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2024-2025 Academic Bulletin
Divinity/Community and International Development Dual Degree MDiv/MSCID
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Return to: Programs by Degree
Andrews University has formed a collaborative program between the Master of Divinity Program of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and the Community and International Development Program in the College of Arts & Sciences. Students can potentially complete the two degrees in 3 years; 2 years in the Theological Seminary and 1 year in the Community and International Development Program.
The objectives of this program are to prepare students to better follow Christ's model for ministry by equipping pastors, evangelists and missionaries with important tools, skills and knowledge in order to address the socio and economic needs of their churches and community.
Students who receive this degree will have a more holistic view of the Church's mission and their community. They will receive practical training in:
- Finding innovated approaches to improving quality of life of church and community members.
- Addressing urban issues that affect the church: poverty, economic crisis, unemployment, etc.
- Assessing the needs of the community they will serve.
- Fundraising and grant writing.
- Program management.
- Managing humanitarian crises and programs.
- Program design, monitoring and evaluations.
- Analyze, evaluate and design and execute policy that affect constituents and local community.
- Advocacy.
- Research (design, analysis and recommendations).
Students will receive 6 months of Field experience. This increases their job readiness and marketability. CID/Seminary based dual degree students will have two options:
- A six-month supervised internship abroad or in a local community full time, utilizing knowledge and skills from both degrees. This is the regular standard for the degree.
- Work 6 months in the church and community selected for TFE assignment. Students will be expected to identify humanitarian needs and issues in their churches and surrounding community and provide a feasible solution.
The knowledge and skills provided will allow students to more confidently address issues in their church and community. Student will be able to use both biblical and research/professional based answers to respond to social and economic issues in their community. An understanding of the humanitarian field and its expectations will increase the legitimacy of programs they implement and chances of receiving funding.
A CID degree will allow students to be more marketable to other fields outside of the church and improve their chances for employment. CID degree holders have a wide range of potential career paths in which the spiritual and physical contributions could be greatly beneficial. These roles generally fall into the following categories (not including exclusively pastoral roles):
- Practitioner: Project management and implementation in the field.
- Policy/Advisory: Research, evaluation, lessons learned and developing policy recommendations to use within the organization and to advocate outside of the organization.
- Advocacy & Outreach: Ministry, campaigning, lobbying, fundraising, media, communications.
- Support: Human resources, finance, logistics, IT, etc.
Since the MSCID and MDiv programs share certain cognate courses to achieve a more streamlined and efficient program, both degrees must be conferred simultaneously in order to fulfill the requirements of each degree. In the event that one degree was completed prior to enrollment for the dual degree program, the cognate requirements for the other degree will be adjusted as shown below. A dual student cannot march in graduation or March-without-Completion if both halves of the dual degree are not completed.
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Total Credits: 95
Graduation requirements consist of the satisfactory completion of 95 semester credits with an overall grade point average of 3.0 for the MSCID program, and 2.75 or higher for the MDiv program. 65 credits are MDiv credits, and 30 credits are Master of Community and International Development credits.
65 MDiv credits plus 23-24 MSCID credits, plus 7 shared credits (see courses below) = 95 credits
NOTE: If dual degree students choose to complete an MDiv concentration, it will increase their total credits required by 12.
Program Information
Information for the two programs (Divinity MDiv and Community & International Development MSCID) follows: Click here to jump to Community & International Development MSCID.
Divinity MDiv
E-mail: mdiv@andrews.edu
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a 78-credit professional program strongly recommended as the graduate training for Adventist ministry by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the North American Division. It requires two and a half years of full-time study (including summers) for full-time students. Additional semesters may be required for students lacking prerequisites (including biblical languages), or for those who take less than 14 credits in the Fall and Spring semesters, and 12 during the summer.
