Master of
Divinity
Prepare to Lead
Would you like to become better equipped for ministry? As you navigate your options for theological training, it can be difficult to choose the right program. You aren’t looking for a quick and easy degree, but rather a comprehensive program that prioritizes dependence on Christ. Your call to ministry is a lifelong pursuit and you’re ready to invest the time and energy it takes to be thoroughly formed and trained to lead.
Effective ministry looks different today than it did a decade ago. Our 80-hour program gives you the opportunity to develop critical knowledge, skills and devotional practices to sustain your calling in an ever-changing culture. Whether you are a ministry leader, recent graduate or you are pursuing a second career, our program equips you for Christ-dependent leadership. You will have the unique opportunity to study with peers from various denominations who are unified under Christ and the Scriptures.
What to Expect
The MDiv is the normative degree for ordained ministry and religious leadership positions that call upon advanced qualifications. In our program, you will receive ministry preparation as you learn how to understand and communicate your faith and help others do the same. Together with your peers, you will develop transformative skills to preach, teach and disciple in community. Our MDiv is flexible, so you can keep up with your job and family while encountering Christ through seminary.
Master of Divinity Coursework
80 Credit Hours
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree remains the normative degree to prepare persons for ordained ministry and for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings.
Having completed the Master of Divinity, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical and faithful interpretation and responsible use of Scripture in appropriate ministry and professional settings
- Establish communal and personal disciplines that nourish Christian spiritual and moral formation
- Form a missional vision of kingdom ministry within multi-cultural and multi-faith contexts
- Demonstrate critical theological reflection that is biblically faithful, historically grounded, contextually relevant, and integrated with life and ministry
- Develop ongoing just and moral practices that bear witness to the full scope of the kingdom of God.
- Exhibit effective ministry skill sets related to intended areas of service
Summative Coursework
FLD 6611 Field Study Introduction 1 hour
FLD 6612 Field Study (2) 1 hour
FLD 6613 Field Study (3) 1 hour
FLD 6614 Field Study Capstone 1 hour
Spiritual Formation Courses
SPF 5540 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 4 hours
Core Courses
BSG 5501 Engaging Texts and Contexts 3 hours
CHS 5500 Story of the Christian Faith 3 hours
CTH 5520 Christian Theology for the Kingdom of God 3 hours
ETH 5530 Christian Ethics 3 hours
MSS 5501 Kingdom Mission in a Global Community 3 hours
NTS 5511 Introduction to the New Testament 3 hours
OTS 5511 Introduction to the Old Testament (Part 1) 3 hours
OTS 5512 Introduction to the Old Testament (Part 2) 3 hours
Ministry Courses
CLD 6630 Leading the People of God 3 hours
CWP 5512 Worship and the Community of God 3 hours
PCC 5520 Person in Ministry 3 hours
PCC 5530 Pastoral Counseling and Care 3 hours
Practical Studies Courses
NTS/OTS 5501-5502 Two semesters of Greek or Hebrew 6 hours
CRE 5501 Forming the People of God 3 hours
HOM 5511 Proclaiming the Word of God 3 hours
EVG 5513 Evangelistic Practices 3 hours
Elective Courses
CHS/CTH/ETH Electives 6 hours
Open Electives 15 hours
Total Hours 80 hours
Click here to download a PDF of required courses.
You can complete your Master of Divinity (Chaplaincy) coursework online or in-person using any combination of the following modalities:
Attend class live from your location when you connect virtually through a Traditional Access class.
Complete weekly coursework independently online and engage with your professor and peers regularly.
Complete weekly coursework on-demand and join scheduled meetings online with your professor and peers.
Attend class in person less than 50% of the time. Complete the rest of your coursework independently online.
Attend class live and in-person with your professor and peers at our historic campus in Ashland, Oh.
Study with scholars who have decades of real-world ministry experience. Our faculty are called to train faithful followers for effective ministry and are personally invested in you.
Community-Based Learning Opportunity
Do you want to complete your studies in a tight-knit community? Master of Divinity students are eligible to join LIFE 631, a residential, co-curricular program that prioritizes emotional and spiritual formation. Study with others who share your calling.
Hear from MDiv Students
Theological Education You Can Afford
One of your main concerns with theological education may be the costs involved. For a limited time, we’re offering a $6,000 scholarship to the first 100 new students matriculating in fall 2022. In addition, all returning students will receive 15% off the total cost of tuition for fall & spring semesters to ensure you can access the ministry preparation you need.
Request More Information
We’re here to support you as you follow God’s call on your life. When you complete this form, we will personally reach out to discuss our Master of Divinity degree program. We’re here to support you as you discern which path of ministry at Ashland Theological Seminary is right for you.
