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Master of Divinity

Prepare for ordained ministry or leadership as a lay professional.

72 credit hours. Primarily online or on campus. Complete in 2-4 years.
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  1. United’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) meets the requirements for ordination in most major Protestant denominations, though many graduates serve as lay professionals in a variety of fields, including chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership, teaching and social work.

    Learning that fits your lifestyle.

    Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.

    • Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
    • Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in October, February, and July.
    • Online courses can be completed during the semester.
    • Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.

    The MDiv degree can be completed primarily online in 2-4 years.*

    *Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.

    Flexible Curriculum

    With 51 core credit hours and 21 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and add electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Want to add a House of Study track or concentration to your MDiv? Use elective courses to specialize in the area of study that fits your calling.

    • House of Study Tracks (9 elective credit hours)

    • Areas of Concentration (12 elective credit hours):
      • Biblical Interpretation
      • Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
      • Church Planting
      • Holy Spirit and Renewal
      • Ministry Leadership
      • Nonprofit Administration
      • Preaching
      • Wesleyan and Methodist Studies

    No track or concentration? No problem! Use elective courses to explore other areas of interest. Students interested in a House of Study track or concentration are encouraged to discuss their interests and needs with the Office of Admissions, who can help you discern the best fit for your call.

    Immersion Trip Experience

    All Master of Divinity students participate in an immersion trip in which they encounter other cultures and faith traditions to enrich their learning experience. Learn more about this opportunity, offered through the Contextual Theology and Immersion Program.

  2. Degree Plan - 72 Credit Hours

    MDIV CORE REQUIREMENTS - 51 CREDIT HOURS

    Biblical Studies - 12 credit hours

    • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
    • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
    • Any 600 level OT course (3)
    • Any 600 level BI/NT course (3)

    Church History and Theology - 12 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Intro to Theology (3)
    • Any 600 level CH Course (3)
    • Any 600 Level TH Course (3)

    Practical Theology - 12 credit hours

    • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)
    • Any 500 Level Preaching Course (3)
    • PC507 Pastoral Care Giving (3)
    • Any Practical Theology Course (ER, LD, PC, PW) (3)

    Contextual Ministry - 12 credit hours

    • CM501 Field Education Unit 1 (0)
    • CM510 Contextual Ministry 1 (3)
    • CM511 Contextual Ministry 2 (3)
    • CM601 Field Education Unit 2 (0)
    • CM610 Contextual Ministry 3 (3)
    • CM611 Contextual Ministry 4 (3)

    Cross-Cultural Immersion - 3 credit hours

    • CM620 Methods of Interreligious and Intercultural Encounter (3)
    • CM621 Immersion Trip (0)

    MDIV Electives - 21 CREDIT HOURS

    Students may use elective courses to fulfill concentration and denominational requirements. United Methodists are required to have (6) credits in UM History, Doctrine, and Polity.

    MDIV NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS601 MDiv Mid-Program Review (0)
    • SS701 MDiv Final Review (0)

    MDIV CONCENTRATIONS AND HOUSE OF STUDY TRACKS

    The Master of Divinity degree program graduates persons in the general practice of ministry. The MDiv curriculum provides options for academic concentrations and House of Study tracks. Concentrations include Biblical Interpretation, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, Church Planting, Holy Spirit and Renewal, Ministry Leadership, Nonprofit Administration, Preaching, and Wesleyan and Methodist Studies. House of Study tracks include Fresh Expressions, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Global Pentecostal, Global Methodist, Hispanic, and Korean. Students interested in a concentration or House of Study track are encouraged to discuss their interests and needs with their advisors and area faculty. For more information refer to the Academic Catalog.

  3. Degree Requirements

    1. 1. Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MDiv.

    2. 2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MDiv degree within ten years.

    3. 3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:
      • Travel to two Contextual Ministry retreats in early October.
      • Completion of four Contextual Ministry courses over two years.
      • Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group.
      • Ministry in a church or community site in your area.

    4. 4. Participation in a Contextual Theology Immersion Trip.

    Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Each student must check with her or his own denominational leadership regarding residency requirements for ordination.