Concentration Options
Students may - if desired - select one of the MDiv concentrations:
- Chaplaincy
- Marriage and Family Life Ministry
- Urban Ministry
- Youth and Young Adult Ministry
MDiv Dual Degree Options
The MDiv may also be taken in conjunction with one of the following dual degree options:
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. Prerequisites
Students who enter the Master of Divinity program who have not previously taken a Religion or Theology degree at the undergraduate level must fulfill the following prerequisites, all of which may be taken either at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary or at the undergraduate level. Each student’s transcript will be evaluated to ensure the completion of all required preprequisite courses. Current Greek and Biblical Hebrew language intermediate level proficiency must be demonstrated by passing placement exams or by passing both the beginning and intermediate level classes of each language at the Seminary. - At least 3 credits of combined Christian Church History taken at the undergraduate level will satisfy this prerequisite. Otherwise, students will take CHIS 506 and CHIS 507 as needed.
- 2 credits of CHIS 506 - Church History to 1500 Credits: 2,3
- 2 credits of CHIS 507 - Church History 1500 to Present Credits: 2,3
At least 3 credits of combined Adventist history and Life & Writings of Ellen G. White. - 1.5 credits of CHIS 570 - History of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Credits: 1.5,2
- 1.5 credits of CHIS 571 - The Life and Writings of Ellen G. White Credits: 1.5,2
- NTST 520 - Introduction to the New Testament Credits: 2
- NTST 530 - Introduction to Revelation Credits: 2
OR - NTST 539 - Studies in Revelation Credits: 2,3
The Revelation requirement is a prerequisite and may be met in the following ways:
- If the student has taken an undergraduate Revelation course in the last 10 years at an institution whose syllabus has been approved by the Seminary, then they will not be required to meet the Revelation requirement in the Seminary. Students may submit a syllabus for evaluation if their undergraduate school is not on the list of approved schools. If approved, their school will be added to the list, and their requirement will be waived.
- Students who have not taken an undergraduate Revelation course, or whose undergraduate courses do not qualify, must take one of the following courses:
- NTST530 Intro to Revelation
- NTST539 Studies in Revelation (online)
- If a student’s undergraduate course is more than 10 years old or if their undergraduate syllabus is denied by the NTST department, they may take NTST 648 Revelation to fulfill their Revelation prerequisite. By so doing, they fulfill the Revelation prerequisite as well as the core New Testament exegesis requirement.
- 2 credits of NTST 551 - Beginning Greek Credits: 0,2 (Passed at C- or higher or score 45% or higher on the Greek Placement Exam - May, August)
- 3 credits of NTST 552 - Intermediate Greek Credits: 0,3 (Passed at C or higher or score 60% or higher on the Greek Placement Exam - May, August)
NOTE: Any student who wishes to take a biblical language placement exam must take at least one of the exams 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 before the start of their second year in seminary. - 2 credits of OTST 500 - Survey of the Old Testament Credits: 2,3
- 3 credits of OTST 551 - Biblical Hebrew I Credits: 0,3 (Passed at a minimum of C+ or score 75% or higher on the Beginner Hebrew Placement Exam - May, August)
- 2 credits of OTST 552 - Biblical Hebrew II Credits: 0,2,3 (Passed at a minimum of C+ or score 75% or higher on the Intermediate Hebrew Placement Exam - May, August)
NOTE: Any student who wishes to take a Biblical language placement exam must take at least one of the exams 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 before the start of their second year in seminary. - 2 credits of OTST 565 - Survey of the Pentateuch Credits: 2,3
