Master of Divinity (MDiv)

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MDiv

Overview

Comprehensive Training  For the Church

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is the flagship seminary degree, designed for those who want to be comprehensively equipped with biblical, theological, historical, and practical understanding. Those who complete the MDiv will be equipped for leadership in areas like pastoral ministry, teaching ministries, and further theological education.

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Available: Residential & Fully Online

81

Credit hours

28

Classes

4

Years to complete

$390

Per credit hour

Next start date

Aug 18th

The Midwestern MDiv

At a Glance

Explore the Master of Divinity program at Midwestern, including curriculum, concentrations, and FAQs.

100%

Complete the first year of your MDiv with free tuition through FTC Cohorts.

16

MDiv concentrations for specialized training.

Online

Delivery formats—fully online or on-campus.

Affordable

Tuition scholarship for SBC church members.

The Midwestern MDiv

Discover Midwestern’s Master of Divinity degree.

MDiv Core Courses

The Master of Divinity degree at Midwestern has a 72-hour core that is required for all students completing the program. Every student can complete the core and then add on electives or a concentration for further focused study.

  • BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I
  • BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II
  • BS 2310 New Testament Survey I
  • BS 2311 New Testament Survey II
  • BS 2200 Elementary Hebrew I
  • BS 2201 Elementary Hebrew II
  • BS 2300 Elementary Greek I
  • BS 2301 Elementary Greek II
  • BS 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics
  • HT 3100 History of Christianity I
  • HT 3101 History of Christianity II
  • HT 3110 Baptist History
  • HT 3200 Theology I
  • HT 3201 Theology II
  • HT 3300 Introduction to Apologetics
  • HT 3400 Christian Ethics
  • MN 5006 Biblical Spirituality
  • MN 5161 Expository Preaching I: Sermon Prep Practicum*
  • MN 5161 Expository Preaching II: Sermon Delivery Practicum*
  • MN 5201 Evangelism
  • MN 5430 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry*
  • MS 7011 Missiology
  • CE 8345 Biblical Leadership and Administration for the Church

Choose one of the following:

    • MN 5468 Leadership Practicum
    • BC 5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
    • CE 8100 Philosophy of Christian Education
    • CM 9100 Biblical Foundations of Worship

*All female students will take CE8110, CE8111, and CE8411 in lieu of these courses.  

MDiv Standard

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Electives (9 hours)
  • Total Hours (81 hours)

*All MDiv students must complete the core coursework and then select a concentration to complete their degree.

MDiv Apologetics and Evangelism

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Apologetics and Evangelism concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Defend the core doctrines of the Christian faith in contrast to non-Christian views.
  2. Present the Gospel of Jesus Christ with biblical consistency, logical coherence, and contextual awareness.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Apologetics and Evangelism Concentration (9 hours)
    • MS 7016 World Religions
    • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (9 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

MDiv biblical Counseling

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Biblical Counseling concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Evaluate secular and integrative counseling models based on biblical and historical perspectives.
  2. Interpret and apply Scripture to soul-care in local church and related settings using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
  3. Address the most common counseling problems and challenges of counseling using appropriate methods of biblical counseling.
  4. Formulate a personal strategy of biblical counseling for ministry in the local church.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Biblical Counseling Concentration (18 hours)
    • BC 5501 Biblical Counseling & Psychological Theories
    • BC 5511 Biblical Interpretation and Counseling Methods
    • BC 5512 History and Theology of Soul-Care
    • BC 5513 Biblical Counseling & Emotional Issues
    • BC 5514 Addictive Behaviors & Biblical Counseling
    • BC 5522 Marriage & Family Counseling
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

*Students pursuing the Master of Divinity (MDiv) in Biblical Counseling must select BC5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church as part of their foundational core requirements.

MDiv Biblical Languages

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Biblical Languages concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Translate the biblical text for exegetical evaluation.
  2. Establish the text using appropriate textual critical tools.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Biblical Languages Concentration (15 hours)
    • BS 2203 Intermediate Hebrew I
    • BS 2204 Intermediate Hebrew II
    • BS 2303 Intermediate Greek I
    • BS 2304 Intermediate Greek II
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
    • 3 Hours Electives
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, Biblical Languages Concentration cultivates a Christian lifestyle, offers instruction in classical theological disciplines, and develops ministry skills in biblical languages.

