Master of Divinity

Overview

Join passionate Bible teachers in a comprehensive, pre-doctoral program that combines biblically-based evangelical theology with Christian ministry. The Master of Divinity program meets ordination requirements for pastor or chaplain positions, and it will prepare you for further doctoral studies and for church or parachurch ministry.

• 92% of Northwestern graduates felt professionally prepared by their education
• 14:1 Class size ratio
• Excellent career outlook for divinity students

Why study divinity at Northwestern?

You will learn from caring faculty who are theologians and ministry practitioners themselves. Some of our professors are internationally known experts on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Old and New Testaments, minor prophets, and more. Here you will gain the knowledge, character, and competencies needed for effective ministry and further education.

During this program, you will experience dynamic discussions in a rich, non-denominational setting and be involved in ministry through internships with the option to apply to an outside Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program for your field experience.

For students who have not yet earned their Bachelor's degree, Northwestern offers an accelerated option through the B.A./M.Div. Dual Degree. You can ear your Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry through undergraduate courses in a traditional day-school format and a Master of Divinity, after completing the fifth year, through the Graduate Studies Program.

The M.Div program is available completely online or in a blended learning format and can be completed in 42-46 months.

In addition to courses in Bible exposition, theology, and Christian ministry, the program allows you to select an emphasis (12 credits) in Theological Studies, Biblical Studies, Organizational Leadership, Education, or Human Services for a more specialized educational experience.

If you enjoy serving others, want to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, and feel that God has called you to lead the church, our Master’ of Divinity degree can help you achieve your goals.

What will you learn?

You will learn to analyze, think critically, communicate effectively, and advance your knowledge of Scripture.

Some classes include:

• Biblical Hermeneutics
• Biblical Theology
• Leading and Organizing Ministry
• Pastoral Ministries
• Religious Heritage and Church Polity

Highlights

• Choose online or on-site/blended learning format.
• Gain practical experience through integrated internships embedded into the curriculum.
• Take courses from internationally known experts on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Old and New Testaments, minor prophets, ministry leaders, and more.
• Experience dynamic discussions and exploration in a rich, nondenominational setting.
• Choose an emphasis in Theological Studies, Biblical Studies, Human Services, Organizational Leadership or Education. • Option to apply for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) hours in place of internship hours.

Career opportunities

The M.Div. degree will prepare you for roles in a variety of settings, such as:

• Church leadership
• Youth Ministry
• Church planting
• Chaplaincy
• Mission work
• Higher education
• Advanced/doctorate study

Note: Roles in some settings may require additional education or training.

Department of Christian Ministries

The Department of Christian Ministries prepares students for graduate study and to serve in the U.S. and abroad as pastors, missionaries, teachers, and nonprofit leaders.

About the Department

Our vision is to inspire emerging leaders to live out their calling wherever God sends them. We want to help you discover your unique calling and develop core skills in teaching for spiritual transformation, developing Christ-like relationships, leading to visionary impact and engaging with diverse cultures and communities. We do this through five main degrees that include concentrations in Worship and Creative Arts, Children and Family Ministry, Nonprofit Leadership, Social Justice, English Language Teaching, Global Education, Camp and Conference Center Administration, etc.

Christian Ministries Internships

Students gain practical knowledge and valuable experience for resumes through internship experiences. Internships are required for all majors within the Christian Ministries Department. The Christian Ministries Department offers four types of field experience and internship courses. We believe it is essential for our students to do ministry under the supervision of a mentor so they can apply classroom learning in a safe and supporting environment. Students also complete internship assignments to help them reflect on what they are learning in the field and receive support from their Northwestern professor.

Ministries Internships

Ministry internships bring classroom learning to life and are crucial in preparing students for meeting needs in the real world.

Ministry student praying with other adults

The Christian Ministries Department requires ministry internships for the following majors:

• Ministry
• Nonprofit Administration with Ministry Track
• Pastoral Studies
• Youth and Emerging Adult Studies

By the time students from one of these majors graduates from Northwestern, they will have a minimum of 200 hours of experience at a ministry site. Through internships, Christian Ministries' students gain valuable practice time as they participate in a ministry of their choice. Whether in a church or parachurch ministry, students are given opportunities to teach, lead, plan, and observe what being in ministry is all about. Each student has an on-site mentor who is committed to guiding, praying, encouraging, challenging, and doing whatever else is necessary for the student to flourish and grow in his or her skills, knowledge, and experience.

The program is designed for students to participate in internships throughout the Fall and Spring semester of their junior or senior year. Students can still take classes on campus while working in their internship—each section requires 100 hours of ministry involvement over the course of the semester. This enables them to take what they are learning in the classroom and immediately apply it into a ministry setting. Most of our internship sites are local--a great benefit to the community and our students. Students may also do internships during the summer if they meet course requirements. Summer internships can be local, out of state, or outside the U.S., and coursework is completed via the internet.

Intercultural Studies Internships

This essential experience gives ICS majors a foundational context for communicating and ministering across cultures.

Group photo of Intercultural Studies Internship students

ICS internships can be completed in a variety of ways depending on the goals of the student. The Christian Ministries Department partners with other organizations to provide the following types of ICS internship experiences:

Faculty-led Trips

These are overseas mission trips led by a Northwestern professor, during which students visit and explore a variety of ministries, cultures, countries, and religious groups. In order to provide significant cross-cultural and service-learning experience, these trips normally last at least three weeks.

Independent Internships

Students may also choose to do an Independent Internship in an area of their choice, as long as it fits the course criteria. The Christian Ministries Department is developing relationships with a variety of international and domestic missions and nonprofit organizations through whom these internships can be completed. This internship needs to be pre-arranged with the Intercultural Studies professors and it must be approved by the Department Chair.

Study Abroad

Northwestern is a member of the CCCU, which provides a diverse array of off-campus study programs available to qualified juniors and seniors. Learn more about an internship with Students International in Costa Rica. This internship needs to be pre-arranged with the Intercultural Studies professors and it must be approved by the Department Chair.

Ministry and Intercultural Studies Concentrations

Students in the Intercultural Studies, Ministry, and Youth and Emerging Adult Studies majors have the opportunity to pursue a variety of concentrations within their degree plan. They also have the option of working with their advisor to build their own concentration using transfer courses or classes that meet their area of interest and intended ministry.