MDiv Degree Learning Outcomes

A graduate of United’s Master of Divinity degree program will be able to:

• apply to their vocational context the critical interpretation of and reflection on religious texts from multiple historical and contemporary perspectives (see alternative outcomes for MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy—Islamic Focus);

• critically interpret, analyze and reflect on theological texts and perspectives in their historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges (see alternative outcomes for MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy—Islamic Focus);

• construct a theological perspective that is rooted in their particular context and faith tradition, is meaningfully engaged with other perspectives, and is creatively responsive to the contemporary situation (this outcome not addressed in the MDiv in Social Transformation and MDiv in UU Studies concentrations; see alternative outcomes for MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy—Islamic Focus);

• apply to their vocational context an appropriate critical analysis of and reflection on moral dilemmas from a variety of Christian OR interreligious ethical perspectives;

• critically analyze and reflect on the religious history and theological perspectives of populations traditionally marginalized by the dominant voices of their religious traditions (see alternative outcome for MDiv in Interreligious Chaplaincy—Islamic Focus);

• demonstrate understanding of each of the Formation Six Key Qualities; self-assess their capacity in each quality; and apply/integrate each quality, appropriate to their capacity, into their ministerial/vocational context;
  articulate effective organizational planning and leadership practices in the oversight of congregations, non-profit organizations, institutional programs, or social change initiatives;

• critically analyze and reflect on the global expressions of Christianity OR other religions in relation to their own faith tradition;

• articulate an informed understanding of the historical OR contemporary use of the arts as a means of theological or religious expression and reflection;

• develop a plan for a social change initiative that demonstrates the effective application of theoretical and practical tools for interpreting and leading social transformation within various organizational contexts (this outcome not addressed in the MDiv in Methodist Studies concentration);
• achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination or other ministry path;

• demonstrate a broad capacity for effective ministerial leadership through the thoughtful integration of knowledge and skills in religious texts, theology, ethics, formation, contextualization, the arts, social transformation, and vocational practice; and

• demonstrate effective academic theological research and writing skills.