The M.Div. will prepare students for an effective ministry of servant-leadership, with a Scripture based missional heart, service in context, spiritual formation, and professional skills.The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is considered by many organizations to be the foundational degree for professional clergy.
“This process has truly transformed me. I feel that not only have I received an innumerable amount of tools for ministry and the work God has vocationally called me to, but also tools for personal growth and self-evaluation, structure and framework for study and communication, and most importantly, a renewed confidence in Christ and all He can accomplish through the study of His Word and the grace of His faithfulness.” –Sean Stepleton, MA 2014
Students can choose from one of several concentrations: Christian Ministry and Leadership, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Care, Spiritual Formation, and Children, Youth and Family.
For students without prior biblical or theological training, an additional 6 units of Bible courses are required as prerequisites for most Bible and Theology courses. Students may complete the program through a combination of online courses and optional short, on-ground residencies with online follow-up.
This is a three-year degree for full-time students, but a student taking courses year-round may complete the program in 30 months. Students who currently hold an MA from HIU may apply up to 36 units of their degree toward the M.Div.
The core degree is 72 units. Students take 30 units including courses in scripture, theology, church history, and biblical languages; 9 units including leadership, evangelism, and intercultural studies; 9 units focusing on personal and spiritual formation; and 24 units focusing on ministry skills. Students may select 12 units for a single skills concentration.
Students who earn the M.Div. are prepared for ministry in a variety of vocational settings including churches, parachurch organizations, social services, hospitals, military chaplaincy, and hospices. Students who earn an M.Div. can seek licensing or ordination which includes the ability to administer weddings and funerals.
