MDiv in Religion and Theology

United’s MDiv in Religion and Theology prepares students to explore the deep connections between theological study, religious education, and vocational ministry. Designed for those pursuing ordained ministry, religious leadership, or future doctoral study, this MDiv concentration combines academic depth with practical formation for teaching, preaching, and pastoral leadership. Through coursework in theology, religious texts, ethics, formation, and ministry practice, students develop the knowledge and skills to serve thoughtfully in congregations, classrooms, and other religious communities.

Who This Program is For

The MDiv in Religion and Theology program will prepare you for doctoral work in religion and theology (particularly doctoral programs that require the MDiv) or to become a pastor, minister, or religious leader with a ministerial focus on religious or theological education. You will be trained for ordained ministry or other religious leadership positions while being grounded in the academic study of religion and theology.

This degree program may be a good fit for you if you plan to pursue ordained ministry as:

• A professor in a seminary, divinity school or college
• A teaching pastor or resident theologian whose ministry is focused on the theological life and/or educational programming of a congregation or religious community

If you know that you will not be pursuing doctoral or ministerial work that requires a Master of Divinity degree, you may wish to explore the MA in Religion and Theology.

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Concentration Learning Outcomes

In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, graduates of the MDiv in Religion and Theology program will be equipped to engage theological questions with depth, clarity, and faithful reflection. Through this concentration, students build the academic foundation and practical skills needed to interpret religious texts, communicate theological ideas, and apply their learning within ministry, teaching, and other vocational contexts. A graduate of this program will be able to:

• Construct a theory of religion and articulate the ways in which it shapes their religious and theological commitments, as well as their vocational practice or academic study.
• 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 Christian theological text or perspective in its historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges.
• 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.
• Craft and deliver a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context.
• Achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination or other vocational path OR demonstrate skills for effective, professional, ethical, and compassionate pastoral and spiritual care to a diversity of persons.
  

United’s MDiv in Religion and Theology at a Glance

• Degree: Master of Divinity (MDiv)
• Concentration: Religion and Theology
• Total Credits: 72 credits
• Courses: Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including one field experience
• Thesis: A final thesis or project not required, but you can choose to complete a thesis as an elective course
• Typical Completion Time: Can be completed in approximately three years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
• Learning Format: United’s MDiv in Religion and Theology can be completed on-campus or entirely online via distance learning. Many courses can be taken completely asynchronously (without timed class meetings)

Take Your Calling Further at United 

Take the next step toward deeper theological study and faithful leadership with United’s fully accredited MDiv in Religion and Theology. With online learning options and financial aid opportunities and scholarships available, United makes it possible to pursue your calling while balancing your current ministry, work, and personal commitments. Apply today and begin the next chapter of your spiritual and vocational journey.

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