The flexible MDiv in General Studies program prepares you for ministry in a variety of contexts. It’s ideal if you are not following a predefined ordination track, or if you wish to pursue an MDiv but are not seeking ordination. It allows you to customize your curriculum to meet your vocational goals.
If you are seeking ordination from a denomination with rigorous curricular requirements, the MDiv in Church Leadership may be the better program for you.
This program may be a good fit for you if you plan to pursue:
- Ordained ministry in a denomination with flexible ordination requirements
- Ordination in a non-denominational church
- A non-ordained ministerial position
- A Ph.D. from a seminary or divinity school that requires an MDiv for admission to the Ph.D. program
Concentration Learning Outcomes
In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the General Studies program will be able to:
- critically interpret, analyze and reflect on a selected Christian theological text or perspective in its historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges; and
- craft, deliver, and reflect on a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context.
United’s MDiv at a Glance
- 72 credits
- Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including one field experience
- A final thesis or project is not required, but you can choose to complete a thesis as an elective course
- Can be completed in approximately three years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
- Most MDiv concentrations, including General Studies, can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously
Program Course Guide Sheet for Academic Year 2025–2026
PRIMARY OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES | COURSES |
Theology | 4 |
Invitation to Theology: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
History of Christian Theologies
History of Modern Theologies
Constructive Theology
|
Textual Hermeneutics | 4 |
Introduction to Religious Texts
Two 2000-level Religious Texts courses Choose one:
Biblical Exegesis
One additional 2000-level Religious Texts course
|
Ethics and Justice | 2 |
Choose one:
Christian Ethics
Comparative Religious Ethics
Choose one:
Queer and Trans Theologies
Black and Womanist Theologies
|
Formation | 1 | Introduction to Spiritual and Personal Formation |
World Religions | 1 |
Choose one:
Global Christianities & Intra-religious Diversity
World Religions
|
Religion, Culture, and the Arts | 1 |
Choose one:
History of Arts and Theology
Art, Religion, and Contemporary Culture
|
Social Transformation | 1 | Leadership and Strategies for Social Change |
Religious Leadership and Practice | 2 |
Choose one:
Organizational Leadership and Administration
Social Enterprise
Choose one:
Contextual Education Internship
CPE Internship
|
Concentration | 7 |
Preaching and Your Public Voice
Three additional Practices of Ministry courses
Three elective courses
|
Research and Communication | 1 | MDiv Capstone Seminar |
DEGREE TOTAL |
24 |
Learn More
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