GCU
PURPOSE
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program aims to prepare students for ordained ministry in the church of Jesus Christ. This program is designed to provide professional training for church-related ministries and give its graduates a proficient understanding of the church and its ministries in the contemporary world. The program's curriculum educates, and trains dedicated Christians who seek to serve as ordained ministers, evangelists, missionaries, and other ministry leaders.
OBJECTIVES
Having completion of the Master of Divinity program, students will demonstrate:
- An ability to read and interpret the Bible in its diverse contexts accurately,
- an ability to think theologically on various contemporary issues, with an advanced historical and theological understanding of Christian tradition,
- an ability to communicate the word of God to societies and cultures,
- an ability to practice various spiritual disciplines in their personal and public lives and ministries regularly and consistently, and
- an ability to perform core ministry skills to serve local congregations or people in their professions.
COMPONENTS AND REQUIREMENTS
Course Requirements
The program requires 90 semester hours (28 Courses – 84 credits, plus Final Project/thesis – 6 credits) for graduation. MDiv students must also maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for graduation with no more than 3 courses completed with a grade of "C-" or below.Course Distribution
The program's courses comprise four fields of specialization that students may select: religious heritage, cultural context, personal and spiritual formation, and capacity for ministerial and public leadership. MDiv students must complete three courses (9 credits) in School Core, twelve courses (36 credits) in MDiv Core, a Final Project/Thesis (6 credits), and thirteen courses (39 credits) of Electives.Biblical Language Requirement
Students enrolled in the MDiv program must take two Biblical language courses (LAN511 Biblical Greek and LAN521 Biblical Hebrew).Final Project/Thesis
Students will write a thesis or a project as a part of graduation requirements. They will examine the implications and possibilities of theological study for future ministry or life enrichment. A Project/Thesis Seminar will be provided for each candidate in their second year, with faculty members to help and guide them to complete their project/thesis. A tutorial for writing the thesis will be held in an informal arrangement with a faculty member; the faculty member will meet the student as needed to offer guidance and criticism. The spring term Thesis Tutorial is pro forma, allowing the candidate to complete the final form of the thesis/project for presentation to the Thesis Committee.Institutional Requirement
GCU requires all students to attend WS501 Institutional Requirement (chapel) (6 semesters). Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade on Institutional Requirements.Biblical Reading Requirement
MDiv students must know and understand the Bible; therefore, they must read it at least three times before graduation. Students will fill out a Reading Completion Form and submit it to their faculty advisor or the Dean of the School. Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade on the Bible Reading Requirement.CURRICULUM
School Core (15 credits)
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| NT501 Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| OT501Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| RW500 Research and Writing | 3 |
| RP700 Final Project/Thesis | 6 |
| Total 15 |
Department Core (36 credits)
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BS 506 Biblical Exegesis | 3 |
| CE500 Foundation of Christian Education | 3 |
| CH501 History of Christianity I | 3 |
| CH502 History of Christianity II | 3 |
| LAN511 Biblical Greek | 3 |
| LAN521 Biblical Hebrew | 3 |
| ME500 Introduction to the Christian Mission | 3 |
| PT510 Introduction to Preaching | 3 |
| PT530 Introduction of Pastoral Ministry | 3 |
| PT700 Supervised Ministry & Internship | 3 |
| TH501 Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| TH502 Systematic Theology II | 3 | Total 36 |
Electives (39 credits)
Students are to take 13 courses (39 credit hours) as electives in the areas of his/her interest to complete the program.SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCING (General Track)
Note: Normal completion of this program takes three academic years (six semesters).
| First Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BS506 Biblical Exegesis | 3 |
| LAN511 Biblical Greek | 3 |
| PT530 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry | 3 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total 15 |
| Second Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| LAN521 Biblical Hebrew | 3 |
| OT501 Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| PT510 Introduction to Preaching | 3 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total 15 |
| Third Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CH501 History of Christianity I | 3 |
| NT501 Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| RW500 Research and Writing | 3 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total 15 |
| Fourth Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CH502 History of Christianity II | 3 |
| PT700 Supervised Ministry & Internship | 3 |
| TH501 Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total 15 |
| Fifth Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CE500 Foundation of Christian Education | 3 |
| TH502 Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| Three Electives | 9 |
| Total 15 |
| Sixth Semester | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ME500 Introduction to the Christian Mission | 3 |
| RP700 Final Project/Thesis | 6 |
| Two Electives | 6 |
| Total 15 |
Total Course Hours Required for Graduation 90