Master of Divinity Degree
The Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) has a scope that is sufficient to equip students for a variety of church, mission or parachurch vocations. To learn more about Denver Seminary's Academic Divisions and the degree programs offered within these divisions, be sure to see the Academic Divisions page.
Who should pursue a Master of Divinity degree?
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is the ideal degree for those planning to enter ordained ministry, whether as pastors or chaplains or in other ministry roles. Students desiring to enter doctorate-level studies in theological schools will also benefit greatly from an MDiv degree.
If your vocational direction is unclear, you should consider an MDiv degree, as it provides the most comprehensive theological education and opens the door to the greatest number of ministry options. (In comparison, Master of Arts programs tend to be more specialized in nature). As the broadest theological degree, the MDiv's scope is sufficient to equip students for a variety of church, mission or parachurch vocations.
What concentrations are available in Denver Seminary's MDiv program?
If the MDiv is taken with no concentration, eight hours of open electives complete the requirements for the degree. MDiv students may also choose a concentration, which focuses all elective hours in a specific discipline. Concentrations are available in the following areas.
MDiv concentrations provide more thorough preparation for students who are considering doctoral study in a particular field yet desire the more extensive background provided by the MDiv degree. A concentration also allows for more specialized study in a particular area related to a student's ministry interests and calling.
What makes Denver Seminary's Master of Divinity program unique?
Students in Denver Seminary's MDiv program experience a holistic education founded in authentic life change and integrated ministry experiences. Unlike other MDiv or ThM degree programs, Denver Seminary offers both a strong academic education with accomplished and caring faculty and practical ministry experience through our individualized training and mentoring program. In addition, Denver Seminary's emphasis on globalization provides unique opportunities for cross-cultural experiences and missions-related activities. At Denver Seminary, you'll find your educational experience includes your mind, soul, heart and strength.
Also unique to Denver Seminary's MDiv program, you will have the opportunity to evaluate your gifts for ministry. During the first year, you will complete a comprehensive evaluation (through written IDAK assessment and counseling sessions) of ministry vision and aptitudes focusing on natural God-given talents. For many students, this process has provided answers and direction to their calling in ministry.
And if you're planning to pursue biblical teaching or a position in the pastorate, you may be happy to learn that Denver Seminary links biblical language courses with homiletics.When you study passages in Greek or Hebrew exegesis classes, you then prepare and preach sermons based on these biblical texts. The M.Div. experience at Denver Seminary equips you for practical pastoral ministry.
The MDiv core
The MDiv core is the required courses for all MDiv students.
View list of all course descriptions
Normally in the final semester, M.Div. students also write a paper summarizing their personal doctrinal positions, then orally defend that paper before two faculty members.
1 Students with a chaplaincy or pastoral counseling concentration should take CO 526 instead of PME 602.
2 Students with a leadership concentration should take LD 501 instead of PME 702.
3 Students with a youth and family ministries concentration should take YFM 602 instead of EM 501.
4 Those selecting a concentration in chaplaincy, intercultural ministry, leadership, outdoor leadership, pastoral counseling, worship, or youth and family ministries may take OT 501 and 505 (which reduces the hours in the core by four so that the concentration hours may be increased to twelve), or they may take OT 501, 502 and 701 (the normal Hebrew curriculum for the MDiv program), increasing the total number of hours for the degree to 101.
How long does it take to complete a Master of Divinity degree at Denver Seminary?
The MDiv can be completed in three years. However, many choose to take a slightly lighter course load and extend the program by a semester or two in light of work, ministry and family commitments.
See Suggested Sequence of Courses
What are the entrance requirements for the MDiv?
-
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution
-
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5
-
Completion of the application for admission and all required application documents
