Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Luis Fernando Ortiz, Director
The Master of Divinity is a 78 credit program recommended as the basic training for Adventist ministry by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the North American Division. It is a professional program that can be completed in as little as two years (including summers) by students with a bachelors degree in theology. Students lacking prerequisites will begin their program by completing the missing prerequisite courses.
Mission
In harmony with the mission and core values of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, the Master of Divinity degree equips called, committed men and women with practical biblical, theological, and ministerial knowledge and skills to prepare them for Christlike service as leaders and equippers.
Vision
We envision the Master of Divinity community as a relationally healthy and diverse family focused on developing balanced and spiritually mature ministry leaders who are committed to equipping people in accomplishing God’s mission and the prophetic calling of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Program Outcomes
- Character - Models spiritual humility, maturity and integrity grounded in a living experience with God in joyful assurance of His salvation, nurtured by the sanctifying presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
- Scholarship - Manifests the practices of a Biblical scholar-theologian engaging the Bible, Christian/Adventist heritage and professional resources with theological maturity for personal growth and for facilitating the theological competence of others.
- Discipleship & Evangelism - Demonstrates personal commitment, passion and essential skills for discipleship and evangelism, while equipping members to carry out ministry within the scope of the local and global mission of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
- Leadership - Exercises creative and visionary leadership as a minister and servant of Christ, discerning the needs, spiritual gifts and potential of others, in order to equip and engage in their God-given ministries.
- Worship - Facilitates enriching corporate worship that brings diverse peoples into the transforming presence of God.
- Administration/Management - Engages the abilities of self and others to strategically steward personal and corporate resources including time, health, finances, property and service in areas of spiritual giftedness.
- Relationships - Models effective relationships with people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, character, and persuasions, reflecting the wisdom, compassion, and discernment of Jesus through the work of the Spirit.
Application to the Program
All MDiv applicants must meet the Graduate Programs Admission Requirements applicable to all graduate students and the general seminary requirements.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree: A four-year degree from an accredited United States institution, or its equivalent from an institution outside the U.S.
- Minimum of 2.5 Undergraduate GPA
- Normally hold membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church inasmuch as the MDiv program is specifically designed for Adventist ministers and is sponsored and financed by the Adventist church.
- Represent high moral integrity with a character, lifestyle, and spiritual commitment reflective of the beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and show promise of usefulness for Adventist ministry through personal maturity and adequate experience in the Church. (Persons of other faiths who are willing to live in harmony with these standards are welcome to apply.)
- Submit an autobiographical history and a 350+ word statement of purpose reflecting the applicant’s family and spiritual development, sense of calling to ministry, experience in church work, and future goals in relationship to the MDiv program. A guideline is provided in the admissions package.
- If married, the spouse of the applicant is also asked to complete a statement in regard to his or her feelings and relationship to the partner’s aspirations for future ministry.
- Background Check. Applicants to all Seminary programs are required to undergo a criminal background check as specified in the online application process. The criminal background check must be completed within six months of beginning coursework and be redone every three years while in attendance at the seminary. The basic cost of the background check is paid as part of the application process. Applicants are responsible for any additional fees charged by municipalities in which they have resided, and for the costs of subsequent background checks.
- An interview with a representative of the MDiv program may be required, either by personal contact, telephone, or video.
- Complete and return the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire as directed.
- Pre-admission Conduct Disclosure Statement - Applicants to all Seminary programs are required to complete and submit to the Seminary the “Pre-Admission Conduct Disclosure Statement.”
- Recommendations
- Church board where the applicant is a member
- Church administrator, pastor, or elder
- General Recommendation from: College teacher or advisor, recent employer, or some other non-family member
English Language Requirements
Students whose language of education is not English must submit one of the following tests and minimum scores:
TOEFL Paper-based - 565
TOEFL Internet-based - 85
MELAB - 81
IELTS - 6.5
PTE - 58
Application Deadline
Given that applying and obtaining pertinent documents for admission can be a long endeavor, the student must start the application process at least 4-6 months before the the desired starting semester. See University deadlines for individual semesters here.
Academic Policies
Residency Requirements
Students must maintain active status by enrolling for at least two semesters within one academic year. When this fails to happen, the student must follow the bulletin in force at the time active status is reestablished.
Following an absence of two years or more, a student’s previous admission status will have lapsed and the student will need to reapply to the program.
