Master of Divinity

87 credit hours | 3-4 years

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’s 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.

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:

1. A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is preferred, though not necessarily required.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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.

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:

INTERNSHIPS

All Master of Divinity students must complete an internship. Learn more about internships here. 

OTHER OPTIONS

Advance: Pre-Seminary Studies
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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