For anyone with serious plans to become an ordained Christian pastor in almost any denomination, the Master of Divinity is very often a key educational goal.
Hitting every aspect of both scriptural and pastoral education – from New Testament exegesis to the basics of congregational budgeting – the MDiv is the professional degree that turns inspired, dedicated lay ministers into senior pastors.
It goes without saying that if you are among those called to the ministry, the last thing you want to do is make any compromises when it comes to the MDiv program you choose. You will be resting your entire career on the enormous range of knowledge and skills that you bring home from this master’s program. You owe it to yourself and to your congregation to get the best education available.
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With nearly 250 Christian universities offering MDiv programs, it’s no easy task to compare all the options available to you, let alone identify the one that’s best aligned with your own spiritual aspirations and career goals.
But the editorial staff here at ChristianMinistryEDU.org is up to the task, and we consider it an honor to be of service to aspiring Christian leaders just like you. So we laid out the spreadsheets, rolled up our sleeves, and put in the hours to do those side-by-side comparisons so that you don’t have to.
What you’ll find here is a review that is qualitative in nature, but even so, our research produced lots of useful data. We’re confident that’s exactly what today’s Christian leaders are looking for – a resource that will help them make thoughtful decisions informed by the wisdom of both the head and the heart.
While there are many differences even among top-flight MDiv programs, you can count on any one of these degrees to give you the extensive scriptural knowledge and pastoral skills you need to be an effective Christian leader in today’s ministries.
The Criteria We Looked At when Selecting the MDiv Programs We Consider to Be the Best
MDivs are offered at Bible colleges and seminaries. We started with only those schools that hold accreditation in good standing from an agency sanctioned by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. This baseline for quality ensured we only considered schools that meet the rigorous standards expected of American higher education institutions eligible for Title IV federal grants and loans.
With the baseline for basic quality established, we began the work of reviewing the nearly 250 institutions offering MDiv programs that meet this important benchmark.
The professors and resources available at the universities offering advanced degrees in divinity are all part of the package. So we didn’t stop with a deep dive into only the curriculum and features of each MDiv degree, but went further to look at the foundation on which they rest – the schools themselves.
MDiv programs can be surprisingly varied from school to school, and that’s a good thing—you deserve to find a program that supports your denomination and your specific calling.
But great MDiv programs do all have some things in common. So, when adding programs to the list, we took into account the common factors that we know create an amazing student experience and unparalleled outcomes after graduation…
The Best Christian Universities Always Have the Best Faculty
It could be argued that with a Christ-centered education, who you are learning from is extremely important given the gravity of what you are learning. Even the best curriculum in the world could be poorly represented if the teacher isn’t engaged, capable, and knowledgeable. So, we looked for schools with a deep bench of instructors with meaningful experiences behind them in ministry and missions.
It makes all the difference to have professors with advanced degrees in Christian ministry and scriptural study, together with long track records for publishing and presenting research and making other meaningful contributions to both ministry and academia. You want to learn from thought-leaders in theology and ministry, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from the MDiv programs on this list.
The most thoughtful and effective professors have at least as much real-world experience in ministry as they do in the classroom. The MDiv programs we selected are often taught by ordained ministers who have mentored and shepherded their own congregations, and who are now capable of bringing you their insights after decades of service.
MDiv Programs Themselves Help Build a Reputation for the Top Christian Universities that Offer Them
Word gets around quickly when a school delivers a solid education in divinity. Church organizations actively look for graduates from those programs. People with those degrees ascend quickly to leadership positions in the church hierarchy. Other pastors and ministers look to them for support and help with interpretation in thorny matters of morality or doctrine.
So we picked schools that have earned recognition not just from their own graduates, but that have also been recognized through accreditation from specialized Christian college accreditation agencies that include the Association of Theological Schools, as well as national university appraisal organizations like the Princeton Review. These schools are likely to have plenty of partnerships with major churches and denominations and are proud to talk about them.
Deep and Diverse Concentration Options Can Make an MDiv Program a Good Fit for Many Paths in Ministry
The best Master of Divinity program in the world is no good to you if it doesn’t offer the kind of curriculum that supports your ministry calling. So we looked for schools that have quality specialization options, and plenty of them, delivering concentrations in areas of the ministry that are most crucial in today’s world.
Of course, not every school can specialize in every area—that’s why they call it specialization. But when these schools do offer concentrations, they are more than just a couple of elective classes thrown in as a token. They deliver real expertise and a dedicated education in the area of ministry you are most interested in.
The Best MDiv Programs are Offered Through Institutions Active in Research and Other Contributions to Religious Academia
Good divinity schools have strong support for students and adequate resources to teach their curriculum. This shows up in dedicated advising and mentoring services to help you get your studies off the ground from day one. It also appears in organized assistance in finding internship opportunities, or study abroad programs that develop perspectives from other cultures and traditions.
