Divinity
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity program provides advanced training for leaders in a variety of ministry settings, including local church leadership, chaplaincy, missions and Christian non-profit organizations. The three-year degree includes significant study in Bible, theology, biblical languages, intercultural studies, spiritual formation and pastoral ministry. With the program being both onsite and online, students have the flexibility to study in a location that works best for them.
About the Program
As the professional degree for pastoral ministry, the Master of Divinity program at Multnomah Biblical Seminary is designed to provide professional training in pastoral and related fields for those planning a lifetime of ministry. Graduates will be able to articulate their calling, effectively communicate God’s Word, lead God’s people and provide pastoral care.
The Master of Divinity program focuses on two points in its educational philosophy — Christ and the Bible. Commitment to Jesus and God’s Word go hand in hand.
The program begins with a biblical and theological foundation and develops skills in the areas of biblical languages, exegesis, communication, community development, preaching, discipleship, mentoring, pastoral care and leadership.
Individual and community-centered spiritual formation is critical to lifelong growth and ministry. The MDiv gives careful attention to this area of formation to ensure that each student has a strong foundation to build upon their future in ministry.
This program is approved by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools.
Program Structure (78 units)
Bible (15 units)
- BIB501 | Genesis through Song of Solomon
- BIB502 | Isaiah through Malachi
- BIB509 | Biblical Interpretation
- BIB513 | Pauline & General Epistles
- BIB514 | Gospels, Acts, Revelation
Theology (21 units)
- TH507 | Christian Theology I
- TH508 | Christian Theology II
- TH642 | Theology of Cultural Engagement
- TH720 | Ethics
- HTH703 | Patristic to Medieval Theology OR HTH704 | Reformation to Modern Theology
- HTH707 | Evangelical Theology & History
- ISI701 | Christian Theology and World Religions
Language (12 units)
- GRK501 | Greek Grammar
- GRK502 | Greek Grammar II
- GRK651 | Greek Reading & Syntax
- GRK652 | Greek Exegesis OR 2 years of Hebrew in place of Greek
Pastoral (27 units)
- SF511 | Principles of Spiritual Formation
- PR611 | Foundation in Homiletics OR PR708 | Communication Skills for Ministry
- CN721 | Foundation in Biblical Counseling
- CN723 | Practicum Counseling Lab
- PM605 | Principles of Leadership OR PM624 | Orientation to Institutional Ministry
- TH634 | Theology for Thriving Communities
- PM641 | Neighborhood Flourishing I
- PM648 | Curious Neighbors
- MM740 | Mentored Ministry*
Electives: Student choice of relevant graduate courses.
To view all courses and course descriptions, please see our current Academic Catalog.
Students may petition to substitute the language credits to pursue other areas of focus (e.g., theology, chaplaincy, etc.) when ministry objectives do not include a teaching component in the Church. Approval of this substitution results in 15 units of electives.
* MM 740: Students who have three years of full-time ministry experience or are currently in full-time ministry may apply to substitute these credits. Those interested in hospital, police & fire, or military chaplaincy may use CPE credits to fulfill MM 740.
Students working towards chaplaincy may (with approval) substitute the language credits with graduate counseling courses, if offered by the School of Psychology. For example:
- CN724 | Marital Counseling
- CN726 | Crisis Counseling & Recovery Care
- CN728 | Growth & Development Through Life Stages
Admissions Criteria
Applicants must meet general admission requirements outlined in the “Admission and Financial Information” section of the catalog.
Education Requirements
- A Master of Divinity (MDiv) from an accredited institution, or
- A Master’s degree in a ministry-related field with a broad base in Bible and Theology, relevant to their current context or vocational calling, from an accredited college or university.
- Applicants without an MDiv must demonstrate the following in essay form:
- The ability to thoughtfully interpret the Bible and their theological tradition
- The capacity to adapt their ministry to their cultural context
- An understanding of their ministerial identity and calling
- A commitment to ongoing personal and spiritual formation
- Significant ministry experience that enables the applicant to engage as a ministry peer with other students
Additional Requirements
- Minimum of three years of ministry experience.
- Active engagement in current ministry leadership.
- Affirmation of the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in their Master’s program. Applicants whose master’s level GPA is below a 3.0 may be admitted provisionally, with the status lifted upon demonstrated doctoral-level competency.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Three references
- One from a ministry peer or colleague
- One from a board member or elder
- One personal reference
- A letter of support from the applicant’s spouse (if married).
- A professional resume demonstrating at least three years of ministry leadership experience.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Admissions Essay One: “Proposed Focus of Study”
- Admissions Essay Two (Non-MDiv Applicants only): “Foundations for Advanced Ministry”
- Optional: 20 -30 minute interview with DMin Associate Director if more information is needed beyond the provided documents.
This MDiv program includes a unique core curriculum on building flourishing neighborhoods. Students are exposed to renowned faculty, and learn to not only exegete Scripture but to exegete the local community and culture to which they are called.
Faculty
Jessup’s dedicated community of faculty, both full-time and adjunct, are here to walk alongside you, equipping you with the knowledge and values you’ll need to establish a meaningful career, grow spiritually, and succeed in all areas of your life. Learn more about our full-time faculty.
Dr. Derek Zahnd
Associate Dean, Seminary, Associate Professor, School of Theology & Leadership
Professor, Multnomah Biblical Seminary
Associate Program Director, DMin, Assistant Professor, Multnomah Biblical Seminary
Discover Your Unique Calling
Find Your Major
Complete the following free assessment to match your academic goals, interests, and personality with Jessup majors.