    Admission Requirements

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA

    Learn more about the application process.

  4. At a Glance

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $16,555
    • Average United Aid: $4,025
    • Average External Aid: $2,678

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $9,852

    *Based on 18 credit hours per year.


    Scholarship Application Process

    United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at [email protected].

    1. 1. Scholarship Application
      Contact [email protected] to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.

    2. 2. Decisions
    3. • Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
    4. • Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.

    5. 3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
      If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
    6. • Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.

An MDiv degree might be for you if you are interested in…

Senior pastor/elder

Chaplain

Missionary

Our Faculty

United strives to cultivate an environment where its students may learn and grow. That’s why our outstanding faculty are faithful Christians who are committed to the academic and spiritual growth of every student. Most are ordained, and many have served as pastors, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.

Meet Our Faculty

Begin your journey. Follow God’s call at United.

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Overview

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM) supports leadership and service in ministries impacting Christian community, life and practices. From worship to discipleship, deaconship to pastorate, the MACM can equip you for your call.

Learning that fits your lifestyle.

Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.

• Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
• Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in January, June, August and September.
• Online courses can be completed during the semester.
• Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.

The MACM degree can be completed primarily online in three years.*

*Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Most United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of their degree (15 credit hours) on campus.

Degree Plan

<strong>Biblical Studies</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
  • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)

<strong>History and Theology</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • CH504 History of Christianity 1 (3) or
    CH505 History of Christianity 2 (3)
  • TH502 Introduction to Theology (3)

<strong>Practical Theology</strong> - 9 credit hours

  • PW501 Preparing to Preach (3) or
    PW502 Introduction to African American Preaching (3) or
    PW504 Work of Worship (3) or
    PW510 United Methodist Worship (3)
  • ER501 Foundations for Evangelism (3)
  • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)

<strong>Contextual Ministry</strong> - 6 credit hours

  • CM501 Field Education Unit 1 (0)
  • CM510 Contextual Ministry 1 (3)
  • CM511 Contextual Ministry 2 (3)
Requirements

Degree & Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MACM.
  2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MACM degree within ten years of the awarding of the degree, in keeping with the standards set forth by the Association of Theological Schools.
  3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:
    • Attendance at one Contextual Ministry retreat in early September
    • Completion of two Contextual Ministry courses over one year
    • Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group
    • Ministry in a church or community site in your area

To fulfill residency requirements for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of the degree (15 credits) on campus. Dayton, Intensive, and hybrid courses count toward this requirement. For ordination requirements, please check with your own judicatory.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA

Learn more about the application process

Tuition & Financial Aid

United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at [email protected].

Tuition & Fees Overview: Master of Arts in Christian Ministries

  • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*
    $14,910

  • Average Student Aid
    United Aid – $4,451; External Aid – $1,969

  • Average Annual Cost After Aid
    $8,490

  • Average Program Total After United & External Aid*
    $26,861

Request information









Contact Information

  1. United’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) meets the requirements for ordination in most major Protestant denominations, though many graduates serve as lay professionals in a variety of fields, including chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership, teaching and social work.

    Learning that fits your lifestyle.

    Our flexible options are designed to make high-quality education accessible for working pastors and other professionals, making it possible to earn a degree from wherever you live. Courses are available in four formats. Mix and match to suit your schedule and learning style.

    • Traditional on-campus courses meet regularly throughout the semester
    • Gathering Weeks on campus in Dayton, Ohio take place in October, February, and July.
    • Online courses can be completed during the semester.
    • Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) courses meet simultaneously on-campus and online.

    The MDiv degree can be completed primarily online in three years.*

    * Residency requirements may vary by denomination. Most United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of their degree (24 credit hours) on campus.

    Flexible Curriculum

    With 51 core credit hours and 21 elective credits, gain a strong foundation and add electives that equip you to follow God’s call. Want to add a House of Study track or concentration to your MDiv? Use elective courses to specialize in the area of study that fits your calling.

