Master of Divinity in Methodist Studies

If you are a member of the United Methodist Church, the MDiv in Methodist Studies program will prepare you for ordained and non-ordained positions within the denomination. Whether you are called to pastoral leadership, chaplaincy, or lay leadership, this program will steep you in the Wesleyan theological tradition and give you the skills you need for faithful, effective ministry.

This program may be a good fit for you if you plan to pursue:

• Ordained ministry as an Elder or Deacon in the United Methodist Church
• Employment in a United Methodist church
• Employment in the Conference
• Employment in UMC-related institutions as a program director, associate pastor, Christian education director, youth ministry director, admissions director, publishing house editor, Wesley Foundation director, overseas missions director, or similar positions.

Concentration Learning Outcomes

In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the Methodist 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;
• demonstrate understanding of the history of the Methodist movement;
• demonstrate understanding of the theology of John Wesley based his writings and interpretations by Wesleyan theologians;
• discern the significance of John Wesley’s theology within the historical context of the eighteenth-century and within the history and present of the United Methodist Church;
• reflect theologically on John Wesley’s theology as a resource for justice and service to the world;
• demonstrate understanding of the development of the Methodist tradition and the doctrines of The United Methodist Church;
• demonstrate understanding of the doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church as reflected in the Book of Discipline;
• demonstrate understanding of the formation, function, polity and structure of The United Methodist Church;
• effectively use the Book of Resolutions as a resource on important issues affecting both church and society;
• apply the General Rules and Social Principles in addressing issues that confront the church and society today;
• express a personal vision of evangelism that incorporates an understanding of the theological and biblical foundations of evangelism, contemporary approaches to evangelism, and the cross-cultural dimensions of evangelism;
• develop and articulate their own theology of mission, demonstrating understanding of the theological basis of the Christian vocation, the historical purpose of the church in the world, and contemporary practices and models of mission (this outcome replaces the social transformation MDiv degree outcome);
• demonstrate skills for effective, professional, ethical, and compassionate pastoral and spiritual care to a diversity of persons;
• analyze, construct, and lead the basic elements of Christian worship according to their denominational traditions and theological commitments;
• craft, deliver, and reflect on a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context; and
• achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination.

United’s MDiv in Methodist Studies at a Glance

• 72 credits
• Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including two field experiences
• 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)

Students enrolled in the MDiv in Methodist Studies program must complete all required United courses on campus in order to be considered for UMC ordination. Asynchronous online courses and Zoom courses taken at United are not recognized by the UMC for ordination purposes.