MDiv biblical theology

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Biblical Theology concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Defend the core doctrines of the Christian faith in contrast to non-Christian views.
  2. Distinguish and relate the discipline of biblical theology to both exegesis and systematic theology.

Curriculum

  • M.Div. Core (72 hours)
  • Biblical Theology Concentration (15 hours)
    • HT 3230 Biblical Theology
    • HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture
    • BS 2203 Intermediate Hebrew I and
    • BS 2204 Intermediate Hebrew II or
    • BS 2303 Intermediate Greek I and
    • BS 2304 Intermediate Greek II
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (3 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

MDiv Christian Education

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Christian Education concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Apply the principles of Christian education to the work of educational leadership.
  2. Apply sound developmental theory to age-group ministry.
  3. Demonstrate skill needed for educational administration.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Christian Education Concentration (15 hours)
    • CE 8100 Philosophy of Christian Education
    • CE 8110 Principles of Teaching I*
    • CE 8111 Principles of Teaching II*
    • CE 8411 Age Group Ministry*
    • CE 8345 Biblical Leadership & Administration for the Church
    • CE 8150 Christian Education Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (3 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

*Female students in the MDiv-CE take CE 8110 and CE 8111 in place of MN 5161 and MN 5162 and CE 8411 in place of MN 5430 within the foundational core. Because of these substitutions, 9 additional elective hours are required for female students in the MDiv-CE.

MDiv Christian Theology

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Christian Theology concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Defend theological positions with special attention to their historical development.
  2. Explain the ministerial implications of a given theological position.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Christian Theology Concentration (12 hours)
    • HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture
    • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (6 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

MDiv Church planting

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Church Planting concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Apply operative principles to the work of church planting.
  2. Plant healthy churches in a variety of ministry settings.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Church Planting Concentration (18 hours)
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • MN 5409 Leadership Formation Practicum
    • MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
    • MS 7660 Church Planting Leadership Practicum
    • MS 7664 Outreach Strategies and Methods Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

Students graduating from the MDiv degree with Church Planting program will be able to develop a Great Commission perspective that is demonstrated by skills in evangelism, equipping disciples, preaching and teaching, corporate worship, and leadership. They will utilize church planting skills in ministry, and demonstrate the commitment necessary to start healthy, reproducing congregations in a North American context.

MDiv Church revitalization

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Church Revitalization concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Diagnose hindrances to a church’s health in light of biblical ecclesiology.
  2. Apply biblical principles of mission and stewardship to organizational change.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Church Revitalization Concentration (18 hours)
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • MN 5409 Leadership Formation Practicum
    • MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
    • MS 7030 Biblical Foundations of Church Renewal Practicum
    • MS 7032 Church Renewal Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

MDiv discipleship

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Discipleship concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Implement strategies for evangelism and discipleship in light of biblical spirituality and ecclesiology.
  2. Apply sound pedagogical principles to effectively teach biblical and theological lessons.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Discipleship Concentration (15 hours)
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • CE 8411 Age Group Ministry*
    • CE 8110 Principles of Teaching I*
    • CE 8111 Principles of Teaching II*
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone*
  • Electives (3 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

Female students in the MDiv-D take CE 8110 and CE 8111 in place of MN 5161 and MN 5162 and CE 8411 in place of MN 5430 within the foundational core. Because of these substitutions, 9 elective hours are required for female students in the MDiv-D.

MDiv ministry leadership

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Ministry Leadership concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Implement a theologically founded and contextualized approach to ministry.
  2. Enhance a given ministry’s missional alignment.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Ministry Leadership Concentration (12 hours)
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • MN 5409 Leadership Formation Practicum
    • MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (6 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

MDiv Ministry to Women

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Ministry to Women concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the biblical and theological foundations of women’s ministry in the local church.
  2. Demonstrate increased skill in the practice and leadership of women’s ministries in the local church.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Ministry to Women Concentration (12 hours)
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • MN 5901 Biblical Theology of Womanhood
    • MN 5910 Practical Ministry to Women
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (6 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

