Master of Divinity

Related Information

Master of Divinity

Beginning fall 2009

At Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS) you'll find all of the elements you need to construct a solid foundation for your life and for your ministry. The Master of Divinity curriculum provides the building blocks for every dimension of a biblical, authentic, contextual and life-changing ministry and is focused on the personal and spiritual formation of every student.

Master of Divinity: Click to learn more

Admission Requirements

The following admission requirements reflect CTS’s goal to train capable stewards of the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Please note that if you have not had the following pre-seminary courses, many of your admission requirements can be met through courses offered at CTS. However, you should be aware that your M.Div. program will be enhanced by more elective choices if all admission requirements are completed prior to beginning your program.

To apply to the M.Div. program you need to have a B.A. degree or its equivalent from an accredited college and have a grade-point average of 2.67 (B-) or higher. Your pre-seminary education should include one course each in English and literature, and two each in history, philosophy, natural science, social science, and speech. In addition, you are encouraged to take four semesters of Greek. If you have not had Greek courses, you may take the courses (Greek Fundamentals I and II) at CTS and still complete your program in three years.

M.Div. Program Curriculum

Your preparation for ministry should include the same components that make for a good sermon. It should be Biblical, Authentic, Contextual and Life-Changing. The new Master of Divinity curriculum is built on these four cornerstones- a foundation that connects the best of the Reformed tradition with the contemporary ministry practices essential for tomorrow's leaders.

Below is a sample course sequence in the M.Div. program for those with no prior study in Bible or theology. Students who have completed their Greek language studies prior to coming to CTS (see above), should follow Chart A. Students who have not completed their Greek language studies should follow Chart B. Each course links to the course descriptions on our core course listing.

Three-Year Course Sequence

Chart A - No Greek Needed

Chart B - Greek Needed

Chart A - No Greek Needed (click to close)

Year Three Focus: Integration

Fall

J-Term

  • Elective (2)

Spring

May/Summer

  • Opportunity for an additional internship, e.g. Clinical Pastoral Education, a summer internship, or a full-year internship.
* courses with possibility for Advanced Placement
Electives requirements: 1 OT Exegetical, 1 NT Exegetical, 1 Theological, 1 Contextual Ministry, 1 General
Electives are also offered during May

Chart B - Greek Needed (click to close)

Year Two Focus: Analysis

Fall

J-Term

  • Elective (2)

Spring

May/Summer

* courses with possibility for Advanced Placement
Electives requirements: 1 OT Exegetical, 1 NT Exegetical, 1 Theological, 1 Contextual Ministry, 1 General
Electives are also offered during May

Year Three Focus: Integration

Fall

J-Term

  • Elective (2)

Spring

May/Summer

  • Opportunity for an additional internship, e.g. Clinical Pastoral Education, a summer internship, or a full-year internship.
* courses with possibility for Advanced Placement
Electives requirements: 1 OT Exegetical, 1 NT Exegetical, 1 Theological, 1 Contextual Ministry, 1 General
Electives are also offered during May

Advanced Placement

You may be able to gain advanced placement for prior study, knowledge or experience in Bible and Theology. Advanced placement means that you have gained competence equivalent to completing one or more of the courses listed below.

The following courses are available for Advanced Placement. Study Guides for the Advanced Placement test may be obtained from the Admissions Office.

  • Bible Survey
  • Christian Theology in Reformed Confessions
  • Hebrew Fundamentals
  • Christian Engagement with World Religions
  • Church in Historical Context 1 or 2 (not both)

If granted, advanced placement reduces the number of CTS credit hours needed to complete one's degree and can open doors to additional internships and specialized coursework. Students can obtain advanced placement for a maximum of 15 credits.

In order to achieve advanced placement, you must demonstrate competence on a written qualifying exam. This exam must be taken at least 1 week but not more than 3 months prior to the first semester of your program. If an exam is not taken on campus, you must find a pastor or a college professor who can serve as a proctor.

Concentrations

Students may choose a concentration in the MDiv program. Concentrations allow for more specialized study related to a student's ministry interests and calling. Concentrations also provide more thorough preparation for students who are considering doctoral study in a particular field.

To obtain a concentration, students must take eight elective credits (generally 4 electives) in their area of concentration. Up to four credits (generally 2 electives) can be used for elective credit in their MDiv program. The other four credits (generally 2 electives) will be above and beyond the requirements of the MDiv program.

The following concentrations are available:

  • Old Testament
  • New Testament
  • Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature
  • History of Christianity
  • Theological Studies
  • New Church Development
  • Contextual Ministry
  • Evangelism and Teaching
  • Preaching and Worship
  • Pastoral Care and Leadership
  • Youth and Family Ministries

**Candidacy for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church

In order to be recommended by the faculty for candidacy in the Christian Reformed Church, students must meet the synodical requirements for candidacy, must have demonstrated academic, personal, and professional readiness for ministry, and must ordinarily have a cumulative GPA of 2.85.