Eighty-four (84) credit hours are required for the completion of the Master of Divinity degree. The purpose of this degree is to enhance skills of career pastors and Christian leaders working primarily in churches, as well as those students who may be seeking advanced degree options, often for careers in higher education.
Degree Goals
Student who complete the Master of Divinity will:
- Design, Develop, and Implement a disciple-making church ministry (Program Goal 1)
- Practice Biblical and theological study focusing on the use of Biblical Languages and English (Program Goal 2)
- Engage in Pastoral Care within the context of the church (Program Goal 3)
- Construct and Deliver biblical and theological sermons and lessons appropriate to a church context (Program Goal 4)
More Information
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. This proficiency includes the ability to read texts, and write assignments, including Thesis, in English. An English test is required prior to admission. Students who cannot pass the test will be required to take RE 669 English Skills for Theological Studies which will help them improve their skills. Additional Work may be assigned until the student is proficient in English.
Master of Divinity Curriculum by Goals
1. Design, Develop, and Implement a disciple-making church ministry (12 credit hours)
- PT 750 Disciple-making through the Early Church
- PT 760 Disciple-Making through the Middle Ages
- PT 770 Disciple-Making through the 16th-17th Centuries or PT 775 Contemporary Issues in Disciple-making
- RE 701 Integrated Reflection Ministry Project
2. Practice Biblical and theological study focusing on the use of Biblical Languages and English (21 credit hours)
- BS 730 Greek 1
- BS 732 Greek 2
- BS 710 Hebrew 1
- BS 712 Hebrew 2
- BS 700 Advanced Hermeneutics
- 2 BS Exegesis courses
3. Engage in Pastoral Care within the context of the church (21 credit hours)
- CN 662 Practical Pastoral Counseling
- CN/TH 605 Pastoral Ethics
- CN 799a Pastoral Counseling: Marriage and Family
- CN 799b Pastoral Counseling: Fragility of Life
- CN 799c Pastoral Counseling: Life Out of Balance
- OL 712 Transforming Leadership
- PT 780 Practical Ministry Seminar
4. Construct and Deliver biblical and theological sermons and lessons appropriate to a church context (1 credit hours)
- RE 600 Advanced Research and Writing
- RE 705 M.Div. Thesis
- BS/PT 722 Advanced Homiletics
- PT 634 Contemporary Issues In Intercultural Studies
5. Specialize in a chosen area of concentration or gain expertise in a variety of fields in elective courses (18 credit hours)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Admission Requirements
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) applicants must demonstrate a good level of proficiency in English by one of the options presented below:
- Presenting TOEFL test results (a minimum of 570 score) or TOEFL iBT (88)
- Presenting IELTS test results (6.5 score)
- Listing at least one TCM course taken and passed as an English Proficient student (readings, assignments and class session in English only).
- Enrolling for and passing one Practical Theology (PT) course as an English Proficient student (readings, assignments and class session in English only).
- Enrolling for and passing the PT 569 English Skills for Theological Studies course. After the completion of this course, the student’s level of English competency will be determined and either recommended for consideration to the M.Div. degree program or be directed to improving the English skills.
Advanced Standing
A student who enters the Master of Divinity degree with prior biblical/theological studies may apply for up to 18 hours for Advanced Standing in the degree reducing the hours from 84 to as few as 66 hours.
To apply for Advanced Standing contact [email protected] or [email protected]. These applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee. The Committee will review the student’s transcripts and gather other information as needed to determine what classes may meet the criteria for Advanced Standing.
Courses considered for Advanced Standing must meet the following requirements:
- Grade of B or higher
- Course Equivalency: meets TCM’s course requirements and goals
- Be from an accredited institute accepted by TCM
- Other criteria as determined by the Admissions Committee for the particular course
- Must be earned within the last ten years from his/her date of matriculation
- Greek or Hebrew courses must have been taken within the last two years from his/her date of matriculation