- 2 credits of PATH 505 - Biblical Preaching Credits: 2
- 2 credits of PATH 536 - Personal Evangelistic Ministry Credits: 2,3
- 2 credits of PATH 552 - Foundations of Pastoral Ministry Credits: 2
NOTE: Students who have passed a basic course in pastoral ministry from an accredited Seventh-day Adventist undergraduate institution, or who have been Conference-employed as pastors for two years or more will be exempted from PATH 552, provided their hiring/sponsoring organization can provide proof of at least two years of pastoral employment via their service record. Exemptions to this rule will be granted on a case by case basis as determined by the Practical and Applied Theology (PATH) Department Chairperson. - 3 credits of THST 521 - Christian Theology I Credits: 2,3
- 3 credits of THST 522 - Christian Theology II Credits: 2,3
Discipleship and Lifespan Education - 9
New Testament - 8
Choose one of the following New Testament Exegesis courses for 3 credits (NTST List A) - Intermediate Greek proficiency required: - NTST 645 - Hebrews Credits: 2,3
- NTST 646 - Topics in New Testament Exegesis Credits: 2,3
- NTST 648 - Revelation Credits: 2,3
- NTST 653 - Advanced Studies in the General Epistles Credits: 2,3
- NTST 655 - Advanced Studies in the Gospels Credits: 2,3
- NTST 658 - Advanced Studies in the Pauline Writings Credits: 2,3
- NTST 678 - Seminar in Greek Exegesis Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following New Testament Theology courses for 3 credits (NTST List B) - Intermediate Greek proficiency required: - NTST 613 - Love, Marriage and Divorce Credits: 2,3
- NTST 614 - Suffering, Death and Resurrection Credits: 2,3
- NTST 616 - Theology of Luke-Acts Credits: 2,3
- NTST 623 - New Testament Theology of Prayer Credits: 2,3
- NTST 627 - New Testament Theology of Salvation Credits: 2,3
- NTST 628 - The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Credits: 2,3
- NTST 629 - New Testament Ecclesiology Credits: 2,3
- NTST 630 - Theology of the Synoptic Gospels Credits: 2,3
- NTST 633 - Social Issues in the New Testament Credits: 2,3
- NTST 634 - Theology of the Pauline Epistles Credits: 2,3
- NTST 641 - Theology of the Johannine Writings Credits: 2,3
- NTST 647 - Eschatology Credits: 2,3
- NTST 667 - Topics in New Testament Theology Credits: 2,3
- NTST 668 - New Testament Ethics Credits: 2,3
- NTST 676 - Jesus in Recent Scholarship Credits: 2,3
- NTST 679 - Seminar in New Testament Theology and Ethics Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following New Testament Background courses for 2 credits (NTST List C) - Intermediate Greek proficiency required: - NTST 515 - New Testament Backgrounds Credits: 2,3
- NTST 606 - New Testament Textual Criticism and Canon Formation Credits: 2,3
- NTST 615 - New Testament Archaeology Credits: 2,3
- NTST 626 - Seminar in Classical Jewish Literature Credits: 2,3
- NTST 635 - Intertestamental Literature Credits: 2,3
- NTST 636 - Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus Credits: 2,3
- NTST 654 - Second Century Christianity Credits: 2,3
- NTST 680 - Greco-Roman World Credits: 2,3
- NTST 684 - Judaism and the New Testament Credits: 2,3
- NTST 689 - Seminar in New Testament Backgrounds Credits: 2,3
- NTST 695 - Topics in New Testament Backgrounds Credits: 2,3
Old Testament - 8
- 2 credits of OTST 674 - Daniel Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following Old Testament Exegesis courses for 2 credits (OTST List A) - Intermediate Hebrew proficiency required: - OTST 625 - Biblical Hebrew III Credits: 3 (MDiv students must make arrangements with the professor if they wish to use OTST625 as an OT Exegesis course. An exegetical paper will be required. This course is offered strictly as 3 credits.)
