United Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies

The Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies program provides you with an opportunity to engage in depth the historical and cultural contexts, overarching narratives, theological themes and critical issues of the Bible, as well as attending to the ethical implications of the interpretation of Scripture. Unlike the MA in Biblical Studies, which is designed for people who wish to pursue an academic career or a non-ordained teaching position, this program is for people who wish to become more skilled at biblical interpretation while pursuing a Master of Divinity degree in preparation for ordained ministry or a doctoral program that requires an MDiv.

This program may be a good fit for you if you plan to pursue:

  • Ordained ministry and wish to have greater knowledge of the Bible and increased skill in interpreting it in order to enhance your ministerial effectiveness.
  • Careers in faith formation, administration of church-related organizations such as judicatories, or teaching in religious institutions
  • Doctoral studies in a range of religious disciplines, including biblical studies

United’s MDiv at a Glance

  • 72 credits
  • Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including one field experience
  • Final thesis or project not required, but you can use an elective to pursue either
  • Can be completed in three years if you take a full-time course load (24 credits per year)
  • Most concentrations, including Biblical Studies, can be completed entirely via distance learning

Program Guide Sheet

LEARNING OUTCOME
 NUMBER OF COURSES
 COURSES
Formation 2 Intro to Spiritual and Personal Formation

Organizational Leadership and Administration
Religious Texts 4 Hebrew Bible 1: Orientation

Hebrew Bible 2: Contextualized Interpretation

New Testament 1: Epistles, Acts, and Revelation

New Testament 2: Four Gospels
Theological Tradition 4 Religious and Theological Interpretation

History of Christian Theologies

History of Modern Theologies

Constructive Theology
Ethics/Justice 2 Choose two:

  • Christian Ethics
  • Comparative Religious Ethics
  • Theology for Social Transformation
Cultural Contextualization 1 Choose one:

  • World Religions
  • Global Christianities
Arts and Theology 1 Choose one:

  • History of Arts and Theology
  • Theological Interpretation of the Arts
Social Transformation 1 Leadership and Strategies for Social Change
Integration 1 Capstone Seminar
CORE SUBTOTAL
 16
Vocational Contextualization & Skills 8 Preaching and Your Public Voice

Faith Formation

One Language Elective

Two Religious Text Electives

Two Electives*

Choose one:

  • Church Internship
  • Ministry Practicum
  • CPE Ministry Practicum**
CONCENTRATION SUBTOTAL
 8
DEGREE TOTAL
 24

* A Thesis may be substituted for 1 or 2 general electives.

** Although not specifically required for degree completion, Interreligious Pastoral and Spiritual Care must be completed to be eligible for CPE registration.

 

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