDiv and MTS Degrees

The Master of Theological Studies (MATS) is another common seminary degree related to the MDiv. While less focused on ministerial preparation, the MATS provides a solid theological education through biblical studies, church history, theology, and sometimes biblical languages. It takes less time to complete than the comprehensive MDiv degree. The MTS serves those wanting to deepen their biblical and theological knowledge for roles in lay ministry, parachurch organizations, teaching, or further study. But for ordained pastoral ministry or chaplaincy, the Master of Divinity remains the standard credential.

Learn more about the Master of Divinity MDiv degree at Houston Christian University.