Master of Divinity

Master of Divinity

DIVINITY

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

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.

Pending Approval for Veterans Education Benefits in Portland, OR.

78 UNITS

36 MONTHS

PORTLAND CAMPUS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

As the professional degree for pastoral ministry, the Master of Divinity program 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.

Explain the biblical text in its original context and for its theological and cultural significance.
Contextualize major themes and theological concepts of the biblical text.
Exegete Greek or Hebrew biblical texts.

Engage others in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner.

Contextualize their ministry to a local community;

Model a Christocentric understanding of leadership and service.
Promote healthy spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being for oneself and others.

Distinctives

Curriculum focuses on building flourishing communities and relationships
Renowned faculty lead each unique course
Students will develop a deeper meaning of scripture
Local community and culture play a large role in each students’ focus

Admissions Requirements

3.0 Cumulative GPA
- If less than 3.0, include an explanation of prior performance and describe the experiences and skills you believe indicate your ability to succeed at the graduate level.
Personal Statement: Please upload a personal statement essay of 500 words on why this program is valuable for your ministry.
2 Letters of Recommendation
Bachelor’s Degree from Regionally Accredited Institution
Official Transcripts

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
PM744 | Neighborhood Flourishing II: Church, Poverty & Development
MM740 | Collaborative Influence*

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

Derek Zahnd, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Multnomah Biblical Seminary

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, Multnomah Bible Seminary
Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

Dr. Rebekah Josberger

Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

Dr. Ray Lubeck

Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

Dr. Paul Metzger

Associate Professor, School of Theology & Leadership

Ruben Alvarado

Assistant Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

Find Your Major

Complete the following free assessment to match your academic goals, interests, and personality with Jessup majors.

Start the Assessment

JESSUP NEWS & STORIES

Shepherding Teams Toward Success

One of Linda Sommerville’s many passions is encouraging and equipping people to discover God’s calling and to live fully into that calling. Since joining Jessup…