- OTST 628 - Methods of OT Exegesis Credits: 2,3
- OTST 639 - Studies in Old Testament Exegesis Credits: 2,3
- OTST 664 - Pentateuch Credits: 2,3
- OTST 666 - Historical Books Credits: 2,3
- OTST 668 - Psalms/Wisdom Literature Credits: 2,3
- OTST 675 - Minor Prophets Credits: 2,3
- OTST 680 - Seminar in Old Testament Exegesis Credits: 2,3
- OTST 686 - Major Prophets Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following Old Testament Theology courses for 2 credits (OTST List B) - Intermediate Hebrew proficiency required: - OTST 619 - Theology of the Old Testament Credits: 2,3
- OTST 620 - Seminar in Old Testament Theology Credits: 2,3
- OTST 627 - Jewish Life and Thought Credits: 2,3
- OTST 685 - Principles of Hermeneutics Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following archaeology courses: - 2 credits of OTST 510 - Archaeology and the Bible Credits: 2,3
or Students who have taken an undergraduate course in biblical archaeology may replace OTST 510 with a 2-credit advanced archaeology course from the following list (OTST List C): - ANEA 615 - Seminar in Archaeology and History of Antiquity Credits: 2,3
- NTST 615 - New Testament Archaeology Credits: 2,3
- OTST 604 - History of the Ancient Near East Credits: 2,3
- OTST 635 - History of Israel Credits: 2,3
Practical and Applied Theology - 19
Theology - 13
- 3 credits of THST 611 - Revelation, Inspiration and Hermeneutics Credits: 2,3
- 2 credits of THST 635 - Issues in Origins Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following Systematic Theology courses for 3 credits (THST List A): - THST 615 - Doctrine of the Church Credits: 2,3
- THST 616 - Doctrine of God Credits: 2,3
- THST 617 - The Works of God Credits: 2,3
- THST 618 - The Works of Christ Credits: 2,3
- THST 619 - Principles and Methods of Theology Credits: 2,3
- THST 630 - Doctrine of Christ Credits: 2,3
- THST 637 - Biblical Eschatology Credits: 2,3
- THST 639 - Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Credits: 2,3
- THST 640 - Doctrine of Salvation Credits: 2,3
- THST 647 - Human Nature and Destiny Credits: 2,3
- THST 649 - Seminar in Theological Issues:_______________________________________ Credits: 2,3
- THST 678 - Science and Religion Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following Historical Theology courses for 2 credits (THST List B): - THST 623 - Contemporary Adventist Theological Issues Credits: 2,3
- THST 624 - Protestant Theological Heritage Credits: 2,3
- THST 625 - Early Christian Theology Credits: 2,3
- THST 626 - Modern Christian Theology Credits: 2,3
- THST 627 - Roman Catholic Life & Thought Credits: 2,3
- THST 628 - Contemporary Theology Credits: 2,3
- THST 629 - History and Theology of Ecumenism Credits: 2,3
- THST 656 - Seminar in Historical Theology:_________________________________________ Credits: 2,3
- THST 667 - Postmodernism and the Church Credits: 2,3
- THST 676 - History of Philosophy Credits: 2,3
Choose one of the following Ethics courses: - 3 credits of THST 605 - Principles of Christian Ethics Credits: 2,3
or Students who have taken an undergraduate course in Ethics may replace THST 605 with a 3-credit advanced ethics course from the following list (THST List C): - THST 622 - Foundations of Philosophical Ethics Credits: 3
- THST 633 - Ethics and the Good Life Credits: 2,3
- THST 634 - Christian Social Ethics Credits: 2,3
- THST 643 - Christian Professional Ethics Credits: 2,3 (MDiv/MSW Dual Degree students must replace this course with SOWK 515 )
- THST 644 - Theological Ethics Credits: 2,3
- THST 659 - Seminar in Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics:____________________________ Credits: 2,3
- THST 660 - Church and Society Credits: 2,3
- PATH 549 - Philosophy & Ethics of Chaplaincy Credits: 3
General Electives - 3
- Students will take 3 credits of general electives.
- Electives may not be used to satisfy prerequisites and/or deficiencies.
- Up to 3 credits in relevant courses offered by other schools of the university on the graduate level may be included in the general electives, including up to 3 appropriate workshop credits.
- Transfer credit petitions from other schools/colleges within Andrews University or from any other University must be done in consultation with the MDiv Office.
