Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is recognized as the entry-level degree for vocational Christian ministries that communicate the Word of God. Generally, graduates serve in leadership positions in the pastorate, missions, Christian education, youth ministry, chaplaincy, evangelism, and social work. The degree can be completed in about three to four years by taking 9-12 units each trimester. 

Purpose

The curriculum leading to the M.Div. degree is a 97 unit course of instruction designed to prepare students for vocational Christian ministries that require leadership skills in combination with graduate-level Bible exposition and communication skills, with focus on preaching and teaching ministries. 

Program Goals

Upon successful completion of the Master of Divinity program students will be able to: 

1. Explain the basic content and themes of the Old and New Testaments as well as the historical development of the Christian faith and theology.
2. Exegete both the Hebrew text of the Old Testament and the Greek text of the New Testament.
3. Communicate biblical messages appropriate to the contemporary audience. 
4. Exercise leadership skills appropriate for serving as a pastor, teacher, counselor, evangelist, chaplain, church planter, missionary, or any other role as a leader in the field of Christian ministry. 
5. Practice a biblical perspective and Christian worldview in engaging people inside and outside of the church.
6. Develop and execute evangelistic vision and strategy as part of fulfilling the biblical mandate of proclaiming the gospel worldwide.

Graduation Requirements

Each candidate for the M.Div. degree must meet the general graduation requirements (page 50) and: 

1. Complete 97 units of graduate-level courses (37 units beyond the MABS degree or equivalent). Students who have completed the MACM or MABS at SCS may have to complete more than a total of 97 units for the M.Div. degree if the courses completed for the MACM or MABS are not part of the M.Div. curriculum.
2. Of the 97 units required for graduation, a minimum of 48 units must be taken through the M.Div. program at SCS. 
3. Complete PM-771 Ministry Internship (120 hours of supervised ministry) 
4. Complete RS-795 Doctrinal Synopsis 1 and RS-796 Doctrinal Synopsis 2. 

Doctrinal Synopsis

This is the capstone project which is designed to provide students with an opportunity for the writing of a summative research paper on the major areas of Christian doctrine in preparation for ordination and professional ministry. Completion of this project takes two-stage process. In the first stage, the student registers for RS-795 Doctrinal Synopsis 1, and writes and defends the first 3 chapters. In the second stage, the student registers for RS-796 Doctrinal Synopsis 2, and prepares and defends the rest of the chapters. 
Total 96 Units Click on course a course to view a description. 

Biblical Studies: 24 Units
OT-511 Old Testament 1: Genesis–Judges
OT-512 Old Testament 2: Ruth−Song of Solomon
OT-513 Old Testament 3: Prophets
NT-506 Gospels and Acts
NT-507 Pauline Epistles and Hebrews
NT-512 General Epistles and Revelation
NT-601 Analysis of Romans
HI-505 Church History and Canonicity

Biblical Interpretation: 6 units
BH-501 Hermeneutics
BH-508 Dispensationalism

Theology and Christian Philosophy: 18 units
TH-611 Theology 1: Theology Proper, Bibliology, and Angelology
TH-612 Theology 2: Anthropology, Harmatiology, and Soteriology
TH-613 Theology 3: Christology
TH-614 Theology 4: Ecclesiology & Eschatology
PH-505 Apologetics and Christian Worldview
PH-507 Christian Ethics and Leadership

Biblical Languages: 18 units
BL-501 Elementary Greek 1 (Trimester)
BL-502 Elementary Greek 2 (Trimester)
BL-551 Elementary Hebrew 1 (Trimester)
BL-552 Elementary Hebrew 2 (Trimester)
BL-601 Intermediate Greek 1 (Trimester)
BL-602 Intermediate Greek 2 (Trimester)

Practical Ministry Skills: 15 units
BC-510 Fundamentals of Pastoral Counseling
CE-506 Teaching Dynamics
PM-505 Spiritual Growth & Discipleship
MI-507 Theological Foundations of Missions
PM-771 Ministry Internship (Trimester)

Research and Thesis: 7 units
RS-501 Theological Research
RS-795 Doctrinal Synopsis 1 (Trimester)
RS-796 Doctrinal Synopsis 2 (Trimester)

Pastoral Ministry Track: 9 units
PM-701 Homiletics 1
PM-602 Pastoral Ministry

One elective from the following five courses:
RE-608 Contemporary Religious Movements
RE-609 Islamic Studies
PM-704 Homiletics 2
NT-660 Analysis of Revelation
BC-515 Conflict Resolution

Non-Pastoral Ministry Track: 9 units
Three electives from the following seven courses:
PM-701 Homiletics 1
PM-602 Pastoral Ministry
RE-608 Contemporary Religious Movements
RE-609 Islamic Studies
PM-704 Homiletics 2
NT-660 Analysis of Revelation
BC-515 Conflict Resolution