The Master of Divinity degree is a professional degree which will equip graduates with the comprehensive graduate education necessary for becoming an ordained minister. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are expected to attain the following:
- A competent professional skill in preaching, teaching, church administration, worship, and counseling as an ordained minister.
- A healthy balance among the biblical, historical, theological, and practical areas of study essential for developing organizational, managerial, and counseling skills as an ordained minister.
- A thorough knowledge and understanding of the Bible.
- Exposure to contemporary theological issues with the goal of equipping students to think independently and constructively in areas vital to Christian ministry.
Graduates of Master of Divinity will be prepared for pastorship, priesthood, or professional ministry.
Degree Requirements
Successfully complete 120 quarter units of the following coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale:
- Successfully complete 68 quarter units of common core courses
- Successfully complete 44 quarter units of unrestricted electives or alternative electives
- Successfully complete 8 quarter units of the thesis project. .
- Successfully complete the degree requirements within the time limit.
Time Limit
The Master of Divinity program must be completed within 5 years from the time the student commenced the first course, as a regular student, which applies to the degree requirements. This time limit, at the option of the university, may be extended due to special extenuating circumstances.
Master of Divinity – Suggested Core Classes
BBL 105 Introduction to the Old Testament (4 quarter units)
A summary study of the organization and content of the books with special attention given to the canon and problems of authorship, dating and authenticity.
BBL 106 Introduction to the New Testament (4 quarter units)
Study of manuscript evidence, canon, authorship, dating, organization and messages of the books.
BBL 113 Pentateuch (4 quarter units)
A biblical and theological analysis of God’s covenantal administration of his kingdom during the period covered
by the Pentateuch. Study of the emergence and formation of the Old Testament Canon. Survey of the content and higher criticism of the books of the Pentateuch.
BBL 120 New Testament History (4 quarter units)
A study tracing the history of the English Bible from the ancient manuscripts to the modern versions; comparisons and evaluation of modern versions.
BBL 140 Biblical Hermeneutics (4 quarter units)
A presentation of the general principles necessary for a sound interpretation of scripture and the special principles governing the interpretation of such subjects as poetry prophecy, typology and parables.
BBL 152 Theological Bibliography (4 quarter units)
An introduction to tools for use in biblical and theological study including: encyclopedias, monographs, periodicals, bibliographical texts. Course includes emphasis upon hands-on experiences with computerized bibliographical and research tools.
BBL 603 New Testament Theology (4 quarter units)
The development of major New Testament doctrines and their bearing on the Christian life.
BBL 605 Seminar I: New Testament (4 quarter units)
General introduction and hermeneutics: historical cultural and religious background; the language and translation of the New Testament; textual Criticism; the theological reason of the New Testament; the New Testament book as can; seminar for the principles and practice of New Testament exegesis.
CSL 607 Biblical Counseling (4 quarter units)
Biblical principles that will help identify and suggest solutions for problems encountered in ministry; counseling techniques.
CED 601 Christian Education (4 quarter units)
Educational ministry of the church is presented on the basis of a biblical perspective. Practical programmatic issues of curriculum and instruction such as Sunday school, vacation Bible School, adult Bible classes, youth ministry, curriculum planning, and teacher training are also addressed.
CHC 112 The Christian Mind (4 quarter units)
Summary of the biblical world and life view; the Word of God, Revelation, ad inspiration; “knowing” and “thinking” and responses to God’s Word; the radical difference between Christian and non-Christian thinking; nature and methods of theology and apologetics; procedures for dealing with difficulties in the Christian faith.
CHC 115 History of Twentieth Century Christianity: History of the Church in America
The growth and development of the Christian Church in America and the rise of the denominations in this land.
CHC 117 Korean Church History (4 quarter units)
A study of the growth and development of the Christian Church in Korea with special attention to current critical issues.
CHC 605 History of Israel (4 quarter units)
Special introduction to the historical books of the Old Testament, Exegesis of selected passages, development of biblical-theological themes, and study of the history of Israel. One hour per week devoted to Hebrew translation of relevant historical passage.
CHC 607 History of the Christian Church (4 quarter units)
A study of the developing Theology, ecclesiology, piety and worship of the Christian Church from the close of the apostolic age to 600 A.D.