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. The thesis counts as 6 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 advisor. 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. Concentrations
Note: Dual degree students who choose to complete a concentration will increase their total credits required by 12. Chaplaincy Concentration - 12
Chaplaincy is a highly qualified and dynamic expression of ministry based on the Bible and supported by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The chaplaincy concentration provides the basic training and preparation for service beyond the church borders in various chaplaincy ministries, such as in healthcare, military, campus, prison, police and fire departments, community, and corporate settings. It also prepares pastors and church leaders to advance in their caregiving and empathic ministry skills for an immediate impact in the church and the surrounding communities. Marriage and Family Life Ministry Concentration - 12
Healthy, spirit-filled marriages and families are the backbone of Christian life and most clearly reflect the character of Christ in our churches and in the world. When marriages and families are broken, our churches suffer. The Concentration on Marriage and Family Life Ministry is designed to prepare MDiv students to equip their churches to be vibrant and healthy in the way they foster relationships in their individual families as well as in church and the community. Students who take this concentration will be better equipped to educate their congregations in areas of family life. They will also be better prepared to address the family issues that will come to them for counseling. Pastors with these courses will be able to create healthy churches and more positively impact their communities for Christ. In addition to the core MDiv requirement DSLE 503 - Marriage, Family, and Interpersonal Relationships for 2 credits, students who choose this concentration will take 12 credits in the following courses: Urban Ministry Concentration - 18
The Urban Ministry concentration is designed for students who want to learn how to make a decisive impact in the cities and to be prepared for the specific challenges of mission and ministry in the urban context. Online Delivery: The Urban Ministry concentration is available online with some interactive online courses offered synchronously (via Zoom), and some interactive online courses are offered asynchronously (see Global Campus definitions). Due to grant funding, this online delivery is limited only to select students with special permission. MDiv Core Requirements - Contextualized to the Urban Ministry Concentration
It is suggested that the student take the following topics or contexts to fulfill the core requirements in the main body of the MDiv Program. Youth and Young Adult Ministry Concentration - 12
A Youth and Young Adult Ministry (YYAM) Concentration is available for students wishing to gain specialized skills and knowledge for service in pastoral and administrative leadership to address the needs of youth and young adults. The MDiv with the YYAM Concentration requires a total of 84 credits. In addition to the core MDiv requirement DSLE 534 - Ministry to Youth and Young Adults for 2 credits, students who choose this concentration will take 12 credits in the following courses: Students who choose this concentration should select 2 credits of PATH 632 Contextualized Preaching: Youth in fulfillment of the Christian Ministry requirement for an Advanced Preaching Core Elective (PATH list). Additional Requirements
MDiv students must meet the following requirements in addition to those required of all graduate students: - Complete the MDiv curriculum of at least 78 credits. Students lacking adequate undergraduate preparation will be required to complete additional prerequisite credits. The additional credits required are based on individual academic evaluation.
- MDiv students taking 9 credits or more are required to attend at least 1 colloquium per semester during their stay at Andrews.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.75 or above.
- Meet the qualitative standards of the MDiv program.
- No U (Unsatisfactory) grade or any grade below C- will count towards the MDiv degree.
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 meet with the MDiv program director and will enter into a probation contract, have regular meetings with their academic advisor, and fulfill other requirements as needed. 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. Readiness for Ministry
The MDiv program is dedicated to preparing every graduate for success in ministry. Godly and effective practice of ministry requires not only intellectual readiness, but also spiritual, physical, emotional, and social maturity. The MDiv Readiness for Ministry process helps seminarians evaluate their ministerial gifting and calling, discover and address strengths and weaknesses, and identify and pursue avenues of ministry appropriate to their giftedness. The program includes small-group mentoring as well as periodic assessments of the seminarian’s readiness for ministry, by the faculty, staff, and ministry supervisors. Areas to be reviewed include spiritual commitment, character, social and relational skills, and general aptitude for ministry. On the basis of these assessments, the seminarian and his/her mentor will, at a minimum, receive feedback in the middle of their first year, and again shortly before graduation. If a significant issue arises that, at the discretion of the Seminary, seriously impairs the seminarian’s potential for ministry, appropriate action will be taken. This may include: referring the seminarian to the program director for guidance, remediation, and/or other appropriate action, counsel regarding alternate programs of ministry within the University or elsewhere, or dismissing the seminarian from the MDiv program. As part of the admissions process, every MDiv applicant is required to sign an agreement to participate in this process. This agreement includes permission, which seminarians can withdraw later in the program, to share the final readiness for ministry profile available with prospective employers. Maintaining Active Status
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. Additional Information
Hybrid Course Delivery Options
MDiv students may take a portion of their degree credits off-campus as advised by the MDiv office. The Hybrid delivery method utilizes various delivery methods to assist students in completing their MDiv degree. These options include:
- Interactive online asynchronous classes offered by the Seminary. (see Global Campus definitions).
