Master of Divinity
Illinois | Online
ANSWER THE CALL WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR COMMUNITY
Starting in Fall 2021, you can now earn your Master of Divinity degree 100% online with synchronous and asynchronous classes! Obtain the same high-caliber education from our world-renowned faculty with classes that you can take from anywhere around the globe! LEARN MORE!
WHAT IS THE FOCUS?
Our MDiv is designed to give comprehensive biblical, theological, cultural, and practical training to those desiring preparation for some form of Christian ministerial or academic leadership, all within the context of Trinity’s broadly evangelical ethos.
Why study for the Master of Divinity at TEDS?
Our MDiv curriculum brings a sharper focus to the degree with less credit hours required. The Trinity MDiv has always provided training in Scripture interpretation, theology, pastoral practices, leadership, preaching, and spiritual formation. Our curriculum develops skills in cultural exegesis and provides a deeper Christian worldview that equips you to engage with diverse cultures for the gospel’s sake.
To learn more about the Master of Divinity at TEDS, watch the webinar with faculty and students below.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR
ADMISSION TO THIS PROGRAM?
You’ll want to see the general admissions requirements for all students. Specific to the MDiv are the following general prerequisites; see full prerequisites for further specific details:
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is preferred, though not necessarily required.
- Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required if your GPA is less than 2.5 or if the Admissions Office requests them.
- A demonstrated working knowledge of the English Bible (this can be demonstrated after admission through either some specific coursework or the Standard Bible Content Test).
- Applicants with prior Greek or Hebrew experience may be able to take the Greek Proficiency Exam or the Hebrew Proficiency Exam; these allow you to place further along in the language courses. You don’t need to know Greek or Hebrew to be accepted into the MDiv; we will teach you! Both students who have taken Greek and students who have not taken Greek can be accepted to the MDiv. However, your beginning coursework will change depending on whether you can pass the proficiency exam immediately or need to take Greek courses.
– If you have experience with Koine Greek, you should review on your own and take the exam as early as possible. You may be placed further along in the Greek Exegesis sequence, or you may be placed in a one-semester remedial course. (The one-semester remedial course may be a good idea even if you pass the exam!)
– If you have no prior experience with Greek, don’t worry! You’ll most likely need to take undergraduate-level Greek courses here at Trinity that you must pass before entering the MDiv exegesis sequence. It’s important to note that these courses are considered prerequisite courses and therefore do not apply to your actual MDiv hours.
In addition to the general admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the following further requirements are specific to the Master of Divinity program:
- The applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; however, since GPA is not always an accurate indication of an applicant’s abilities for graduate work, those with a lower GPA are encouraged to consult with our admissions counselors. Alternative evaluation is sometimes possible, as is admission status that will permit the applicant to demonstrate the ability to do graduate work.
- Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 2.5 and is required upon request from the Admission Office for others.
- A demonstrated working knowledge of the content of the English Bible by either
- Passing the OT section of the Standard Bible Content Test 1 or OT 5000
- Passing the NT section of the Standard Bible Content Test 1 or NT 5000
- Completion of a full beginning Greek sequence, normally involving two years of undergraduate study. If a Greek sequence has not been completed, several options are available to meet this requirement. In all cases, students are required to complete the Greek Proficiency Exam for placement in the Greek Exegesis course sequence:
1Complete the Standard Bible Content Test (SBCT) online by logging in to MyTIU > Academics > Exams for the instruction sheet. One must pass OT or NT sections of the SBCT at 70 percent or above (sections graded separately). If a section is failed, it may be taken only one additional time. If failed a second time, enrollment in the requisite OT 5000 or NT 5000 is required. The SBCT measures biblical competency at a level approximate to a Bible college undergraduate or strong evangelical Bible program in a liberal arts undergraduate college. In every case, this demonstration of English Bible content knowledge must occur prior to enrolling in canon courses (OT 6251, OT 6252, OT 6253, NT 6251, NT 6252, NT 6253).
Preparation in Greek
If still completing undergraduate studies, it is advisable to incorporate Greek into your coursework. Students may also study Greek independently or through a repeatable online course (available through TEDS Online Distance Education Office). Additional study in syntax is usually recommended in conjunction with the DE course. A popular option is to complete Trinity’s beginning Greek sequence (NT 4030, NT 4031) offered in a July/August six-week summer session or during the first two fall/spring semesters of your enrollment. These are undergraduate-level courses not credited toward your graduate degree. If Greek has been completed some years ago, one may wish to enroll in NT 4038. Contact the New Testament department chair or a NT department faculty member to discuss this option.
For those who have completed prior study, Greek proficiency is examined through a proficiency exam offered each spring and summer. Registration for the exam may be completed online at MyTIU > TEDS Academics > Exams > Greek Proficiency Exam or by e-mailing [email protected]. Placement in the appropriate level of Greek language sections is based on this exam.
WHERE CAN THIS DEGREE TAKE ME?
