Master of Divinity Degree (MDIV)

The MDiv program is designed to prepare leaders equipped to create, sustain and nurture vital communities that are following the way of Jesus. In order to become effective leaders, students will attend to: the continuing importance and practice of interpretation of texts and their communities in history and culture, as exemplified in the disciplined study of the Bible as a product of religious communities in active conversation with their cultural contexts, and explore ways in which strategies of interpretation are effective in leadership practices; the continuing importance and practice of placing events, texts and practices into context and reflect on intersecting cultural diversities in histories and contexts of current human living, in part through experiencing interfaith and multicultural settings.

Qualified applicants for the Master of Divinity program must have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a 2.7 GPA in undergraduate work, and a completed application including the following items:

• Application form and $60 application fee (fee is waived if application is submitted by April 1)
• Essay, described on the application
• 1 Denominational reference (see list below to determine who should be utilized):
  • Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) applicants: regional minister
  • United Methodist applicants: district superintendent
  • United Church of Christ: conference minister
  • Presbyterian Church (USA): chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church of America applicants: bishop
  • Episcopal Church applicants: bishop
  • All other applicants: the pastor of your church
• 3 references from the following individuals:
  • Professor (or business associate for those who have been out of college for awhile)
  • Professional associate
  • Lay leader in your church
• Official transcripts from any undergraduate school where you received a degree and from any graduate school where you have completed work for credit. Official transcripts are ones that have the official institution seal and are mailed directly from the institution, not by the applicant. For full admission, the undergraduate transcript must show the degree and the date received.
• Authorization for criminal background check
• FAFSA for anyone interested in taking out a student loan
• TOEFL Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit an official TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 80 (internet-based)