Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Robust Preparation for Pastoral Leadership
Our Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program offers thorough preparation for professional ministry and doctoral programs. Graduates serve as church planters, pastors, chaplains (military, hospital or first responder), and leaders in non-profit organizations. In addition to solid, foundational courses in biblical studies, theology, and pastoral ministry, MDiv students complete spiritual formation coursework that enriches personal development and personal capacity for healthy leadership. Request more information
Master of Divinity at a Glance |
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Semester credit hours | 78 |
Average Completion Time | Four years (Based on taking 8 credit hours of study per term in the fall and spring semesters and 4 credit hours for 1-2 summers ) |
Cost per semester credit hour | $576* (financial aid available) |
Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; Association of Theological Schools |
Format | Portland Local - Virtual Anywhere |
Specializations | Biblical Studies; Chaplaincy; Christian History and Theology; Spiritual Direction and Supervision; Spiritual Formation and Discipleship |
Application Deadlines | Rolling application deadline; apply now for the next fall cohort |
*All stated financial information is subject to change. |
The MDiv program will:
- Foster your knowledge of your own Christian heritage, through the study of the Bible and theology
- Offer tools for exegeting the cultural contexts in which you will serve, through historical, theological and cultural reflection
- Encourage your growth in spiritual depth and moral integrity, particularly through the spiritual formation curriculum
- Equip you for ministerial and public leadership, through coursework in pastoral studies and ministry leadership
Students will:
- Interact with Christian Scripture, history and theology; interpret understandings critically and express them faithfully
- Cultivate tools and habits to pursue an ever-deepening sense of the reality of Jesus Christ through spiritual formation
- Experience themselves and relate to others as created in God's image and called into community
- Support the just transformation of societies through personal and social holiness motivated by love
- Lead the church under the lordship of Jesus Christ in its mission and ministries
- Preach, teach, exercise pastoral care, equip, and lead in local churches and Christian communities
Specializations
- Biblical Studies Specialization
- Chaplaincy Specialization
- Christian History and Theology Specialization
- Spiritual Direction Specialization
- Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Specialization
Hybrid Program Overview
In our online Master of Divinity degree program, you and your co-learners form a vibrant learning community online and in person. Friendships begin at WaterFront, our three-day, in-person orientation held every August in Portland, Oregon. You'll continue to grow together through engaging in online dialogue, social media cohort groups, face-to-face gatherings and activities during BridgeWeek each semester.
What Makes it Unique
- Connect with pastors, leaders, and students from all around the nation
- Enjoy a degree program delivered in a format flexible enough to fit your lifestyle
- Embrace a robust academic experience without leaving your current ministry context
- Build close-knit community with your co-learners both online and in person
Plan Your Schedule
- Meet periodically through video chat for hybrid online courses, all held on Thursdays
- Attend BridgeWeek in Portland every October and February (7th week of classes)
- Fall Term (August - December), Spring Term (January - April)
- Summer Term (May - July), which include a 3-5 day in-person intensive in May or June
WaterFront is a required three day orientation for all new students every August. This three day event is full of opportunities for students to connect with faculty, other new students, make final preparations for studies, and participate in spiritual formation activities.
BridgeWeek is the 7th week of every semester, when all distance students come to Portland for face-to-face intensives. Local students who are taking hybrid online courses will meet in person this week as well. Special events are offered in the evenings for both distance and local students.
Studios are specially tailored learning environments where you will delve deep into your chosen specialization. In your studio, you will learn alongside a small group of students who share your specialization interest, and with faculty members or denominational leaders uniquely qualified to facilitate learning in your area.
Spiritual Formation
At the heart of Portland Seminary, historically, is a commitment to the spiritual formation of its students. Formation into Christlikeness prepares the whole person to engage the world for the sake of Christ.
We fulfill this commitment in these ways:
- Every degree program involves students in an intentionally designed spiritual formation curriculum.
- The courses include classic spiritual disciplines as well as intentional holistic awareness.
- Our spiritual formation curriculum is biblically grounded and
Christ-centered, and our understanding of spiritual formationinvolves the intersection of Scripture, theology, psychology, biology and social-cultural factors. - Spiritual formation courses are scheduled so that students can participate in formation courses throughout their degree program.
- Each spiritual formation course combines rich academic content, formational activities, accountability, and fellowship, offering students a robust
experience
Master of Divinity (78 Credit Hours)
Curriculum Plan
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Specializations (Students must select one or complete the elective option)
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Seminary students complete 8 elective credits from BIST, CHTH, MLDR, PSTD, or SFAD courses.