Program Overview

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) at North Park Theological Seminary is a 79-credit-hour program, plus 11 field-education credits, designed to prepare students for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, teaching, and leadership in the church.

Program Description

Our most comprehensive program of study, the degree is rooted in biblical and theological studies—equipping students with a graduate-level understanding of Scripture, Christian history, and theological worship and ethics, while integrating practical ministry training. Traditionally focused on congregational leadership, and preparing students for Ordination to Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church, the MDiv degree also serves those pursuing ministry in nonprofit, parachurch, and academic contexts.

Areas of Study

• Biblical and theological studies
• Practical ministry training
• Congregational leadership
• Ordination to Word & Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church
• Ministry in nonprofit, parachurch, and academic contexts

Learning Outcomes

After completing a Master of Divinity, you will be able to:

• Interpret Scripture with historical and theological integrity for diverse churches, communities, and contexts.
• Interpret the Christian historical and theological tradition for appropriation in the life and mission of the Church.
• Demonstrate a theology and practice of worship that integrates word and sacrament, and attends to its historical and cultural expressions.
• Embody a ministerial identity committed to caring for the spiritual formation of the self, individuals, and communities.
• Demonstrate vision and growing capacity to excel in leadership for God's mission.
• Communicate the whole gospel of Jesus Christ in contextually appropriate and effective ways.
• Engage diversity and exhibit growth towards inter-cultural competence for ministry reflective of God's global redemptive work.

Featured Courses

• BIBL 5111 Greek Exegesis for Preaching & Teaching: Attention will be given to procedures and tools used in the exegetical process, textual criticism, translation, New Testament Greek syntax, theological implications, and application to ministry.
• MNST 5125 Introduction to Pastoral Care & Counseling: Pastoral care and counseling issues specific to contemporary congregational contexts, focusing on the pastoral concerns of the congregation, families, and individuals, as well as broader community issues.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Notes

• Time to Completion: 3 years (full-time) or 5 years (part-time).
• Ordination: The Master of Divinity is the principal ministerial degree for those seeking Ordination to Word & Sacrament with the Evangelical Covenant Church.
• Distance or Local: This program can be completed as a distance, commuter, or residential on-campus student.

Admissions Requirements

• Prerequisite for entrance: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Prerequisite for dual-degree options: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Application Requirements:
  • Recommendations: Three recommendations (pastor, church committee, and faculty or colleague).
  • Essay Questions: Answers to essay questions provided in the online application.
  • Official Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended.

Tuition & Aid

Nearly all seminary students are eligible for financial aid packages. Admissions counselors can walk you through your tuition options.