Master of Divinity

Students in this program will be able to: 

• Build a strong emphasis on understanding the Bible.
• Strengthen biblical background and exegetical skills through courses in biblical languages.
• Instill a working knowledge of church history and systematic theology.
• Instill and develop ministry skills.
• Instill and develop leadership skills.

Master of Divinity

Core Curriculum – 51 Hours

• Bi 501 Old Testament
• Bi 502 New Testament
• TH 503 Systematic Theology I
• Th 513 Systematic Theology II
• Th 607 Hermeneutics
• Th 601 History of Christian Thought I
• Th 602 History of Christian Thought II
• Ath 601 Introduction to Pastoral Care
• Ath 610 Introduction to World Missions
• Ath 611 Ethics of Pastoral Leadership
• Ath 612 Introduction to Evangelism
• Ath 613 Theological Research Writing (must be taken in first year)
• Ath 699 Religious Studies Capstone 
• Ath 614 Spiritual Formation
• Bi 615 Early Hebrew History
• Bi 616 Biblical Wisdom Literature
• Th 610 Holy Spirit Throughout the Bible

Master of Divinity – Biblical Language (6 Hours)
Choose will choose from Greek and Hebrew Languages

• L 605 Hebrew I
• L 606 Hebrew II
• L 607 Greek I
• L 608 Greek II

Master of Divinity – Bible (Bi) 12 hours
Students will choose from courses with a Bi or Th prefix

• Bi 603 Isaiah
• Bi 604 Daniel
• Bi 605 Mark
• Bi 606 Romans
• Bi 619 Survey of Matthew
• Bi 620 Survey of Luke & Acts
• Bi 621 John
• Bi 622 Survey of Revelation
• Bi 623 Survey of Genesis
• Th 603 Church Scholars (Soren Kierkegaard)
• Th 604 Church Scholars (John Wesley)
• Th 605 Church Scholars (Karl Barth)
• SP 609 Expository Preaching
• SP 615 Contemporary Biblical Preaching
• Th 606 Women in Theology
• Th 608 Introduction to World Religions

Master of Divinity – Leadership (LS) (12 hours for the basic Master of Divinity program)
(LS) (24 hours for the Leadership concentration)

Students will choose from the leadership (LS) courses. 12 hours for the basic Master of Divinity program and 24 hours for the Master of Divinity with Leadership Concentration program. *Not required for the Chaplaincy Concentration

• LS 590 Executive Leadership I
• LS 601 Ethical Considerations of Leadership
• LS 602 Global Dimensions of Leadership
• LS 603 Organizational Communication
• LS 604 Conflict Resolution
• LS 605 Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving
• LS 606 Organizational Administration
• LS 607 Managing Organizational Change
• LS 609 Church Planting
• LS 610 Financial Administration
• LS 611 Women in Leadership
• MBA 601 Servant Leadership
• MBA 625 Professional Communication Development
• MBA 640 The Legality of Business
• MBA 678 International Business
• MBA 662 Marketing

Master of Divinity – General Electives (9 Hours)

Students will choose from Applied Theology, Bible, Language, Leadership, Speech, Mission, or Theology courses.

PREREQUISITES
The following courses have prerequisites:

• L 606 Hebrew II    Prerequisite: L605 Hebrew I
• L 608 Greek II       Prerequisite: L607 Greek I

Biblical Wisdom Literature - Bi 616
This course is a survey of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. This material will be explored in relation to its ancient Near East historical and cultural setting, and involves a study of the nature of Hebrew poetry. The main themes of each book will be evaluated in the theological light of the New Testament.

Capstone Courses (LS 698, ATh 698, ATh 699)
During the last semester of study before graduation from each program of study, and before being awarded a degree, the student will be required to complete this course in which the student produces a substantial writing assignment (generally 50-60 pages). This research paper will demonstrate comprehension and synthesis of the material covered over the course of the program of study and will address an area of interest, ministry, or future employment context, relating biblical concepts to ministry or leadership topics. A grade of C or better must be achieved in this course to earn a degree.