Hybrid Course Delivery Options
MDiv students may take up to one-half of their program off-campus. The Hybrid delivery method utilizes various delivery methods to assist students in completing their MDiv degree. These options include:
- On-line classes through the Seminary Online Learning Center (SOLC).
- One week intensives at seminary extension sites in Unions throughout the United States and Canada (offered by the MA Pastoral Ministry English track). Certain classes in the MAPM program cannot be used by MDiv students. Advising is necessary prior to registration.
- Summer Session intensive courses on the main Andrews University campus
- Full semester, on-campus courses
For off-campus students, a special 12-credit per year (May through April) part-time price is available. Should the student desire to take more courses, a second package may be purchased.
Students interested in the Hybrid delivery method must obtain approval and instructions on specific class options, costs and how to sign up for this option from the MDiv program office before beginning part-time work.
Transferred and Earned Credit Term Limits
All Course credits applied towards degree requirements should be earned within 10 years of the awarding of the degree.
Transferring Credits to the MDiv Program
Provided the content of the courses are assessed as comparable to the curriculum of the Andrews University Master of Divinity program, students intending to transfer credits into the Master of Divinity Program should be aware of the following policies:
- A transfer of credits must be made by petition.
- Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which the grade is B or higher.
- A student may transfer a maximum of 39 credits (graduate level) may be transferred from an uncompleted graduate-level program.
- Up to 24 credits (graduate level) may be transferred to the Master of Divinity program from a completed master’s-level degree.
- At least 39 credits must be taken in-residence.
Summer Course Load
The 12 week summer session is divided into three 4-weekThe total amount of course work during the summer session may not exceed 12 credits. Students taking a biblical language during a summer session may not take other courses during that session.
Workshop Credit Limit and Grading Pattern
Master of Divinity students may apply up to 4 workshop credits appropriate to degree requirements. If workshops are taken during the semester breaks, the credits are counted as part of the class load for either the previous or the following semester.
Workshops are graded S/U. Any deviation from this pattern must be approved by the dean prior to the conclusion of the workshop. Students must register at the Academic Records Office for all workshops for which academic credit is desired.
Independent Study Restrictions
Students in the MDiv program are allowed to register for Independent Study only for a compelling reason such as a schedule conflict or the need to take a subject that is not offered (for a maximum of 8 credits during their MDiv program). Independent study is only available to students on the main campus. Normally, Independent Study cannot be used to meet a core requirement. Students must first seek approval from the MDiv office before arranging with a teacher to do Independent Study.
Academic Probation
MDiv students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.75 will be placed on academic probation and will have their course load reduced to no more than 10 semester credits. MDiv students whose cumulative GPA remains below 2.75 for a second consecutive semester will be required to enter into a probation contract, and have regular meetings with their academic advisor. Following that, should their GPA not improve, they may be asked to withdraw from the program.
When an incomplete or Deferred Grade has not been cleared by the end of the following semester, the student’s course load must be reduced as follows:
- One Incomplete/DGs—no reduction
- Two Incompletes/DGs—may register for no more than 10 credits
- Three Incompletes/DGs—may register for no more than 9 credits
With more than three I/DGs, the student must cease taking classes until the Incompletes/DGs are cleared.
Evaluation of Students
Since the MDiv program prepares individuals for professional and pastoral leadership, periodic assessments are made of the students by the faculty in areas other than academic standing. Areas reviewed are students’ spiritual growth, lifestyle reflective of the beliefs and practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, social/family relations, and developing potential for ministry. As a result of these assessments, students are affirmed in the MDiv program, advised of needed adjustments, or discontinued from the program.
Graduation
The Seminary follows the University graduation procedures and requirements for the conferral of degrees section of this bulletin. A dedication ceremony for graduating seminary students is held on the Sabbath afternoon of graduation weekend, or as announced.
Entrance Requirements
Language Requirements
English Proficiency Requirements. All students whose first language is not English must demonstrate adequate proficiency in English to succeed in the academic setting. Language proficiency requirements must be met before enrolling full-time in regular course work.
|
Test
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Score
|
|
TOEFL
Paper-based
|
565
|
|
TOEFL iBT
Internet-based
|
85
|
|
MELAB
|
81
|
|
IELTS
Academic Version
|
6.5
|
|
PTE
Academic Version
|
58
|
Prerequisites
Students are expected to present a broad range of undergraduate general education represented in such studies as behavioral sciences (including psychology and sociology) communication, education, English composition, fine arts, health, history, philosophy and computer literacy. In addition, courses in the following areas are strongly recommended: Christian ethics, missions, and apologetics.