*Female students only

MDiv Missions

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Missions concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Missions concentration will be able to demonstrate skills necessary to start Baptist churches in international settings.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Missions Concentration (18 hours)
    • MS 7016 World Religions
    • MS 7207 Missionary Anthropology Practicum
    • MS 7209 Cross–Cultural Communication and Language Learning
    • MS 7217 International Church Planting Practicum
    • MS 7221 Cross-Cultural Church Planting Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

MN 5490 Ministry Stewardship Practicum, MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum, and MN 7664 Outreach Strategy and Methods Practicum can be substituted for MS 7209 Cross-Cultural Comm. & Language Learning, MS 7217 International Church Planting Practicum, and MS 7221 Cross Cultural Church Planting Practicum, respectively.

MDiv Preaching and pastoral ministry

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Preaching and Pastoral Ministry concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Exercise biblically appropriate pastoral leadership.
  2. Deliver biblically sound expository sermons.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Preaching and Pastoral Ministry Concentration (15 hours)
    • HT 3230 Biblical Theology
    • HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture
    • MN 5130 Advanced Expository Preaching
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (3 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, Preaching and Pastoral Ministry Concentration is designed to prepare men called to serve as pastor of a local congregation. The concentration provides a foundation of biblical studies, exposition and ministry skills designed to prepare pastors for service in the local church.

*Male students only

MDiv Student ministry

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Student Ministry concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Lead effectively in adolescent and young adult ministry.
  2. Design biblical lessons for adolescents and young adults.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (72 hours)
  • Student Ministry Concentration (12 hours)
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • CE 8411 Age Group Ministry*
    • CE 8485 Youth Ministry Practicum
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Electives (6 hours)
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

*female Students who must take CE8411 as part of their foundational core will have 3 additional hours of electives.

MDiv Worship ministries*

In addition to the standard MDiv program outcomes, students in the Worship Ministries concentration will be able to do the following:

  1. Demonstrate leadership skill that is appropriate to worship ministry.
  2.  Demonstrate specialized skill in music performance.
  3. Apply standard music theory to the work of worship leadership.

*Note: This concentration is only available to residential students.

Curriculum

  • MDiv Core (60 hours)
    • BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I
    • BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II
    • BS 2310 New Testament Survey I
    • BS 2311 New Testament Survey II
    • BS 2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics
    • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • HT 3110 Baptist History
    • HT 3200 Theology I
    • HT 3201 Theology II
    • HT 3300 Introduction to Apologetics
    • HT 3400 Christian Ethics
    • MN 5201 Evangelism
    • MN 5006 Biblical Spirituality
    • MN 5161 Expository Preaching I: Sermon Prep Practicum*
    • MN 5162 Expository Preaching II: Sermon Delivery Practicum*
    • MN 5430 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry*
    • MS 7011 Missiology
    • CE 8345 Biblical Leadership & Administration for the Church
    • CM 9100 Biblical Foundations for Worship
    • Choose one of the following:
      • MN 5468 Leadership Practicum
      • BC 5510 Biblical Counseling in the Local Church
      • CE 8100 Philosophy of Christian Education
  • Worship Ministries Core (15 hours)
    • CM 9205 Survey of Christian Worship & Congregational Song
    • CM 9401 Worship Ministry Administration
    • CM 9403 Corporate Worship Leadership
    • CM 9421 Worship Technology
    • 3 Hours Music Elective
  • Worship Ministries Practicum (9 hours)
    • CM 9103 Preparing Vocalists for Worship
    • CM 9104 Preparing Instrumentalists for Worship
    • CM 9565 Integrative Worship Ministry Experience
  • Applied Music Lessons (3 hours)
    • Choose major lesson area from voice, guitar, or piano (3 consecutive semesters at one (1) credit hr per semester).
  • Music Ensemble Participation (3 hours)
    • CM 9582 North Oak Band (2 Hours)**
    • CM 9583 Voices of Midwestern (1 Hour)**
  • Total Hours (90 hours)

*Female students take CE 8110 Principles of Teaching I in lieu of MN 5161 Expository Preaching I and CE 8111 in lieu of MN 5162 Expository Preaching II. Additionally, female students take CE 8411 Age Group Ministry in lieu of MN 5430 Intro to Pastoral Ministry.

**Auditions are required for North Oak Band while no audition is necessary for Voices of Midwestern.

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As a part of your application, we require official college transcripts, a pastoral recommendation, and a church endorsement to review your application for acceptance.

Get Accepted

Once we receive your completed application, we’ll review your application for acceptance. Typically, it will take less than 1–2 days to notify you of a decision.

Enroll in classes

Once you are accepted, the next step is to enroll in classes. We have new classes starting every 4–8 weeks and are eager to help you pursue your calling.

Yes, Midwestern Seminary’s MDiv can be completed fully online if your current ministry context prevents you from being able to complete it residentially in Kansas City.

The MDiv prepares graduates for a variety of vocational fields, especially given the 16 concentrations available within the degree. However, the M.Div. is primarily designed for those called to serve in full-time ministry roles such as pastor/elder, worship leader, and missionary.

Yes! There are financial aid options available for you as you complete the program. For more information, click here to explore scholarships, aid, and other resources.

Yes, students applying for a master’s degree at Midwestern Seminary who have previously completed Bible or theology courses at the undergraduate level could reduce their degree time by one-third.

  • Advanced standing is awarded on a course-by-course basis.
  • Applicants must have received a grade of B or higher in the undergraduate course completed.
  • Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate study or a 3.0 or higher in their last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
  • Up to one-third of degree program requirements can be satisfied through Advanced Standing

Yes, we may accept transfer credit towards the degree you are considering at Midwestern Seminary. However, we strongly encourage you to discuss your credits with your admissions counselor because each course is different and transferring credit may vary.

Our course times vary depending on whether you are studying online or on–campus. Residential classes typically occur on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Online courses can be done synchronously with the residential course times or asynchronously.

We’re so glad you asked! Our For the Church Cohorts offer you the opportunity to complete the first year of your MDiv for free while also having the ability to intern and grow in specific areas of interest including preaching and pastoral Ministry through the Shepherds Fellowship, or Biblical Counseling, Missions, church history, ministry to women and leadership, and biblical studies.

To preach the Word, we firmly believe one must know the Scriptures. Studying, understanding, and applying the biblical languages to preaching and teaching deepens one’s appreciation for the beauty and truth of Scripture and enhances the ability to proclaim God’s Word to His people.

Program Outcomes

Students graduating from the Master of Divinity program will be able to do the following:

  1. Demonstrate skills sufficient for biblical leadership in the church.
  2. Interpret Christian Scripture using appropriate hermeneutical principles.
  3. Develop a theological and practical foundation for spiritual formation.
  4. Demonstrate faithfulness to the principles of the Great Commission with awareness of cultural contexts.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of Christian and Baptist history and their ongoing relevance for contemporary ministry.

Distinctive Content

The MDiv degree program provides a breadth of exposure to the theological disciplines as well as a depth of understanding within those disciplines. It provides students opportunities for the appropriation of theological disciplines, for deepening understanding of the life of the church, for ongoing intellectual and ministerial formation, and for exercising the arts of ministry.

Alumni Highlight

All of the classes and professors have shown the example of what it means to be a teacher in the church. Teaching is not just conveying information; teaching is being an example. My degree has challenged me to grow my character in Christ in all areas of life so that I can be an example in and for the church.

Ethan W.

Master of Divinity, Biblical Languages

Alumni Highlight

I love interacting with the faculty and staff. There are so many friendly and godly people who want to help you grow here.

Miranda R.

Master of Divinity, Biblical Languages

This Degree in Ministry

Dig a deep well in preparation for a lifetime of faithful ministry in the church or overseas, and be equipped to bring glory to God through…

  • Beholding Christ and His Word
  • Pastoral ministry
  • Discipleship training
  • Serving the local church
  • International missions
  • Counseling in the local church

The Degree in Future Studies

Study to serve the church while completing the degree necessary for future doctoral work and research at MBTS.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
  • Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin)
  • Doctor of Education (EdD)
Don Whitney - Midwestern Seminary

Life at MBTS

As a pastor for over 24 years, I know what it's like to serve in a local church, and I see my students as those who will soon be serving in a local church. That has a lot to do with the application of what I teach in a classroom on a given day.

Dr. Don Whitney

Professor of Biblical Spirituality and the John H. Powell Professor of Pastoral Ministry

Meet Dr. Whitney