Mission Statement
The Master of Ministry degree provides a solid foundation for ministry service by focusing on the core competencies of pastoral ministry. While providing a foundation of biblical and theological study, the program emphasizes practical ministry training, with a particular emphasis on leadership in ministry. The degree program will be appropriate for a variety of persons, including those already in ministry who are ready for advanced study, and persons entering ministry who seek an effective preparation for hands-on ministry service. The program will also be of value for committed lay leaders in the church who seek to advance their capacity and preparation for service.
Master of Divinity and Master of Ministry Personnel
Dr. Michael Duduit, Dean, College of Christian Studies and Clamp Divinity School
Dr. Kristopher K. Barnett, Associate Dean, Clamp Divinity School and Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry
Dr. Bryan Cribb, Associate Professor of Christian Studies
Dr. Channing Crisler, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies
Dr. Charles W. Fuller, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies
Dr. Tim McKnight, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies
Dr. Ryan Neal, Associate Professor of Christian Studies
Ms. Kelli Strickland, Administrative Assistant
Program Overview
The Master of Ministry is a 42-hour degree program which is offered via two delivery modes: classroom and online. The online courses are offered in five eight-week terms through the year. The classroom courses are offered in four eight-week terms (two in the fall, two in the spring), a four-week May Term, and two one-week Intensive courses offered in the summer.
Master of Ministry Degree Requirements
In order to be awarded the Master of Ministry degree, the student must successfully complete the 42-hour curriculum of courses, plus a Ministry Project that is presented during the program’s final class (Ministry in the 21st Century).
At the time of application, the student will indicate whether he or she will be primarily attending classes on campus or through the online program; however, students will not be limited to one delivery mode. For example, a classroom student may choose to take selected online courses as long as space is available in those classes. (Online degree students will have first priority for online classes, and classroom students will have first priority for classroom courses.) All online courses are offered in eight-week terms. Classroom courses are offered in eight-week terms in the fall and spring semesters. A four-week May term is offered, in a hybrid format, with the course meeting one night per week (Tuesday or Thursday), and the balance of the class delivered is an online format. Two Intensive courses are offered during the summer, with classes meeting Monday through Friday from 9 am until noon, and 1 pm until 5. Classroom courses for the Anderson campus will meet one evening per week from 6:00 until 10:00 pm. Online courses will meet interactively online one evening per week from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. (All times are Eastern. Students unable to participate live in the weekly class sessions may seek permission to substitute viewing of archived class sessions.) In addition, online students will receive a major portion of course content streaming video, to be viewed prior to each week’s class session.
Admission Requirements
Regular Admission
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher learning
- Cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation. One of the recommendation letters must be from the pastor/minister of the local church where the applicant is currently a member; if the applicant is the pastor, then the letter may come from another leader within the church.
- Submit statement of faith and description of church involvement
- Minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper), 220 (computer) or 75 (internet) if English is not the student’s first language, and proof of current Visa for International students
Provisional Admission
Prerequisite to admission to the Master of Divinity program is a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university. A limited number of applicants who have a baccalaureate degree from a college or university that is not regionally-accredited may be accepted on a provisional basis; in order to be considered for provisional admission, such applicants must submit an appropriate score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), along with other admission requirements. The Divinity School Admissions Committee will consider such applications on an individual basis, and may establish certain conditions which the student must achieve in order to have the provisional status removed. Applicants with a college cumulative grade point average below 2.5 on a 4.0 scale may be accepted provisionally on an individual basis.
In order to eventually earn “Full Status” admission, the degree-seeking “Provisional Student” must meet any special conditions attached to his/her admission by the Dean of the College of Christian Studies; no later than upon the completion of 15 credit hours of graduate work. The Divinity School Admissions Committee may grant “Full Status” admission to a “Provisional Student” when he/she satisfactorily completes prescribed conditions. (The student’s grades and participation in the program courses will factor strongly in the Committee’s decision.)
Non-degree Seeking Students
A limited number of students who do not have the prerequisites for regular admission may be admitted on a non-degree basis, in order to take courses in the Master of Divinity program without applying those toward a degree. Such applicants must fulfill all steps in the regular application process, while indicating on the application that they are seeking non-degree status. Non-degree students who complete all requirements of the Master of Divinity program will receive a Certificate in Ministry reflecting their completion of the program curriculum, but they will not receive a Master of Divinity or any other degree.
Visitors - A limited number of students may apply to attend individual courses in a Visitor status. Students will not receive academic credit or certification of any kind, and will not participate in graded activities.
Courses of Study
The courses that are offered in the Master of Ministry program are eclectic and stand alone and one is not a prerequisite for another, though students are encouraged to take the three leadership courses in their numerical order, and are encouraged to complete the Communication in Ministry course prior to taking the course in Christian Preaching. A student will be required to complete 42 hours of course work; of these, up to 9 hours may be transferred into the graduate program. No course below the 500 level will be counted toward graduate degree requirements. Courses rotate on a regular sequence to allow a candidate to complete the program in approximately two years. The maximum time for completing the graduate program is five (5) years.
The MMin program requires all students to have and use a computer.
Graduation Requirements
- The successful completion of 42 hours of course work
- The fulfillment of all financial obligations
- The approval of the faculty
Master of Ministry Academic Calendar 2015-2016