- Dual mode (by zoom) synchronous classes.
- 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 financial information regarding hybrid studies, please click here .
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 off-campus studies.
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 is 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:
- Transfer requests must be made by the student within the first two semesters of the student’s MDiv studies.
- Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which the grade is B or higher.
- For each course being requested in transfer, a course syllabus must be obtained and presented to the MDiv Program office, preferably in electronic format, and in English.
- An official transcript from the school being transferred from must have been sent to Andrews University, and be in the student’s record.
- A student may transfer a maximum of 39 credits (graduate level) 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.
MDiv Core Course Replacement Policy
MDiv core courses provide graduate level understanding considered by the seminary and the church to be essential for the pastor. Occasionally, an MDiv student may have already taken as part of their undergraduate degree, in addition to the required prerequisites for the MDiv program, an advanced college course in which they mastered the learning outcomes for the course at a graduate level. In such cases, a proposal to take an alternate course within the same discipline (department), at an equivalent or higher level, may be considered. To request the validation of a course, the student must submit to the MDiv office, within their first semester, a portfolio containing the following items:
- The Seminary Prior Learning Validation Form, initiated and signed by the student.
- The course syllabus from the advanced-level undergraduate course evidencing that all the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the MDiv core course have been taught appropriately at a level of rigor equivalent to the MDiv graduate course;
- A transcript demonstrating that the student earned a B grade or higher in the undergraduate advanced-level course;
- An essay, normally to be followed by an interview by the department chair/faculty member responsible for the course, describing how each of the CLOs were taught, learned, and subsequently put into use at a graduate level of learning.
MAPM to MDiv Completion
For the transfer of credits between the MAPM and the MDiv programs at Andrews University, the following stipulations will be in place:
- MAPM students will be allowed to transfer qualified courses of up to two-thirds of the MDiv’s total amount of credits.
- Students requesting admission to the MDiv program must submit a complete graduate application including standard requirements such as statement of purpose, minimum GPA and recommendations.
- Courses with a passing grade of C- or higher will be accepted to transfer between the programs.
MDiv Spanish Language Cohort
The MDiv Spanish Language Cohort will serve Hispanic pastors who already have an MAPM and would like to complete an MDiv degree. Intensive courses will be offered in Spanish at the Florida Conference site in the Fall and Spring semesters and on the main campus during the final summer for each cohort. This will allow those who have the MAPM to advance to the MDiv and later on to Doctoral studies if so desired.
Andrews University MDiv & BA Theology Accelerated Program Collaboration
Students in the BA Theology degree at Andrews University are encouraged to enter the MDiv program following the completion of their undergraduate studies. A collaboration has been established that shares a total of 15 credits that will be counted toward both degrees and may reduce the student’s time in the MDiv by approximately one semester. Six credits will be completed at the Seminary level and 9 credits at the undergraduate level.
UNDERGRADUATE THEOLOGY COURSE
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SEMINARY COURSE
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TAKEN AT
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RELP 350 Evangelism (3)
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PATH 562 Field Evangelism (3)
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Undergraduate
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RELP 480 Practicum Capstone (1)
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PATH 560 Advanced Min Development (2)
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Undergraduate
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RELP 301 Marriage & Family (3)
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DSLE 503 Marriage, Family and Interpersonal Relationships (2)
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Undergraduate
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RELT 315 Christian Discipleship (3)
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DSLE 541 Found of Biblical Spirituality (3)
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Seminary
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RELP Elective: RELP 335 Foundations of Youth Ministry (3)
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DSLE 534 Ministry to Youth & Young Adults (2)
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Seminary
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RELB 335 Acts and the Epistles (3)
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MDiv Elective (3)
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Undergraduate
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TOTAL CREDITS: 15
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Summer Course Load
The 12-week summer semester is divided into three 4-week sessions. The total amount of coursework 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 in any given semester (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.
Fees
For a detailed list of charges, please click here .
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.)
