Advanced Placement MDiv
Partially Online | Deerfield, IL
Why study for the Advanced Placement MDiv at TEDS?
If you’re graduating with a ministry degree from an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts school, you may qualify for our Advanced Placement MDiv (AP MDiv). This program reduces the overall number of hours you’ll need to graduate with an MDiv while also allowing you to take additional advanced electives in areas that you’re passionate about.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR
ADMISSION TO THIS PROGRAM?
To qualify, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a field related to Christian ministry, pre-seminary studies, biblical studies, or theological studies within the past five years. Other degrees, however, may be considered; talk to an admissions counselor if you’re interested but unsure about your qualifications. You’ll need to have done a good amount of coursework (with a grade of “B” or better and a GPA of 3.25 or higher) in church history, biblical and theological studies, mission and evangelism studies, and ministry and preaching courses, as well as cultural engagement and supervised ministry experiences. (See full prerequisites for the hourly requirements; you may be admitted with several hours of deficiency, but these must be made up and will prevent you from completing the AP MDiv in as short a time.)
OUR REVISED CURRICULUM
Our new 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 revised curriculum will also develop skills in cultural exegesis and provide a deepened Christian worldview that will equip you to engage with diverse cultures for the gospel’s sake.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The AP MDiv curriculum (72-87 hours total) covers the same robust range of biblical studies, theology, culture, and practical ministry experience as a standard MDiv. You’ll take courses in the following areas:
| 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 |
| PT 5100 |
Spiritual Formation for Ministry | 2 hours |
| HM 6200–6201 | Biblical Preaching | 2 hours |
| HM 7000 | Preaching the Old Testament | 1 hour |
| ID 6500 | Understanding Social & Cultural Contexts for Ministry | 2 hours |
| ST 7200 | Theological Ethics | 3 hours |
| ST XXXX | Advanced Theological Course: Choose from ST 7070, ST 7505, ST 7710, ST 8000, ST 8030, ST 8040, ST 8050, ST 8730 | 3 hours |
| PT 7250 | Christian Worship and Pastoral Practices | 3 hours |
| PT 7481 | Internship I | 3 hours |
| ID 5080 | Formation Group (2 semesters) | 0 hours |
| 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 | 15 hours |
Academic Ministry |
||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| ID 8100 | Scholarship & the Christian Mind | 3 hours |
| Various | Electives: 7000 or above | 15 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).
INTERNSHIPS
All Master of Divinity students must complete an internship. Learn more about internships here.
DEGREE TRACKS
The MDiv degree offers two tracks. Each track has a unique 3-hour requirement and 15 additional elective hours. Students seeking intensive specialization are encouraged to complete another MA in their area of interest. Up to half of the credits for an MA can be fulfilled from MDiv coursework.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to apply? Make sure you send in the Supplemental Application too. AP MDiv Applications will be considered only in an applicant’s first semester in the MDiv program (including as a second program for Multiple Master’s applicants), and all necessary materials must be submitted no later than the end of Add/Drop in that first semester.
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