Students who enter the Master of Divinity program who have not previously taken the following classes on the undergraduate level must fulfill the following prerequisite areas, all of which may be taken either at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary or at the undergraduate level. Courses taken outside of the seminary must be approved through the MDiv office in consultation with the appropriate department.
- Pastoral Ministries and Church Policy*—2 credits
- Basic Bible Proficiency*—1 credit
- Biblical Preaching—2 credits
- Personal Evangelism—2 credits
- Introduction to Church History—4 credits
- Adventist Heritage* —3 credits
- Christian Theology—6 credits
- Christian Ethics—2-3 credits
- Survey of the New Testament—4 credits
- Intermediate level Greek proficiency*
- Survey of the Old Testament—4 credits
- Intermediate level Hebrew proficiency*
Subjects marked by an asterisk * can be cleared through optional challenge exams.
Placement, Entrance and Challenge Examinations
MDiv students may challenge the prerequisite courses above (marked by an asterisk) by taking examinations developed for that purpose. Zero credit shall be granted for each examination passed and the student academic transcript will show the equivalent course name, number, and a grade of P – the designation for Challenge by Examination. No entry shall be made on the transcript if the examination is failed and the student shall be required to take the prerequisite course for credit. Each examination may be taken only once.
**Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek Prerequisites
Hebrew and Greek are required at the Intermediate proficiency level. Language Proficiency must be demonstrated within the first two years in seminary. For each language, students may demonstrate proficiency by either: (1) passing the Beginning (OTST551/NTST551) and Intermediate (OTST552/NTST552) courses in that language at the required level; or (2) Passing the Placement Exam. Undergraduate credits alone do not demonstrate current proficiency in a language.
Option 1: Language Courses
- Students may demonstrate proficiency in Biblical Hebrew by passing Hebrew I (OTST 551) and earning a grade of at least C+ in Hebrew II (OTST 552).
- Students may demonstrate proficiency in Greek by passing Beginning Greek and earning a grade of at least C in intermediate Greek (NTST 552).
Option 2: Placement Exam
Students also have the option of demonstrating proficiency in a Biblical language by passing the corresponding placement exam. Placement exams may be taken only once for each language. Any student who wishes to take a placement exam must take at least one of them in May or August of the year they enroll in seminary. If the student wishes to take the exam for the second language it must be taken by September of their second year in seminary. Placement exams must be taken at the regular May or August dates set by the seminary.
Instruction sheets designed to help students prepare for the placement examinations are available from the Old Testament and New Testament departments or on the MDiv website under Student Resources.
Based on the score achieved on the exam, the student will be assigned to do one of the following as soon as possible: (1) Take both the beginning and intermediate language courses, (2) Take the Intermediate language course, or (3) Enroll in exegesis and theology courses without further language study necessary.
Students who do not pass the exam and do not obtain the required grade in the course must retake the course without delay until the required grade is achieved.
Biblical Literacy Entrance Exam
All entering students must take the Biblical Literacy Entrance Exam.The passing score for this exam is 80%. This test will be administered to all students before the beginning of their first fall semester. As an alternative, the student can take the course GSEM 525 - The Bible and Biblical History. If students fail the test or do not take it, they must enroll in the course during the Fall or Spring of their first year in the MDiv Program. The test can only be taken once. Information on the test including a list of items that must be mastered in order to pass it is available from the New Testament Office and on the MDiv website under Student Resources.
Pastoral Ministries and Church Policy Proficiency Exam
Students with a Theology or Religion undergraduate degree may choose to take the Church Policy Proficiency examination. The passing score for this proficiency exam is 80%. If students fail the exam, they must take the class CHMN 552 - Foundations of Pastoral Ministry within the first year of their program. The test can only be taken once. Information on the test including a list of items that must be mastered in order to pass it is available from the Christian Ministry Office and on the MDiv website under Student Resources
A final grade of C+ or higher is required to fulfill the course requirements.