A good MDiv program also happens in the middle of other great scholarship. Schools that are renowned for research and have centers and institutes that develop special expertise in certain areas of study, like Biblical languages, or interfaith cooperation, are also schools that can support your thesis or capstone project investigations better than anywhere else.
Sometimes It’s the Little Things That Make an MDiv Program Special
Ultimately, there’s no single criterion that can tell you that any given MDiv program qualifies to be called the best… but you might find a certain feature that makes one particular program the best fit for you. That’s why we also included information about crucial program elements such as:
- Delivery format, whether on-campus, online, or a hybrid of both
- Total program and pre-credit costs
- Other degree programs offered at the university
- Unique campus features or accolades from outside agencies
- Community and academic partnerships
And we break the whole thing down by state, so you can browse the programs in your home state or region.
State-by-State for 2024: Our Top 50 Favorite Online and Campus-Based MDiv Programs
After a careful review of the nearly 250 accredited Christian Universities coast-to-coast offering MDiv programs, we arrived at 50 that we feel confident calling the very best!
You’ll find them all here, organized by state to make it easy to locate options close to home. No matter where you might be establishing your role in Christian leadership, you’ll find a program here that will help you take the last big step toward a meaningful lifelong career in ministry.
ALABAMA
Samford University
Beeson Divinity School
Birmingham, AL
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $667
Estimated total cost of program: $58,029
Also offers: MA in Theological Studies
- Opportunity to complete the MDiv concurrently with JD, MBA, or MSW
- Outstanding support and guidance available through Beeson’s advisory board of chaplaincy professionals
Samford University’s Master of Divinity is the flagship degree of the Beeson Divinity School, which serves to prepare God-called men and women for faithful ministry in the church of Jesus Christ. Offering a dynamic blend of academic and practical training through a curriculum of biblical studies, history and doctrine, spiritual formation, and ministry leadership development, the MDiv requires the completion of 87 credit hours and takes about three and a half to four years to complete. All MDiv students here complete the program through residential, full-time delivery. And if you’re interested in pursuing a career in chaplaincy, Beeson Divinity School offers a chaplaincy emphasis that features elective courses in topics related to chaplaincy, along with an eight-month ministry practicum in one of the many chaplaincy ministry settings in the Birmingham metro area.
ARIZONA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $688, $372 (online)
Estimated total cost of program (on campus): $56,416
Also offers: MA (Christian leadership, Christian ministry, urban ministry, youth and family ministry)
- Flexible program features your choice of on-campus or online study
- Both the on-campus and online MDiv require three, week-long residencies where they work closely with their professors and other ministerial leaders
Grand Canyon Theological Seminary is home to the Master of Divinity, a rigorous course of ministry training and biblical and theological study that’s designed to prepare students for a career in vocational ministry. Offered both online and on-campus, the MDiv requires 82 credits for completion and includes outstanding communication and collaboration within a pastorally focused curriculum that covers the history of Christianity, biblical languages, and the principles of Christ-centered preaching. The online MDiv is highly flexible, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere through the school’s interactive, online learning platform. MDiv students also enjoy exciting, hands-on ministry experiences as part of their program, and students may also elect to complete an internship.
CALIFORNIA
Starr King School for the Ministry
Oakland, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)
Price per credit: $875
Estimated total cost of program: $78,750
Also offers: MDiv-MA in Social Change
- Outstanding flexibility through on-campus, online and hybrid courses, coupled with in-person intensive study in Berkeley in January and August
- Highly personalized course of study prepares students for ordained ministry and other ministerial and pastoral leadership positions in a variety of religious traditions and interfaith contexts
Starr King School for the Ministry’s MDiv prepares tomorrow’s ministers, chaplains, pastoral counselors, and ordained leaders in a variety of religious traditions and interfaith contexts. In fact, this progressive, dynamic course of study welcomes students aspiring to become ordained through theological study in the Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan, Jewish, Christian traditions, and much more. Choose the MDiv at Starr King and you’ll work with a faculty advisor to design a course of study that’s custom-tailored to your specific career goals and personal interests. Complete the MDiv here in just three to four years of full-time study or take up to seven years to complete it on a part-time basis. The choice is yours! This highly engaging program features a multireligious intensive experience, independent fieldwork, and other experiential learning and special projects. Complete in-person intensive study in Berkeley in January and August and choose from flexible study options throughout the rest of the year. Interested in taking your MDiv global? Consider completing an immersion at an overseas destination.