Graduation
The Seminary follows the University graduation procedures and requirements for the conferral of degrees. A dedication ceremony for graduating seminary students is held on the afternoon prior to graduation or as announced.
Admission Requirements
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 given that 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. Maintain a modest pastoral social media presence - one that projects a professional demeanor and Christian values. Click here to see the Seminary Code of Conduct.
- 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, years as a baptized Adventist member, if ordained or commissioned as a pastor, including date, and future goals in relation to the MDiv program.
- 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.
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Criminal Background Check. Because seminary students will, during and/or after their studies, be working in positions of trust, applicants who have lived in North America (US or CN) for 6 months or more are required to complete a Criminal Background Check before being accepted to the seminary. This is a regular requirement for many areas of leadership and is required by the North American Division for all volunteers and employees who work with children.
Andrews University has selected the same company used by the North American Division - Sterling Volunteers (SV) - to administer your background check. There is a standard fee charged by Sterling Volunteers for this service. Please click here to complete this step. (If you have previously completed a background check with Sterling Volunteers please e-mail your status report to SemTest@andrews.edu.)
With Sterling Volunteers, you can rest assured that your information is safe. All data is encrypted and stored in a completely secure environment. If you have any questions or concerns about Sterling Volunteers’ security measures or payments, feel free to contact them at TheAdvocates@sterlingvolunteers.com or 855-326-1860, Option 1.
- An interview with a representative of the MDiv program may be required, either by personal contact, telephone, or video.
- Applicants to all Seminary programs are required to complete and submit to the Seminary the “Pre-Admission Conduct Disclosure Statement.”
- Recommendations:
- Pastor or Church board from the church where the applicant is a member.
- Conference administrator, chair or primary professor of undergraduate department, or church elder.
- General Recommendation from: College teacher or advisor, recent employer, or other non-family members.
- Given that applying and obtaining pertinent documents for admission can be a long process, the student must start the application process at least 4-6 months before the desired starting semester. See University deadlines for individual semesters here.
Policy for Applicants to the MDiv Program who hold degrees from Unaccredited Schools or Lack Baccalaureate Degrees Purpose of this policy/protocol: To streamline the admission process and to create standardized admission requirements for students that hold degrees from unaccredited schools or lack baccalaureate degrees. As per 2020 ATS guidelines, and as part of the SDATS application process, the following procedure will be followed: Unaccredited Schools Applicants who hold degrees from unaccredited schools will submit the following: - A 12 to 15-page research paper on a biblical/theological or ministerial topic that demonstrates solid academic-level research and writing skills.
- A resume documenting ministry/pastoral leadership and work experience.
- A statement of purpose including their call to pastoral ministry showing authentic biblical spirituality.
- 3 recommendations
- Official transcripts showing the completion of an undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- A petition letter from a church administrator (usually conference president or ministerial director) requesting/endorsing the applicant’s admission to the program.
- Interview: Applicants will be interviewed by the program director or one of the Deans. The interview will address key elements of the applicant’s life, including his or her philosophy of ministry, life experience, goals, distinctive doctrines and theology.
Lack of Baccalaureate Degree For applicants who lack baccalaureate degrees, in addition to all requirements above, they must also: - Submit official transcripts showing the completion of a minimum of 60 undergraduate (semester) credits or an associate degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Take all necessary MDiv prerequisites
- Be at least 35 years of age.
Students requesting admission under these exceptions must submit a complete graduate application prior to being considered for admission. Students who meet the above requirements will be processed by the program’s office, taking to the Masters Admissions Committee only those cases that fall outside of this policy/protocol. Placement Examinations
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. 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 with a C- or higher OR score 45% or higher on the Greek Placement Exam and earning a grade of at least C in intermediate Greek (NTST 552) OR score 60% or higher on the Greek Placement Exam.
