The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a comprehensive, pre-doctoral degree that combines theology and Christian ministry with a selected concentration in either Bible exposition of biblical studies. The program builds upon Northwestern's history and commitment to biblically based, evangelical theology.

The Master of Divinity degree serves as excellent preparation for pastoral or chaplaincy positions, as well as pursuit of advanced degrees.

Outcomes

Through the M.Div. program, you will:

• Develop biblical principles for spiritual formation and discipleship
• Learn advanced principles of biblical interpretation
• Study the socio-historical worlds that gave rise to the Old and New Testaments
• Survey the history of Christianity
• Construct a personal theology of leadership
• Study systematic theology methods
• Analyze contemporary theological issues relevant to evangelical theology
• Assess (analyze and develop) the organizational and spiritual health of the local church
• Develop the ability to shepherd others

Is the M.Div. for you?

Students pursue the Master of Divinity to meet ordination requirements, prepare for doctoral studies, or to be better prepared for church or parachurch ministry.

Advanced course placement

Students entering the M.Div. program may be given advanced course placement credit for courses taken in Bible, biblical languages, theology, church history, or ministry, from Northwestern College or other accredited institutions. If you earned a grade of "B" or better in approved courses, a maximum of 18 credits may be applied toward the M.Div. program. Ask your admission counselor for details.

Course of study

The Master of Divinity online or on site curriculum is integrated with Northwestern's Master of Arts in Theological Studies. The M.Div. program includes the MATS core curriculum and theology concentration (36 credits), plus a chosen concentration in either Bible exposition or biblical studies (20 credits) and a series of ministerial courses (20 credits). The M.Div. is granted upon completion of 76 credits, and you can earn your degree in approximately 44–48 months. Students who elect to do so may obtain both the MATS and M.Div. degrees for the complete course of study.

Northwestern offers an alternate path toward the M.Div., for students just beginning college, through the Dual B.A./M.Div. Degree in Pastoral Ministry. Students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry through undergraduate courses in a traditional day-school format and a Master of Divinity, after completing a fifth year, through the Center for Graduate Studies.

Download Degree Details for complete course descriptions.

If you are interested in the dual degree B.A./M.Div. program, visit nwc.edu/mdiv5 or contact Undergraduate Admissions at 651-631-5110.