    • House of Study Tracks (9 elective credit hours)

    • Areas of Concentration (12 elective credit hours):
      • Biblical Interpretation
      • Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
      • Church Planting
      • Holy Spirit and Renewal
      • Ministry Leadership
      • Nonprofit Administration
      • Preaching
      • Wesleyan and Methodist Studies

    No track or concentration? No problem! Use elective courses to explore other areas of interest. Students interested in a House of Study track or concentration are encouraged to discuss their interests and needs with the Office of Admissions, who can help you discern the best fit for your call.

  2. Degree Plan - 72 Credit Hours

    MDIV CORE REQUIREMENTS - 51 CREDIT HOURS

    Biblical Studies - 12 credit hours

    • NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
    • OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
    • Any 600 level OT course (3)
    • Any 600 level BI/NT course (3)

    Church History and Theology - 12 credit hours

    • CH500 Intro to Church History (3)
    • TH502 Intro to Theology (3)
    • Any 600 level CH Course (3)
    • Any 600 Level TH Course (3)

    Practical Theology - 12 credit hours

    • ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)
    • Any 500 Level Preaching Course (3)
    • PC507 Pastoral Care Giving (3)
    • Any Practical Theology Course (ER, LD, PC, PW) (3)

    Contextual Ministry - 12 credit hours

    • CM501 Field Education Unit 1 (0)
    • CM510 Contextual Ministry 1 (3)
    • CM511 Contextual Ministry 2 (3)
    • CM601 Field Education Unit 2 (0)
    • CM610 Contextual Ministry 3 (3)
    • CM611 Contextual Ministry 4 (3)

    Cross-Cultural Immersion - 3 credit hours

    • CM620 Methods of Interreligious and Intercultural Encounter (3)
    • CM621 Immersion Trip (0)

    MDIV Electives - 21 CREDIT HOURS

    Students may use elective courses to fulfill concentration and denominational requirements. United Methodists are required to have (6) credits in UM History, Doctrine, and Polity.

    MDIV NON-CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

    • SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
    • SS601 MDiv Mid-Program Review (0)
    • SS701 MDiv Final Review (0)

    MDIV CONCENTRATIONS AND HOUSE OF STUDY TRACKS

    The Master of Divinity degree program graduates persons in the general practice of ministry. The MDiv curriculum provides options for academic concentrations and House of Study tracks. Concentrations include Biblical Interpretation, Holy Spirit and Renewal, Church Planting, Ministry Leadership, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, Preaching, and Wesleyan and Methodist Studies. House of Study tracks include Black United Methodist, Fresh Expressions, Global Pentecostal, Global Wesleyan, and Mosaix. Students interested in a concentration or House of Study track are encouraged to discuss their interests and needs with their advisors and area faculty. For more information refer to the Academic Catalog.

  3. Degree Requirements

    1. 1. Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MDiv.

    2. 2. Complete all course credits applied toward the MDiv degree within ten years.

    3. 3. Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:
      • Travel to two Contextual Ministry retreats in early October.
      • Completion of four Contextual Ministry courses over two years.
      • Participation in a professionally facilitated ministry group.
      • Ministry in a church or community site in your area.

    4. 4. Participation in a Contextual Theology Immersion Trip.

    To fulfill residency requirements for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist students must complete 1/3 of the degree (24 credits) on campus. Dayton, Intensive, and hybrid courses count toward this requirement. For ordination requirements, please check with your own judicatory.

    Admission Requirements

    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA

    Learn more about the application process.

  4. At a Glance

    • $790/Credit Hour
    • Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $16,555
    • Average United Aid: $4,025
    • Average External Aid: $2,678

    Average Annual Cost After Aid: $9,852

    *Based on 18 credit hours per year.


    Scholarship Application Process

    United provides multiple scholarship opportunities to defray out-of-pocket costs for students. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships here or contact Student Aid at [email protected].

    1. 1. Scholarship Application
      Contact [email protected] to learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available.

    2. 2. Decisions
    3. • Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
    4. • Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email.

    5. 3. Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
      If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
    6. • Demonstrate appreciation by writing a letter of gratitude to the scholarship benefactor by the date specified on the award letter.

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