Prepare to serve in ministry through a discipleship-focused and culture-engaging approach to ministry training.

The flexible online Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program at Houston Christian University (HCU) prepares you for leadership in church or parachurch settings, missionary or evangelist callings, or further inquiry in biblical and theological studies.

With a customizable internship and course concentrations, the Master of Divinity online program involves work and study under the guidance of experienced pastors, chaplains, biblical scholars and theologians, biblical languages experts, and other leaders from our Houston Theological Seminary faculty and broader network.

With online coursework that allows for learning engagement from anywhere, HCU’s online-format MDiv degree positions in-service church professionals for elevated ministry leadership and impact.

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Tuition & Fees

Overview of the online MDiv program

Program Highlights

  • 75 Credits
  • Complete in Three to Four Years
  • Online Classes and Assignments
  • Prepare for Ministry Careers and Beyond
  • Connect With Scholars and Practitioners
  • Bachelor’s Degree Required

View In-Person Program

Online Master of Divinity Requirements

Identical to the in-person format, the curriculum for the Master of Divinity online program emphasizes personal spiritual formation, provides opportunities for practical internship experience in church or parachurch settings, and studies the biblical world and history of Christianity. Course requirements encompass the following areas:

  • Biblical Studies
  • Theological Studies
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Practical Theology and Internship
  • Language Track (Biblical Languages or English)

MDiv students complete in-depth research seminars with the program culminating in real-world applications of biblical knowledge and pastoral experience through practical ministry opportunities. Through these practical ministry applications, hone the skills needed to continue to doctoral or research careers and make the most impactful difference in ministry careers across cultural contexts.

Language Tracks

In addition to core course requirements, select a Master of Divinity track in Biblical Languages or in English Language. The Biblical Language track requires 12 hours of Greek and Hebrew. The English track replaces the language courses with English language Bible classes.
Review English Track requirements
Review Biblical Languages Track Requirements

Internship and Ministry Formation

Key components of the MDiv programs at HCU are spiritual formation and practical ministry applications. Grow in your personal relationship with God through Spiritual Formation courses, where you learn about and practice the historical disciplines of the Christian life. Then, complete an internship over the course of your studies, which complements both our fully online format and our in-person format. Over several semesters, you’ll connect what you learn in class with the issues faced in ministry.

Program Benefits and Opportunities

Our MDiv’s online format provides a foundation for Christian leadership and service, building the theological knowledge, pastoral skills, and communication abilities to excel in a church context, missionary work or faith-related nonprofit service. Backed by practice in critical thinking and a comprehensive approach to reading and applying God’s word, you’ll be equipped to research and teach, interpret historical sources and complex analytical writings, and provide support and guidance to others with wisdom, reflection, and deliberate inquiry.

An MDiv with the rigor offered by our revered faculty can also be a stepping stone for further education in theological and religious studies, such as a Doctor of Ministry (DMin).

Careers With an MDiv from HCU

Your Master of Divinity can be leveraged for careers in pastoral ministry and Christian leadership, chaplaincy in school, hospital, military, or prison settings, and Christian education. You may pursue leadership in faith-related non-profit settings, creating and bringing to life difference-making initiatives serving various Christian and cultural populations.

If you want to continue on to doctoral programs or further study to become a published researcher, college religious or theological studies professor, or hold a post-doc appointment, you may excel in careers teaching classes or publishing new insights.

More From Houston Theological Seminary and HCU Online

The Pampell Online Division also offers fully online formats for master’s degrees in specialized areas such as apologetics, Christian leadership, and theological studies, ideal for deepening expertise in practical areas.

If you’re interested in continuing your education and research interests alongside the engaged and learned faculty of HCU’s Houston Theological Seminary, you may be interested in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program after graduation.

Application Information

Application components and other admissions requirements for the online MDiv include:

  • Completed online application
  • Current résumé/CV
  • Official transcripts for completed bachelor’s degree and any additional coursework
  • A personal statement expressing your interest in the program, your faith in Jesus Christ, and your general agreement with the university’s preamble.

Submit any necessary materials to OnlineVerification@HC.edu. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution that awarded your bachelor’s degree. If you apply before your bachelor’s degree is complete, contact online admissions to learn more about acceptance with unofficial transcripts until official transcripts are available.

Tuition for HCU’s online graduate programs, including the online MDiv degree program, is highly competitive compared to similar programs. Review online graduate tuition and fee information and estimate your tuition cost before aid.

You may qualify for federal student aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive grants or loans. Explore financial aid and contact us with questions.

Students are required to submit transcripts showing they achieved a high school general or advanced diploma or a GED with passing scores. (Waived if student has 32 credit hours or more of transfer credit.)

Students must submit all college transcripts from any previously attended institutions. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree to be considered official. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted including postbaccalaureate or graduate-level transcripts.

You may be accepted with unofficial transcripts by emailing copies to OnlineVerification@HC.edu; however, you must submit the official transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school or through an approved electronic service by your second semester.

Mailing Address

Houston Christian University
Attention: Online Admissions Verification
7502 Fondren Road
Houston, TX 77074-3298

Frequently Asked Questions

While both degrees explore the fields of biblical and theological studies, Master of Divinity programs prepare graduates for pastoral ministry, while a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) or Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies offers a broader academic approach. After an MDiv, you may become ordained or implement expanded ministry skills in church settings, while graduates of theological studies programs may pursue research and scholarly inquiry into specific traditions and philosophies.

Yes, an MDiv degree is a common path to becoming a pastor or minister in many Christian denominations because it provides a basis in theological knowledge and the practical skills for pastoral ministry, Christian leadership, and careers furthering churches or congregations.

As a strong foundation for further theological and ministry studies training, the online Master of Divinity prepares you to pursue degrees for practical ministry leadership like a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) or advanced scholarship such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey with an MDiv, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

Online Admission Requirements

Students are required to submit transcripts showing they achieved a high school general or advanced diploma or a GED with passing scores. (Waived if student has 32 credit hours or more of transfer credit.)

Students must submit all college transcripts from any previously attended institutions. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree to be considered official. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted including postbaccalaureate or graduate-level transcripts.

You may be accepted with unofficial transcripts by emailing copies to OnlineVerification@HC.edu; however, you must submit the official transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school or through an approved electronic service by your second semester.

Mailing Address

Houston Christian University
Attention: Online Admissions Verification
7502 Fondren Road
Houston, TX 77074-3298

Earn a Master of Divinity Degree Online at HCU

Contact your program coordinator for more information about the Master of Divinity Online.
Philip Tallon, PhD
Philip Tallon, PhD
Associate Professor of Theology
Dean, School of Christian Thought
281-649-3053
Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.