MDiv alumni have gone on to a wide variety of vocational pursuits, including pastors, denominational leaders, scholars, authors, community development leaders, and missionary workers in many different contexts locally, nationally, and globally. The MDiv is the prerequisite degree for Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programs and is the recommended graduate degree for those intending to pursue advanced theological study (usually at the ThM or PhD levels).
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The Master of Divinity curriculum (87 hours total) is centered on four primary areas with one degree track of your choosing:
| Course | Title | Credits |
| ID 5000 | Biblical Theology and Interpretation | 3 hours |
| NT 5251 | Greek Exegesis I | 2 hours |
| NT 5252 | Greek Exegesis II | 2 hours |
| NT 5253 | Exegesis for Preaching | 2 hours |
| NT 6251 | Interpreting the Synoptics and Acts | 3 hours |
| NT 6252 | Interpreting Paul and General Epistles | 3 hours |
| NT 6253 | Interpreting Johannine Literature | 2 hours |
| OT 5240 | Elementary Hebrew I | 3 hours |
| OT 5241 | Elementary Hebrew II | 3 hours |
| OT 5242 |
Hebrew Exegesis | 3 hours |
| OT 6251 | Interpreting the Pentateuch and Former Prophets | 3 hours |
| OT 6252 | Interpreting the Latter Prophets | 3 hours |
| OT 6253 | Interpreting the Writings | 3 hours |
| Required: | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| CH 5051 | History of Christianity I | 3 hours |
| CH 5052 (or) CH 5060 | History of Christianity II (or) American Church History | 3 hours |
| ST 5201 | Theology I: The God of the Gospel | 3 hours |
| ST 5202 | Theology II: The Gospel of God | 3 hours |
| ST 7200 | Theological Ethics | 3 hours |
| Various | Advanced Theological Course: Choose from ST 8200, ST 8210, ST 8211, ST 8212, ST 8213, ST 8213, ST 8214, ST 8215, ST 8220, ST 8221, ST 8222, ST 8223 | 3 hours |
| Required: | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| ME 5000 | Foundations of Christian Mission | 2 hours |
| ME 5001 | Foundations of Evangelism | 2 hours |
| PR 5600 | Christian Faith and Contemporary Challenges | 2 hours |
| ID 6500 | Understanding the Social and Cultural Contexts of Ministry | 2 hour |
| Required: | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| PT 5100 | Spiritual Formation for Ministry | 2 hours |
| CM 5000 | Intro to Counseling Ministries | 2 hours |
| CM 6000 | Issues in Counseling Ministry | 1 hour |
| EM 5100 | Leadership and Educational Ministry | 3 hours |
| HM 6200–6201 | Theology and Methodology of Biblical Preaching/Lab | 2 hours |
| PT 7250 | Christian Worship and Pastoral Practices | 3 hours |
| HM 7000 | Preaching the Old Testament | 1 hour |
| PT 7481 | Internship I | 3 hours |
| Formation Group |
||
| Formation Group (2 semesters, recommended during first two semesters) | ||
| Choose one of the following tracks: | ||
Church and Parachurch Ministry |
||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| PT 7481–7482 | Internship II, or PT 7482 (2hr), PT 7483 (2hr) if completing internship over 3 semesters |
3 hours |
| Various | Electives | 6 hours |
Academic Ministry |
||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| ID 8100 | Scholarship & the Christian Mind | 3 hours |
| Various | Electives: 7000 or above | 6 hours |
INTERNSHIPS
All Master of Divinity students must complete an internship. Learn more about internships here.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Rent-free housing for first-year on campus MDiv students!
Our hope is that as the costs of housing and education are on the rise nationally, we can make your journey to the Master of Divinity program at TEDS simple and affordable. We want to invest in you, as you invest in God’s kingdom work.
MDiv Academic Scholarship Program
The TEDS Academic Scholarship Program is our highest and most prestigious scholarship at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This is for new incoming Master of Divinity Students who have demonstrated academic excellence, ministerial service, and potential for leadership.
OTHER OPTIONS
This groundbreaking early-entry MDiv program allows qualified students to earn a BA and an MDiv in 5 years, through a partnership between Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The program is led by a faculty mentor who understands how rigorous this program of study will be, as well as the importance of spiritual and academic preparation. Learn more here.MA/Theological Studies and the MDiv
TEDS students who have completed the MA/Theological Studies may apply all hours to an MDiv. Since the entire MA/TS can be earned at our Extension Sites, and certain courses may be taken online, this is a great way to complete a significant portion of the MDiv prior to coming to Deerfield. Talk to an admissions counselor for more information.Multiple Masters Programs
Students in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA/TS) can add a Master of Arts in Bioethics without substantially lengthening their stay at Trinity. Learn More here.Advanced Placement MDiv
If you graduated from a Christian college or university within the past five years and did extensive biblical studies/theology coursework as part of your degree, you may qualify for our AP MDiv (which can be completed in as few as 72 hours, compared to 87 for the standard MDiv).
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