If you are a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the MDiv in Presbyterian Studies program will prepare you, in collaboration with your Committee on Preparation for Ministry, for pastoral leadership and ordination as a Teaching Elder.
This program may be a good fit for you if you plan to pursue ordained ministry as a Teaching Elder in the PC(USA), including, but not limited to, such roles as:
- Pastor of a local congregation
- Chaplain in a hospital or other professional setting (with the addition of chaplaincy certification)
- Validated minister in an educational institution
- PC(USA) denominational work at a local, regional, national or international level
Concentration Learning Outcomes
In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the MDiv in Presbyterian Studies program will be able to:
- interpret a selected biblical passage from multiple historical and contemporary perspectives and using one or more critical methods, demonstrating understanding of the influence of their own situatedness on that interpretation;
- conduct a personal theological interpretation of a selected biblical text that demonstrates understanding of the influence of their own situatedness on that interpretation and that engages the situatedness of contemporary readers from a context different from their own;
- critically interpret, analyze and reflect on a selected 1st–17th Century Christian theological text or perspective in its historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges;
- articulate strategies for effective, professional, ethical, and compassionate pastoral and spiritual care to a diversity of persons;
- construct and deliver a faith formation curriculum that arises from, and addresses the needs of specific populations/issues within ministry contexts and is based on solid theological and religious understanding;
- creatively and effectively construct liturgy and lead worship in one’s religious and denominational context;
- analyze, construct, and lead the basic elements of Christian worship according to their denominational traditions and theological commitments;
- craft and deliver a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context;
- apply basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew to the exegesis of a given biblical text.;
- apply knowledge of the meaning in the original language of selected New Testament texts to the critical interpretation of, analysis of, and reflection on those texts;
- articulate their vocation as a presbyterian minister;
- effectively use the Directory of Worship and the Book of Common Worship in the development of Reformed worship services;
- incorporate each of the four parts of the Book of Order into the practice of Presbyterian ministry;
- effectively moderate a meeting;
- successfully complete the standard ordination exams in Church Polity and in Worship and Sacraments;
- explain the historical development of the Reformed tradition, including the central theological ideas of John Calvin;
- reflect theologically on what it means to be Reformed in the contemporary world;
- explain the basic theological foci of the creeds and confessions found in the Book of Confessions; and
- achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination.
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 three years if you take a full-time course load (24 credits per year)
- Most MDiv concentrations, including Presbyterian Studies, can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously
Program Guide Sheet
LEARNING OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES |
COURSES |
Religious Texts | 4 |
Introduction to Religious Texts
Hebrew Bible New Testament Biblical Exegesis |
Theological Tradition | 4 |
Invitation to Theology: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
History of Christian Theologies Classics of Protestant Reformed Theology Constructive Theology |
Ethics/Justice | 2 |
Christian Ethics
Choose one: Queer and Trans Theologies
Black and Womanist Theologies |
Formation | 2 |
Introduction to Spiritual and Personal Formation
Organizational Leadership and Administration |
Cultural Contextualization | 1 |
Choose one:
Global Christianities
World Religions |
Arts and Theology | 1 |
Choose one:
History of Arts and Theology
Art, Religion, and Contemporary Culture |
Social Transformation | 1 | Leadership and Strategies for Social Change |
Integration | 1 | MDiv Capstone Seminar |
CORE SUBTOTAL |
16 | |
Vocational Contextualization & Skills | 8 |
Introduction to Pastoral and Spiritual Care
Preaching and Your Public Voice Faith Formation Worship of the Church Biblical Hebrew New Testament Greek Presbyterian History, Worship and Polity Congregational Internship* |
CONCENTRATION SUBTOTAL |
8 | |
DEGREE TOTAL |
24 | |
* Additional course recommended by the PC(USA): CPE Internship. Some Presbyteries may require CPE for ordination. |
Learn More
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