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. Preparation materials designed to help students prepare for the placement examinations are available from the Old Testament (otst@andrews.edu) and New Testament (ntst@andrews.edu) departments. 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. International Student Information
English Language 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 coursework. Following are the English proficiency tests approved by the University and the required passing scores: - TOEFL Paper-based - 565
- TOEFL Internet-based - 85
- Duolingo - 110
- IELTS - 6.5
- PTE - 58
Advanced Standing In accordance with ATS Standard 3.13, the Seminary may approve incoming MDiv students from outside North America to receive advanced standing. Advanced standing is credit given for advanced/upper-division courses taken at the undergraduate level. In order to qualify for advanced standing, students must: - Hold a 4-year Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Have graduated from an AAA-accredited institution outside of North America.
Criteria for Validation of Courses Up to 18 credits of advanced standing may be granted. Each course to be considered for application toward advanced standing must: - Have been taken within 10 years of the projected graduation date;
- Be an upper-division/advanced-level course that:
- Contributes to the MDiv program learning outcomes;
- Have an earned grade equivalent of “B” or higher.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - required for students on an F-1 visa taking off-campus practicums. To qualify for CPT, the following requirements must be met: Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) - A Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit taken during a student’s MDiv studies will count as full-time study, as it requires 400 practicum and instructor contact hours. The MDiv Chaplaincy and Urban Ministry Concentrations require a CPE unit to be registered for 3 credits, and those 3 credits registered in PATH557 Clinical Pastoral Education (Clinical) or PATH554 Clinical Pastoral Education (Urban) will satisfy as full-time study.
Student Learning Outcomes
A graduate from this program: - 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. (Character)
- 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. (Scholarship)
- 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. (Discipleship & Evangelism)
- 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. (Leadership)
- Facilitates enriching corporate worship that brings diverse peoples into the transforming presence of God. (Worship)
- 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. (Administration/Management)
- 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. (Relationships)
Community and International Development MSCID
The Community and International Development program offers interdisciplinary study in the humanitarian and development field at the graduate level. This unique approach equips students with the skills needed to identify and respond to social and economic challenges across the globe. Program concentration options offer in depth training - preparing students for professional service in academia, policy, advocacy, project management, and administration.
In order to receive a Masters in Community and International Development, students will complete 30 credits of required coursework. Up to 6 credits may be transferred from another accredited/recognized institution and applied towards the 30 required credits according to the criteria listed in the official Andrews University Graduate Transfer Policy .
Delivery: This degree is offered in both an on-campus and as an interactive online synchronous program. Most courses are taught in-person and online simultaneously (see Global Campus definitions ). Online students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.
MSCID Dual Degree Options:
The MSCID is also available with the following dual degree options:
Program Electives - 12
Choose 12 credits from the following options in consultation with the program advisor: Assistantships
Students may have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships within the Community and International Development Program. Please apply in the CIDP Office. Additional Information
The schools and departments regulate policies that govern the elective courses offered as part of the concentration package and some may not be available. Some elective courses may require prerequisites and should be discussed in advance with the program director/advisor for guidance in completing the concentration. The Field Practicum and Research Project/Thesis will necessarily be related to the area of concentration in order to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chosen area, and with the possibility of applying course work in practice. Students are required to undertake a 720-hour internship (approximately 6 months at 30 hours per week) through a field placement with a domestic, national, or international organization/project. Internships are based on prior approval and advice from the program director. Arrangements for the internship will be made by the program director/advisor pending availability and feasibility of the placement proposed by the student. Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the following criteria, in addition to general admission requirements of the Andrews University School of Graduate Studies & Research: - A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in 8 or more credits of previously taken graduate courses graded A-F. Students may be admitted provisionally with a GPA of 2.6 or higher. Such students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher during their first 12 graduate credits to continue in the program.
- Completed Graduate Application packet.
- Completed coursework in Statistics and Research. Provisional acceptance may be granted without these courses with the expectation that the student will take them during the first year of enrollment. Credits for these prerequisites will not apply toward the MSCID.
The director of the program may request a personal interview or a third reference and/or other information. Students who apply for admission to the MSCID program have two options related to the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). For those students who are seeking a graduate scholarship, the GRE must be taken. Scholarship amounts are based on the score achieved on the exam. For students who do not seek a graduate scholarship based on the GRE score, the exam is not required. A reading knowledge of a foreign language is strongly recommended for those planning on graduate work. |
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