Master of Divinity
72 credit hours. Primarily online or on campus. Complete in 2-4 years.
Prepare for ordained ministry or leadership as a lay professional.
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 asynchronously during the 14-week semester.
- Virtual 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 and 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.
Global Experiences
All Master of Divinity students participate in a cross-cultural immersion trip, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with global Christianity and other religious traditions in diverse settings. Recent destinations include international trips to Cyprus and India, and a civil rights pilgrimage through Alabama. Learn more about this opportunity, offered through the Contextual Theology and Immersion Program.
DEGREE PLAN – 36 CREDIT HOURS
Biblical Studies (12 credit hours)- OT500 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
- NT500 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
- Any 600 Level OT Course (3)
- Any 600 Level BI/NT Course (3)
- CH501 Introduction to Church History I (3)
- CH502 Introduction to Church History II (3)
- TH502 Introduction to Theology (3)
- Any 600 Level CH/TH Course (3)
- ER503 Church Renewal for Mission (3)
- Any 500 Level Preaching Course (3)
- PC507 Pastoral Care Giving (3)
- Any 600 Level Practical Theology Course (ER, LD, PC, PW) (3)
- 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)
- CM620 Methods of Interreligious and Intercultural Encounter (3)
- CM621 Immersion Trip (0)
Electives – 9 credit hours
Students may use elective courses to fulfill denominational requirements. United Methodists are required to have (6) credits in UM History, Doctrine, and Polity. Note: 21 credits of electives are typically required for United’s MDiv. The remaining electives will be fulfilled through DWU’s MBA program. Note: United Methodists are required to have 6 credits in UM History, Doctrine, and Polity, as well as courses in Evangelism and Worship.Non-Credit Requirements
- SS500 Online Master Student Orientation (0)
- SS601 MDiv Mid-Program Review (0)
- SS701 MDiv Final Review (0)
Courses Completed at Dakota Wesleyan University – 30 Credit Hours
Students must fulfill 30 hours in Dakota Wesleyan University’s MBA core curriculum. After 15 hours at Dakota Wesleyan University, students will receive their MDIV degree from United Theological Seminary. View MBA course offerings at dwu.eduDegree Requirements
To earn both degrees, students must fulfill the degree requirements for both the MDiv and MBA. Requirements for United’s MDiv are described below. Please visit DWU.edu for details about MBA requirements.
MDiv Requirements
- Complete the entire degree plan requirements listed for the MDiv.
- Complete all course credits applied toward the MDiv degree within ten years.
- Participate in United’s Contextual Ministry Program, which includes:
- Travel to two Contextual Ministry retreats in early September.
- 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.
- 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
To earn both degrees, students must apply to and meet the admission requirements of each school. Requirements for master’s admission at United are described below. Please visit DWU.edu for details about MBA admission criteria.
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
Learn more about the application process.
At a Glance
- $885/Credit Hour
- Average Annual Tuition & Fees*: $18,425
- Average United Aid: $10,466
- Average External Aid: $1,342
Average Annual Cost After Aid: $6,617
*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 studentaid@united.edu.
- Scholarship Application
Contact studentaid@united.eduto learn about available scholarships. Continuing students will be notified each year when the scholarship application for the upcoming academic year is available. - Decisions
• Award decisions will be made by the Student Aid Committee.
• Communication regarding scholarship awards will be sent via United email. - Scholarship Acceptance Requirements
If a scholarship award is received, recipients must do the following to accept and maintain the award:
• 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
YOUR FACULTY ADVISOR
United’s Doctor of Theology program fosters partnerships between students and faculty. Working closely with a faculty advisor, you will receive the personalized support and guidance you need to shape your research and grow as a scholar of the church.