MDiv in Theology and the Arts

Drawing on both theology and the imagination, the MDiv in Theology and the Arts program will prepare you for the classic functions of ministerial leadership, such as leading worship, preaching, providing pastoral care, forming people of faith, and leading a congregation. Using the arts as the primary lens, the program will enable you to lead a congregation or religious organization with practical skills that draw upon creativity and innovation.

If your career focus is on academia or works in museums, galleries, or other arts institutions, rather than preparing for ministry, check out the MA in Theology in the Arts.

This program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in drawing upon the power of the arts for a career in:

• Ordained ministry
• Denominational service
• Other forms of ministry, such as chaplaincy (with the addition of chaplaincy certification)

CONCENTRATION LEARNING OUTCOMES

In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the MDiv Art and Theology degree program will be able to:

• apply the arts to their ministerial or vocational context in a way that demonstrates an informed understanding of the use of the arts as a means of theological or religious expression and reflection;
• articulate an informed understanding of the historical use of the arts as a means of theological or religious expression and reflection:
  • articulate an informed understanding of the complex relationships among art, culture and religion;
  • analyze a contemporary artistic or cultural work for the ways it expresses spiritual and religious ideas;
  • express a studied theological or religious concept, question, or issue via an art form;
• craft, deliver, and reflect on a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context;
• articulate strategies for effective pastoral and spiritual care OR youth ministry, OR construct and deliver a faith formation curriculum OR worship service according to their religious tradition; and
• achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination or other vocational path.

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 MDiv concentrations, including Theology and the Arts, can be completed entirely via distance learning