This degree will prepare you for ordained ministry or for pastoral/leadership service in congregations and other settings. This degree normally takes four years when taken full-time and requires completion of 72 academic credits plus noncredit contextual formation experiences, normally including a year-long immersion or internship.
Students are required to be on campus to attend Matriculation Day when they begin their degree, and Commencement when they complete it.
Courses are available on both campuses in a variety of modalities: synchronous, hybrid, intensive, residential, travel, and asynchronous (online). A minimum of 24 credits (eight courses) must utilize synchronous learning. Of those 24 credits, 12 credits (four courses) must utilize residential learning. For students earning their degree remotely, this is most often done by attending week-long intensives offered in June, August, October, January and March, or through travel seminars.
Synchronous Learning: Learning occurs virtually during a specific day and time. All participants are present and engaged simultaneously, either in the classroom or via Zoom. A total of 24 credits required in this format.
Residential Learning: Learning is done synchronously while being physically present in the classroom.
Hybrid Learning: The faculty member determines the schedule for hybrid of physical presence sessions, synchronous videoconferencing sessions, and a synchronous online requirements.
Intensive Learning: Learning is done virtually or via physical presence. Pre-reading and post-writing are assigned to fulfill course objectives. This fulfills the residential learning requirement.
Travel Seminar: Occasionally the seminary offers a course centered around a trip. These can be within the US or international, usually lasting between one and three weeks. This fulfills the residential learning requirement.
Asynchronous Learning (Online): Learning is done with no live class time but through pre-recorded lectures and written interactions with the teacher and other students. There is no requirement to utilize this format.
Although not required, MDiv students may choose to complete their degree with one of the following approved Specializations:
Black Church (UTI) Specialization
Town and Country Church Ministry Specialization
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Specialization
Anglican Studies Specialization
Lutheran Studies Specialization
Admission Requirements:
A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) students must have begun the candidacy process with their local synod.
