Master of Divinity
PROGRAM HOURS: 76
Our most comprehensive master’s degree, the Master of Divinity is the gold-standard for clergy education and preparatory for doctoral studies. The MDiv integrates theological disciplines, personal and professional formation, and the practices of ministry. This degree meets elder ordination requirements in the Church of the Nazarene and offers three tracks to match students’ vocational goals: Pastoral Ministry, Chaplaincy, and a Customizable track for preparation in specialized ministry.
Disciplines
The MDiv is a 76-credit hour degree program with coursework in the following disciplines:
- Christian Heritage (33 hours)
- Cultural Context (6 hours)
- Personal and Spiritual Formation (9 hours)
- Ecclesial and Public Service (12 hours)
- Practicum and Integration (4 hours)
- Track Specific Requirements (12 hours)
This robust hybrid modality consists of weekly virtual conferencing, one week in-person intensives (called Convene), and asynchronous online classes. With access to our virtual classrooms, students will be able to develop relationships with fellow students, and faculty, from anywhere in the world. We offer three semesters during each academic year: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
An accredited undergraduate degree with a grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or better is expected for admission as a Regular Student.
International students, non-degree seeking students (including students seeking to audit), and students without a bachelor’s degree may view additional requirements here.
Advanced Standing options are available to students who have met the educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. Up to 36 hours in graduate studies may be transferred towards the completion of the Master of Divinity. If you have more questions about transfer of credits or admission requirements, please see the Academic Catalog or contact us.
Tuition is $590/credit hour for Fall 2023 – Summer 2024. 97% of enrolled NTS students receive financial assistance. The office of financial aid is committed to coming alongside students to resource and help them make graduate-level education an affordable reality. The general scholarship application is embedded in the NTS application. View more about program costs, fees and additional financial aid options here.
For admission to a master's degree program, prepare to submit the following during the application process:
- Three references: academic, pastoral, personal
NOTE: Army Chaplains may submit the last two Officer Efficiency Reports (OERs) in lieu of the Ecclesial Employer/Supervisor and Lay Person references. - Transcripts: Have official transcripts of all previous academic work sent directly to Nazarene Theological Seminary: Enrollment Services (Unofficial transcripts are sufficient until official ones arrive).
- 500-word Statement of Purpose
- Formal Academic Research Paper (or 500-word formal essay)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
Please be prepared to provide the following additional items:
- TOEFL Scores: 550 (paper based); 79-80 (internet based)
- Completed Affidavit of Financial Support (consult the Cost of Attendance document to help you complete this.)
For more information, please consult the International Student Handbook.