Carl M. Leth, Ph.D., Coordinator
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is widely known among many graduate institutions of theological education for its role in the preparation of ministers. The purpose of this program is to prepare men and women for Christian ministry in many different contexts while being particularly friendly to preparation for service as chaplains–in the U.S. military, in hospitals, and in other situations. The course of study in the M.Div. provides a comprehensive education in Bible, theology, church history, and practical studies. It also features the requirement for “mentored ministry” in which a student engages in ministry under the guidance and direction of experienced ministerial guides. As with the other ministerial master’s degrees at Olivet, the M.Div. integrates the academic study with the mentored ministry to provide a comprehensive ministerial education.
In addition to specific chaplaincy courses, the student has the opportunity to use the mentored ministry courses in chaplaincy settings. For students with the goal of hospital chaplaincy, this may be particularly helpful. However, the student can also do the mentored ministry in local church settings; some positions, such as the military chaplaincy, may prefer the student to have local church ministerial experience as part of their background. The program can be completed on a three-year or four-year plan.
Potential applicants should carefully compare the M.Div. with the M.A. in Pastoral Ministry. Similar in design and practice, the two programs meet different needs. To read more about the difference between the two programs, visit www.epworthpulpit.com, click on “Educational Opportunities”, and read the M.Div. program description.
78 hours
Return to: