Master of Divinity, M.Div.

Carlos Lonberger, Ed.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 with concentrations in Pastoral Ministry, Family Ministry, Urban Ministry, Pastoral Leadership, Non-Profit Administration, Chaplaincy; as well as the academic fields of Theology and Bible. 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.

For the chaplaincy concentration, students have the opportunity to use the mentored ministry courses in chaplaincy settings to earn Clinical Pastoral Education credits. 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.

72 hours