Church Scholars: Soren Kierkegaard - Th 603
This course is an intensive study of the thought of Korean Kierkegaard. Special emphasis will be placed on Kierkegaard’s’ moral philosophy of religion and philosophy of human nature.

Church Scholars: Wesleyan Theology - Th 604
This course will focus on the primary writings of John Wesley, with an introduction to the works of Charles Wesley, and the rise of the Wesleyan Movement. Wesley will be placed within the larger theological context of Western Christendom, but with special emphasis placed on the development of his thought. Interaction over sections of primary readings will form a vital part of the course.

Church Scholars: Karl Barth - Th 605
This course will focus on a selected portion of the primary writings of Karl Barth’s theological views placed within a larger framework of his thought.

Conflict Resolution - LS 604
This course equips students to apply biblical principles to personal, pastoral and group conflict and considers effective models for leading congregational change with preventive measures to minimize conflict. Attention is given to understanding personality distinctive, implementing change, and decision making leadership.

Contextual Education Practicum - A Th 604
Introduction into practical elements of ministry with special emphasis placed on career planning and field experience. This course requires a pre-project paper on the chosen project’s relativity to the student’s career path. The field experience is done “hands-on” in a ministry location with guidance by a ministry supervisor and the course instructor. Prerequisites: All Master of Divinity core courses (57).

Daniel - Bi 604
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Daniel.

Elements of Hebrew I - L 605
This is an introductory course on the essentials of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and vocabulary preparation for assisting the student in reading and understanding the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.

Elements of Hebrew II - L 606
This is an intermediate course for students who have completed the prerequisite introductory course on the L 605 Elements of Hebrew I and desire further work in the areas of Hebrew grammar, syntax, vocabulary, criticism,
and the reading of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Prerequisite: L 605 Hebrew I

Ethics of Pastoral Leadership - A Th 611
This course examines the appropriate ethical conduct of Christian workers based upon the text of the New Testament. Of particular interest will be such contemporary issues as gender behavior in the workplace, confidentiality and liability, abortion, euthanasia, living wills, stem cell research, and genetic engineering.

Expository Preaching - Sp 609
In this course, a variety of texts from Scripture will be studied in order to understand structure, content, theology and contemporary relevance. A series of expository sermons will be developed by the students in order that the holistic mechanics of each sermon may be examined.

Grief and Loss Counseling - A Th 624
This course will focus on the role of the chaplain during times of grief and loss, whether loss of life, career, or property. It will explore the psychological/emotional response of people to loss and how the chaplain can bring a healing presence during times of chaos and confusion.

Healthcare Chaplaincy - A Th 625
This course will focus on the needs, challenges and practices of healthcare chaplaincy. It will include the role of chaplains in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and home healthcare settings. The student will explore the unique challenges associated with healthcare chaplaincy and the role of the chaplain with respect to patients, relatives of patients, and healthcare workers.

Hermeneutics - Th 607
This is a study of basic principles and specific guidelines of interpretation. Some attention is given to the historical schools of interpretation, but the focus of the course is on historical-grammatical interpretation and legitimate application of the Scriptures. General principles, such as reliance on the Holy Spirit, biblical context, ancient culture, and different literary genre are studied in this course.

History of Christian Thought I - Th 601
This course is a study of the early church scholars and how each impacted Christian theology and doctrine. It deals with early church councils and the writings of church fathers.

History of Christian Thought II - Th 602
This course is a continuation of the study early church scholars and how each impacted Christian theology and doctrine. It deals with the Reformation and the history of various contemporary theologies.

Introduction to Global Chaplaincy - A Th 620
This course is designed to train and equip pastors, pastoral counselors, and lay workers for ministry in specialized settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, jails and prisons, rescue missions and shelters, law enforcement agencies, business and industry, detention centers, benevolence organizations, social services agencies, and other institutions. Students will be exposed to the theological and practical ramifications of specialized ministries in these settings and in a pluralistic and secular environment. The various aspects of chaplaincy to be taught include: defining Chaplaincy Ministry, History of Chaplaincy, Theology of Chaplaincy, Chaplain as Person, and various core skills such as Stress Management & Debriefing, Confidentiality, Workplace Etiquette, Suicide, Death Notifications, Grief, and more.