CHD 115 History of Christian Doctrines (4 quarter units)
Summary of the biblical world and life view; the word of God, revelation, and inspirations; “knowing” and “thinking” as responses to God’s word; the radical difference between Christian and non-Christian thinking; nature and methods of Theology and apologetics; procedures for dealing with difficulties in the Christian faith.
ETH 201 Introduction to Christian Ethnics (4 quarter units)
Structure and content of Christian ethics; goal, motive, and norm of the Christian life; analysis of technical issues of authority, life, sexuality, property and truthfulness.
EVG 601 Personal Evangelism (4 quarter units)
The practical examination of the theology of evangelism and discipleship with an emphasis on developing the skills of personal evangelism and equipping others to share their faith.
EVG 603 Principles of Discipleship if Church Growth in the United States of America (4 quarter units)
An examination of the interpersonal relationships and character development as applied to the process of discipleship. A biblical study of church growth principles. An analysis of contemporary practices.
EVG 183 Evangelism Seminar (4 quarter units)
This field education reflection seminar will include the reformed theology of evangelism; an introduction to various biblically consistent methods for presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ through guided observation in the local church, presentations by resource persons with effective evangelistic ministries, and evaluative discussion; an opportunity for participation in aspects of the practice of evangelism.
LNG 101 Greek I (4 quarter units)
Intensive instruction in New Testament Greek with emphasis upon morphology.
LNG 102 Hebrew I (4 quarter units)
A study of basic grammar and vocabulary.
LNG 103 Greek II (4 quarter units)
The course presumes the work of Greek I or equivalent knowledge of Greek. Morphology determined by a placement examination. Instruction introduces intermediate Greek syntax, vocabulary and some advanced Morphology through the reading of selected passages in the Greek New Testament.
LNG 104 Hebrew II (4 quarter units)
Continuation of the grammar and vocabulary study from Hebrew I. Reading of Hebrew prose and introduction to the Masoretic text.
MIS 601 Missions: A Biblical Theology (4 quarter units)
The Biblical basis and the contemporary practice of Christian missions worldwide, with special attention to recent theorizing on cross-cultural communication and church development.
PHL 601 Christian Apologetics (4 quarter units)
The nature, method and uses of Christian apologetics; a biblical response to some attacks on Christian faith.
PST 201 Ministry of the Word in Worship (4 quarter units)
The course emphasizes the centrality of the inspired scriptures in the worship life of the church. On the basis of a biblical theology of preaching, the role of the pastor as a Minister of the Word will be examined, and initial training given in the art of preparing and delivering sermons.
PST 601 Pastoral Theology (4 quarter units)
Pastoral theology and general pastoral café: Biblical and professional standards of ministerial conduct.
PST 603 Church Administration (4 quarter units)
An examination of the Biblical principles of financial stewardship, fund raising and budgeting. Discussion of financial bookkeeping procedures and the use of the computer in the church.
PST 605 Church and Worship (4 quarter units)
The biblical foundation of worship; worship strategies; worship for special occasions.
PST 611 Sermon Preparation (4 quarter units)
A study of the techniques and fundamentals of sermon constructive and persuasive delivery of expository sermons.
PST 615 Seminar III: Worship and Liturgy (4 quarter units)
A seminar considering worship theory and study of technique of Liturgy for all.
PST 631 Seminar II: Homiletics (4 quarter units)
A seminar considering preaching methods of some outstanding pulpiteers with a view to applying their techniques to the student’s ministry.
THL 601 Systematic Theology I (4 quarter units)
The nature, method and rationale of Christian theology. Revelation, both general and special, inspiration, conocity, authority and illumination of the World of god. The doctrine of God, including His existence, attributes, and Trinitarian nature. Includes discussion of both good and bad angels.
THL 602 Systematic Theology II (4 quarter units)
Man, his creation in the image of God, his nature, fall and the effect of sin upon the race. The salvation of God, including the person and work of Christ. The supplication of salvation to men including election, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and perseverance.
THL 603 Systematic Theology III (4 quarter units)
A study of the broad kingdom purpose of God and the future events relating to the destiny of individuals and history including the second coming of Christ in its phases, the millennial reign of Christ, the resurrections, the judgments and eternal state. Discussion of the church, its inception, its nature including its organization, of dinances, place and mission in the purpose of God.