Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

This program educates and prepares men for official, ordained ministries of instruction and leadership in the church as pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and teachers. The goal is to furnish students with every tool they will need to bring the Word of God to the part of God’s church they serve.

The program is rigorous and thorough, covering exegesis, church history, systematic theology, homiletics, pastoral theology (teaching, leadership, counseling, church order and discipline, and missions), biblical interpretation, and practical theology (human relationships, Christian living, and church administration).

The program requires a total of 127 credits, including Greek and Hebrew, which must be completed in eight years or less; half of them must be completed on campus in order for the degree to be awarded from our institution.

Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.)

This program educates and prepares men for service in a teaching capacity. It can be used as a terminal degree for those who desire a theological background and training for various callings other than full-time, ordained gospel ministry. It can also be used as a transitional degree to additional graduate studies, particularly a Ph.D. program in religion or theology.

The program can be taken with an emphasis on Biblical Studies or on Theological Studies, allowing the student to focus on either familiarity with biblical materials or on a historical or theological perspective. In either case, the program provides a thorough grounding in the Scriptures, in Reformed theology, and in church history.

The program requires a total of 75 credits, including Greek and Hebrew, and must be completed in five years or less (two is possible) with half of the coursework taken on campus.

Master of Theology (Th.M.)

This course of study expands and deepens a student’s abilities in ministry. It is designed for students who possess a M.Div. degree or equivalent to help them achieve a higher level of learning. It can be used as a terminal degree or a transitional degree to additional graduate studies, particularly a Ph.D. program in religion or theology.

The program has three aims: first, to acquire a greater degree of proficiency in one or more discipline of theology; second, increased preparation for ministry through high-level learning in pertinent fields of theological study; and third, to gain direction in further research in an area of study of special interest or usefulness. In most cases, the student will choose a concentration in one of two areas: Biblical Studies, with specific emphasis either in Old or New Testament, or Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology.

The Th.M. program requires 30 credit hours; this normally consists of 24 hours of classes and 6 credits of a thesis.

Applicants to the Th.M. program should submit a completed application form, evidence of the possession of a M.Div. degree or equivalent, a letter of recommendation from a former instructor, and a letter of recommendation from a minister or other church authority.