Introduction to Pastoral Care - A Th 601
This course will study ministry to the physically, emotionally or relationally ill, crisis ministry and ministry to the dying and bereaved.

Isaiah - Bi 603
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Isaiah.

Leading Through Times of Crises - LS 617
This course provides an introduction to crisis management in organizations. It examines the types of crises encountered, potential impact on the organization and its stakeholders, and strategies for prevention, management, and recovery. Current events and cases will be presented to explore the ethical, legal, and human implications of these crises. Effective Fall 2011.

Mark - Bi 605
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Mark.

Ministry in Crises and Disasters - A Th 622
This course is designed to equip chaplains in addressing the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of individuals following a major natural or manmade crisis, such as a tornado or a terrorist attack. It will explore theories of shock, coping mechanisms, and post-traumatic stress as a result of a critical event affecting a large population. Further, it will equip chaplains as part of a first responder team, as well as in ministry to first responders as they cope with spiritual and emotional needs.

New Testament - Bi 502
This course gives a broad overview of the entire New Testament in the context of history, geography, and culture of its time. The chief events, characters, and teachings of each book will be studies in reaction to God’s ongoing plan.

Old Testament - Bi 501
This course gives a broad overview of the entire Old Testament in the context of history, geography and culture of its time demonstrating how each book fits into the whole story of redemption.

Prison/Jail Chaplaincy - A Th 621
This course will focus on the needs, challenges and practices of prison/jail chaplaincy. It will include the role of chaplains in prisons, jails, and other law enforcement arenas. This course will address both ministry to inmates and their families, as well as to law enforcement officers. It will explore the unique role of the chaplain in the law enforcement and rehabilitation contexts and foundational theoretical concepts relative to this role.

Romans - Bi 606
This course will be an exposition, emphasizing the background issues, purpose, structure, and interpretation of prophetic literature and theological contributions of Romans.

Spiritual Formation - A Th 614
In this course, you will explore ways to develop ministry or educational experiences that will enable spiritual development and formation in various age groups. Areas covered include learning theory, human developmental growth and Christian nurture theories. As you understand them, you will be encouraged to integrate them into your own ministry model.

Sports Chaplaincy - A Th 623
This course is designed to train and equip pastors, pastoral counselors, and lay workers for ministry in the specialized the setting of sports. The chaplaincy focus of this course will include collegiate and professional sports programs and the issues and challenges related to serving athletes, coaches, managers, administrators, etc., who are connected with a sports program. It will address emotional, financial, marital, and moral issues often associated with high profile sports programs at both the amateur and professional levels.

Survey of Genesis - Bi 623
This course examines the structure of the book of Genesis, its theological message, and the implications of its message today. The student will be led through an analysis of this foundational book of the Hebrew canon, including an intensive look at the first four narratives

Survey of John - Bi 621
This course is designed to help students examine the Fourth Gospel’s relationship, style and theology, to the Synoptic Gospels and a portrait of Jesus as presented in the text. Particular attention will be given to authorship, purpose, and the writer’s doctrine of spirituality.

Survey of Luke / Acts - Bi 620
This course will allow the students an opportunity to explore primary themes such as the role of women, wealth and poverty, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Close attention will focus on the authorship, history, literary style, and theological implications of the texts.

Survey of Matthew - Bi 619
This course will examine the theological approaches and the history of the book and the writer of the book of Matthew. Analysis and synthesis will be used to explore the motifs, literary style, and Matthew’s relationship to the Old Testament and the other Synoptic Gospels.

Prison/Jail Chaplaincy - A Th 621
This course will focus on the needs, challenges and practices of prison/jail chaplaincy. It will include the role of chaplains in prisons, jails, and other law enforcement arenas. This course will address both ministry to inmates and their families, as well as to law enforcement officers. It will explore the unique role of the chaplain in the law enforcement and rehabilitation contexts and foundational theoretical concepts relative to this role.