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The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is the standard degree in American theological education. The M.Div. provides a solid foundation for ministry service by leading students through a wide range of disciplines, including Biblical studies, theology, history, philosophy, pastoral ministry, preaching, evangelism and more. The degree program will be appropriate for a variety of persons, including recent college graduates entering ministry and those already in ministry who are ready for advanced study.
This offering of the Youth Ministry Concentration within the Master of Divinity degree provides students with preparation for youth ministry in the church or parachurch context.
Fast Track Program Overview (173 Cr. Hrs.)
The Master of Divinity degree offered by most seminaries and divinity schools in the U.S., is typically a three-year program, which follows four years of undergraduate study. The Fast Track allows students to apply 30 hours of their undergraduate biblical, theological and ministry courses toward the MDiv program. This leaves them only 45 hours to complete the second degree, saving time and money in preparing for ministry.
Students in the Fast Track begin in the undergraduate Christian Studies degree like any other degree-seeking undergraduate student. The student has the option to elect to complete concentrations to their Christian Studies degree such as Youth Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Missions, Apologetics, or Biblical Studies.
During the sophomore year, a Christian Studies student who has earned a 3.0 GPA and presents a recommendation from a pastor at the church they attend, can apply to begin taking Fast Track courses. Although the student is still considered an undergraduate student, Fast Track courses are master level courses and include master-level requirements.
When the student completes 128 credits hours required for the undergraduate degree, he or she will graduate as any other undergraduate student.
Following the completion of the undergraduate degree, the Fast Track Course credits will be applied toward the M.Div. degree program. If a student has successfully completed 30 hours of Fast Track courses, he or she will only have 45 graduate credit hours left to complete to earn the M.Div. The graduate requirements, including those taken in Fast Track, include 36 credit hours of Biblical and Theological Studies and 39 credit hours of Ministry Study.
