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.
Pending Approval for Veterans Education Benefits in Portland, OR.
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
- 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
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
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 Biblical Seminary
Associate Professor – School of Theology & Leadership
Dr. Rebekah Josberger
Professor – School of Theology & Leadership
Dr. Ray Lubeck
Professor – School of Theology & Leadership
Dr. Paul Louis Metzger
Professor, School of Theology & Leadership
Ruben Alvarado
Assistant Professor – School of Theology & Leadership
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