Adventist Heritage Challenge Exam
MDiv students who can demonstrate adequate preparation gained through study and/or reading prior to entering the MDiv program may challenge CHIS504-Adventist Heritage by taking the Adventist Heritage Challenge Exam. Test can only be taken once. Information on the test including a list of items that must be mastered in order to pass it is available from the Church History Office and on the MDiv website under Student Resources.
Program Requirements
MDiv students must meet the following requirements in addition to those required of all graduate students:
- Attend and register for the Fall semester 0 credit orientation as a graduation requirement.
- Complete the MDiv curriculum of at least 78 credits. Students lacking adequate undergraduate preparation will be required to complete additional prerequisite credits. The actual number of credits required is based on individual academic evaluation.
- Attend selected brief colloquia from among those offered on a variety of ministry topics each semester for MDiv students. On campus students will be required to attend at least 5 of these 0 credit colloquia sessions during their MDiv experience.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.75 or above.
- Meet the qualitative standards of the MDiv program.
- No U grade or any grade below C- will count towards the MDiv degree, but will be counted in the student’s cumulative GPA.
Fees
The current MDiv fee structure allows students to take up to 14 credits in the Fall and Spring semesters, and up to 12 credits in the Summer semester. Any credits over 14 for Fall and Spring semesters or over 12 for Summer will be charged at the current per-credit master’s tuition rate.
MDiv students taking a graduate course in the College of Arts & Sciences in fulfillment of an elective course requirement may request a 50% tuition reduction (up to 9 credits cumulative), provided the class is not full and there are a sufficient number of students paying full tuition to warrant the teaching of the course. Directed study, laboratory courses, and study tours are not eligible for reduced tuition. Neither is this discount available for dual enrollment students who have been accepted in a graduate degree program in the College of Arts & Sciences. (Application form is available in the MDiv office.)
If a student wishes to receive CPE credit for units already earned, a per-credit recording fee is charged by the university for CHMN 557 Practicum in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), or CHMN641 Practicum in Military Chaplaincy. Units must be earned in accredited centers not connected with a graduate-level school. (Application form is available in the MDiv office.) If a student wishes to register for their CPE units concurrently with other full semester courses, the registration will be part of their MDiv load, and there will be no recording fee assessed.
Hybrid or Off-campus students will be charged the current Summer semester rate for each 12 credit package used within the academic year (May – April). A reduced part-time general fee will be charged each semester that a student is registered, and online courses will be charged the current online fee per credit registered.
Thesis Option
Students anticipating academic doctoral studies after the completion of their MDiv program are advised to undertake the thesis option as some academic institutions require a master’s- level thesis for entry into doctoral programs. Students undertaking the thesis option should plan to take more than seven semesters to complete the program.
The thesis counts as 8 of the general elective credits allowed for the MDiv degree. Students should register for 2 or more thesis credits per term for at least two semesters. Therefore, initial registration for a thesis must be no later than two semesters prior to graduation. Students electing to write an MDiv thesis must apply to the director of the program and must (1) demonstrate superior scholarship over a minimum of two consecutive semesters, normally with a GPA of 3.50 or above; (2) take Research Methods before the thesis is started; and (3) submit a paper of superior quality before permission is granted by the director to begin writing the thesis. The student is guided in thesis preparation by a three-member committee appointed by the director in consultation with the student and department chair in which the subject of the thesis is chosen. The chair of this committee serves as the thesis adviser.
The format of the thesis must conform strictly to the Andrews University Standards for Written Work. Students are strongly urged to consult the dissertation secretary before formatting and printing a thesis.
At least six weeks before graduation, the committee-approved draft of the thesis should be submitted to the dissertation secretary. After appropriate changes have been made, the corrected copy should be submitted at least four weeks before graduation to the dissertation secretary for approval. Copying on non-acid paper should be completed at least two weeks before graduation. Three copies of the thesis, including a 150-word abstract and an approval sheet, must be submitted to the dissertation secretary. The abstract should contain a short statement of the problem examined, a brief exposition of methods and procedures, and a condensed summary of the findings.
Students obtain a Thesis Completion Form from the dissertation secretary. They must take the form to the Academic Records Office no later than noon on Friday, a week preceding graduation. A fee is charged by the university for binding the three copies of the thesis, two of which are deposited in the library and one in the department in which the student earns the degree.
Students who do not adhere strictly to the deadlines noted above will have their graduation postponed. Thesis candidates must pass an oral examination no later than two weeks before graduation. The candidate is expected to demonstrate mastery of the thesis topic.
