76 credits
required for program
- Available online
Cost
$570 per credit
Timeframe
42–46 months
Experience a flexible, comprehensive Master of Divinity program that combines biblically based evangelical theology with Christian ministry. Study under passionate Bible teachers and grow in the knowledge and character needed for effective ministry and education. This M.Div. program meets ordination requirements for pastoral or chaplain positions and further doctoral studies for church ministry.
Our Master of Divinity degree may be the right fit if you…
- Enjoy servant leadership
- Want to challenge yourself and gain a deeper understanding of the Bible
- Feel called to lead in the church or as a chaplain
- Value faith-infused curriculum that interlocks faith and purpose
- Appreciate an online M.Div. format that fits your busy life
- Crave an interactive and supportive community
Why pursue a Master of Divinity at Northwestern?
Our Master of Divinity degree is intentionally designed to be both realistically attainable and undeniably valuable. Discover a fully accredited practical ministry program designed to pursue a deeper understanding of the Bible and explore effective ministry practices.
Plus, take advantage of the unique opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership or a Master of Arts in Theological Studies on your way to completing the M.Div.—at no extra cost.
Experience it all within a supportive Christian community to encourage you as you live out your calling.
*For students who have not yet earned their bachelor’s degree, Northwestern offers an accelerated M.Div. option. You can earn your undergraduate degree in Pastoral Ministry in a traditional day-school format and a Master of Divinity, after completing the fifth year, through the Graduate Studies Program.
Program Features
- Comprehensive Master of Divinity degree that combines biblically based evangelical theology with Christian ministry
- Expert faculty who are ministry leaders and internationally known experts
- Customizable program with four unique concentrations
- Faith-infused curriculum
- Courses optimized for quality and user experience
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Concentrations
Optimize your Master of Divinity degree for your unique ministry goals. Customize your program by selecting one of four concentrations:
Students complete 12 credits specific to Biblical Studies.
- Bible in Its World
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Electives: BIA, BIB, or PHI Courses
Students complete 12 credits specific to Clinical Pastoral Education. Students interested in chaplaincy may pursue this option through a partnership with a regional hospital.
- Clinical Pastoral Education
Students complete 12 credits specific to Organizational Leadership.
- Managerial Leadership
- Leading Organizational Change
- Electives: BUA, EDU, HCM, HMS, LDR, MIN Courses
Students complete 12 credits specific to Practical Theology.
- Bible in Its World
- Science and Christianity
- Theology of Gender and Sexuality
- Apologetics
- Ethics
- Electives: BIA, BIB, or MIN Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about earning a Master of Divinity? Check out a few of our most frequently asked questions!
Will I be able to successfully juggle coursework with my other responsibilities?
Definitely. We know it can be nerve-wracking to take the next step toward your ministry goals, especially as you consider how pursuing a degree will fit into your busy life.
That’s why we’ve created a value-packed M.Div. program that provides a manageable workload for a busy adult. Experience flexible education and student-friendly courses all within a convenient online format.
Is it affordable?
Yes! It is a top priority to make quality education affordable so that you can step into your calling right here at UNW. You can expect competitive tuition that’s actually less than the cost of most state undergraduate programs.
More than our commitment to an affordable education, though, is our commitment to a valuable one. Invest in an education at UNW that offers faith-infused learning, a highly interactive community, courses taught by actively practicing faculty, and student-friendly course design.
Will I have access to support resources?
Absolutely. We believe students of all ages thrive in a learning environment where they feel known, supported, and encouraged. Our Master of Divinity program, firmly rooted in biblical principles, offers access to free tutoring and coaching resources, personal academic advising, optional live-learning sessions, and—of course—our highly interactive online community.
What can I do with an M.Div. degree?
Our curriculum is designed to provide you with a foundation for success in the real world. Dig deeper into real-world skills. Gain insight into ministry experiences. And develop strategies to grow as a servant leader.
A Master of Divinity degree can open doors to many careers in a variety of settings. Former UNW M.Div. students have taken on roles in chaplaincy, church leadership, church planting, higher education, mission work, teaching ministries, youth ministry, and more.
Is this an accredited degree?
Yes, UNW’s Master of Divinity program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, University of Northwestern – St. Paul is an Associate Member of the Association of Theological Schools.
Is the M.Div. transfer friendly?
Yes. If you have completed previous graduate work, you may be able to apply up to 38 credits toward this transfer-friendly M.Div. degree.
How will faith be incorporated into the curriculum?
We recognize that faith is central to ministry. Experience an online M.Div. program that combines biblically based, evangelical theology with Christian ministry to fully prepare you to fulfill your unique calling.
Grow in your spiritual walk and develop strategies for effective ministry work locally or around the world. Wherever you feel led in ministry, graduate with a deepened level of confidence as a faithful servant leader in the Kingdom of God.
When students take a step towards their calling by pursuing their degree here at Northwestern, you can see their vision for what God’s doing in their life, and what God wants to do through their life, just inflame and grow. And, that’s amazing to see.
I want to give much credit to my advisor, Dr. Dale Lemke. He has moved mountains for me in pursuing my call to pastoral ministry and has helped me learn a great deal in leadership development in ministry. Much of my desire to write in the academic realm of theology stems from being inspired by professors such as Dr. Randy Nelson, Dr. Ardel Caneday, Dr. Ed Glenny, Dr. Paul Helseth, and Dr. Larry Siekawitch. These five men have inspired me to strive to become a pastor-theologian for God's glory and for the good of His people. During my time here at UNW, I've learned many things on theology, pastoral ministry, and the biblical worldview.
Career Opportunities
What types of work are related to this degree?
What types of work are related to a Master of Divinity degree?
- Author
- Chaplain
- Christian Counselor
- Church Leader
- Church Planter
- Professor
- Missionary
- Pastor
- Speaker
- Youth Pastor
What will I learn?
As you pursue a Master of Divinity at UNW, you will learn to analyze, think critically, communicate effectively, and advance your knowledge of Scripture. You will experience dynamic discussions in a rich, non-denominational setting. Plus, you will be in ministry internships with the option to apply to an outside Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program.
BIA 5015
Biblical Hermeneutics
An advanced course in hermeneutics in which students will learn about the formation of the Bible, the history of biblical interpretation, modern critical methods, and current challenges to biblical interpretation.
BIB6312
Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments
A study of current methods and issues in the field of Biblical Theology, with emphasis on application to Old and New Testament books. Students will develop theological categories from the text and identify the variety and unity of theological themes.
MIN 5210
Leading and Organizing Ministry
This course considers the leadership development of the whole person: knowledge, character, and skill. Practice of leadership and management for the church and for Christian nonprofit organizations will be studied. Students will examine God’s vision for their lives, leading and organizing a ministry to accomplish a mission, and how to develop leaders who equip other leaders.
MIN 5310
Pastoral Care
This course examines the theological foundations and practice of pastoral ministry. Consideration is given to personal discipleship, pastoral care, biblical counseling, the ordinances, relational skills, and leading a healthy church.
MIN 5710
Religious Heritage and Church Polity
This course examines the relationship between the mission of the church, religious heritage, and church polity. Students investigate ecclesial traditions with which they are closely affiliated in order to understand the influence of theological distinctives and ecclesial structure on contemporary church practice.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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