Fuller Theological Seminary
School of Mission and Theology
Pasadena, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)
- Black Church Studies
- Asian American Ministry
- Chaplaincy
- Biblical Studies
- Leadership in Times of Change
- Intercultural and Urban Studies
- Youth, Family, and Culture
Price per credit: $675
Estimated total cost of program: $54,000
Also offers: MA (Theology, Theology and Ministry, Justice and Advocacy, Intercultural Studies, Global Leadership)
- MDiv is also available as a Spanish bilingual degree
- Exceptionally diverse student body hails from more than 75 countries and 110 denominations
- Flexible and convenient – your choice of online study or on-site study through a Pasadena cohort
Fuller Theological Seminary’s MDiv features a revamped curriculum that’s built to produce capable and competent leaders of congregations and nonprofit organizations. Covering a broad range of topics including pastoral care, church history, spiritual formation, and systematic theology, and offering seven, contemporary concentrations to suit your spiritual calling, Fuller’s MDiv is where tomorrow’s church leaders are born. The redesigned MDiv at Fuller features a highly structured curriculum that builds upon itself, thereby ensuring that students gain the necessary foundational skills before moving onto more in-depth topics. If geographical and time limitations make in-person study difficult or even impossible, the online MDiv will provide you outstanding flexibility and convenience. And if on-campus study is what you seek, Fuller offers the MDiv as an on-site cohort learning experience in Pasadena!
Pepperdine University
Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Malibu, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Estimated total cost of program: $145,470
Also offers: MA in Religion; MS in Ministry
- Opportunity to complete the MDiv concurrently with a JD (offered jointly with the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law)
- The Seaver College is consistently recognized among the top-ranked schools in both California and the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
Pepperdine University’s Master of Divinity is a three-year professional program that prepares students for various ministries in the church. Housed within the famed Seaver College, which has been consistently ranked among the top colleges, both in California and in the nation, the MDiv features 78 units and a curriculum that covers biblical studies, Old Testament, New Testament, practical theology/ministry, history of Christianity, and Christian thought and ethics. You’ll feel right at home at Pepperdine, which values service to others (more than 75,000 service hours donated annually), a tight-knit, supportive community, a student-centered learning environment (home to a low, 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio), and a globally minded student body (about 2/3 of all students participate in an international program).
Claremont School of Theology
Claremont, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)
- Ministerial Leadership
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Interface Chaplaincy (Islamic chaplaincy)
Estimated total cost of program: $79,560
Also offers: MA in Religion; Master of Theological Studies
- Highly flexible MDiv features your choice of on-campus, online, or hybrid study
- Hybrid courses here combine online study with intensive, classroom sessions
The Claremont School of Theology is where spiritual formation, social engagement, and academic excellence converge! This 72-unit degree is grounded in the cultural and religious diversity of Christianity… informed by the history of thought and practice within Christianity… and designed to produce worldly servant leaders. You’re sure to like the flexibility that the MDiv offers, which includes your choice of on-campus or hybrid/online study and options to focus your study on interfaith chaplaincy (on-campus) or Islamic chaplaincy. On-campus students take most courses as semester-long, weekly classes, with six taken through an intensive/hybrid model (online courses supplemented with intensive classroom sessions). Students of the hybrid/online program have the option of completing their curriculum through a combination of online courses; intensive, short-term, campus-based courses; and hybrid courses that combine intensive classroom sessions and online study. Choose Claremont for your MDiv and you’ll have access to an outstanding network of graduates (more than 3,000!) who are serving throughout the world as ministers, educators, nonprofit administrators, and more.
Santa Clara University
Jesuit School of Theology
Berkeley, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $838
Estimated total cost of program: $68,878
Also offers: MA in Pastoral Ministries; Master of Theological Studies; Master of Theology; MA in Biblical Languages; MA (Art and Religion, Biblical Studies, Christian Spirituality, Cultural and Historical Studies of Religion, Liturgical Studies, Systematic and Philosophical Theology)
- Named a Best Catholic University by College Factual
- Exciting opportunities throughout the Bay Area for ministry placement
Santa Clara University’s Master of Divinity prepares students through a blend of academic training and pastoral experience in the Roman Catholic Church. This three-year academic and professional degree features 81 semester units of rigorous instruction in theology and related disciplines, along with exceptional opportunities for supervised experiences. Year one of the MDiv is focused on ministerial identity (developing personalized formation plans); year two is focused on ministerial praxis (supervised practice and mentoring); and year three is focused on ministerial integration (integrating theology with ministerial and pastoral experiences). The San Francisco Bay area is home to superb opportunities to minister, with placement options including parishes, hospitals, nonprofit agencies, prisons, and more.
Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology
Berkeley, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $825
Estimated total cost of program: $59,400
Also offers: MA in Philosophy-Theology; MA in Theology; MA in Theology for Ecclesial Mission
- Option to complete the MDiv and the MA in Theology concurrently
- Complementary curriculum available for students preparing for ordination into the Roman Catholic Church
The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology's Master of Divinity is a dynamic, three-year program that is inspired by the Dominican practice of disciplined inquiry and learned preaching. Rooted in classical philosophy and Catholic theology, the MDiv features 72 semester units of coursework and a focus on pastoral theology. Students of this program engage in classroom learning throughout much of their first year, along with about 4-6 hours of ministry each week. The second year of the program is focused on a year-long pastoral ministry internship. The MDiv here also includes a complementary curriculum that's pursued by clerical students who want to prepare for ordination in the Roman Catholic Church. The complementary curriculum, which takes another year to complete, includes an additional 15 units of study in sacred scripture, systematic theology, and preaching. Students often apply this additional year of coursework toward a concurrent MDiv/MA in Theology degree.
Westminster Theology Seminary in California
Escondido, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $495
Estimated total cost of program: $54,450
Also offers: MA (Biblical studies, Historical theology, Theological studies)
- Program accepts only qualified males
- Home to an outstanding faculty of experienced pastors and educators
- Diverse student body includes students from 16 different countries
Westminster Theology Seminary in California’s Master of Divinity is part of the seminary’s mission to training faithful pastors, teachers, and missionaries who are prepared to proclaim the Word of God to God’s people. The MDiv here is designed to educate and form candidates for official, ordained pastor and evangelist careers, particularly in the Reformed and other evangelical denominations. This program, which requires about three to four years of full-time study, is open to qualified male candidates only.
Church Divinity School of the Pacific
Berkeley, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $700
Estimated total cost of program: $53,550
Also offers: Master of Theological Studies; Dual MA/MDiv
- International exchange programs available for students interested in further theological study
- MDiv also available as a Low-Residence program, which features some online study
- Only Episcopal seminary on the West Coast
The Master of Divinity offered through the Church Divinity School of the Pacific effortlessly blends rigorous academic and spiritual formation to prepare people who can lead the church, preparing in God’s mission and proclaiming the Gospel. Taught from Episcopal Church perspectives, the MDiv includes courses that cover the six canonically required areas of study for ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, along with courses and practical experiences focused on core ministry leadership skills. We love the community-centered approach to learning here that includes exciting formation groups led by faculty advisors. These formation groups are focused on spiritual development throughout the community, which provide students with outstanding, real-world learning opportunities.
Berkeley School of Theology
Berkeley, CA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $735
Estimated total cost of program: $52,920
Also offers: Master of Theological Studies
- Flexible program design includes many online and remote courses
- BST is one of the Most Interculturally Diverse Seminaries in the Country
- Founding member of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) consortium, the largest partnership of seminaries and graduate schools in the U.S.
The Master of Divinity offered through the Berkeley School of Theology prepares students for ministry, chaplaincy, and other specialized ministries through a rich curriculum that’s appropriate for a variety of denominations. The BST’s classroom, which is available both on-campus and online, brings together a diverse group of learners who critically address the socio-cultural issues of our day through theological reflection. This 72-unit program can be completed in as little as three years. Just some of the core coursework within the MDiv includes biblical studies, theology, history, ethics, leadership, preaching, and pastoral arts. Students then personalize their program by choosing from one of BST’s four, thematic concentrations (21 units) —creative church & community; spirituality & resilience; justice & reconciliation; or bordercrossing & bridgebuilding— and completing an academic and practical ministry experience matching their chosen concentration.
COLORADO
Iliff School of Theology
Denver, CO
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)
Price per credit: $826
Estimated total cost of program: $66,080
Also offers: MA in Pastoral and Spiritual Care; Master of Theological Studies
- Options to complete the MDiv concurrently with an MSW
- Iliff, which is related to the United Methodist Church, remains a leader in graduate theological education, serving more than 30 denominations and faith traditions
- Truly flexible MDiv can be designed as a distance-based or campus-based program, with a wide variety of online and hybrid courses available
Whether you’re seeking a career in pastoral or congregational ministry, chaplaincy, advocacy, or nonprofit leadership, Iliff School of Theology’s Master of Divinity is the program for you. You’re sure to appreciate this flexible course of study, which is available as both an on-campus and online program. Choose the on-campus MDiv and you’ll complete most classes on campus, but you’ll also have the option of completing some courses through an online or hybrid delivery. Or choose the JOURNEY MDiv, which is designed as a distance-based cohort with online and hybrid courses. Students of this program meet just two-three times per year for hybrid courses, weekend praxis courses, and week-long intensives. All distance-based students attend the school’s Gathering Days, which offers dynamic opportunities to study and fellowship with peers.
CONNECTICUT
Yale University
Yale Divinity School
New Haven, CT
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Estimated total cost of program: $79,416
Also offers: MA in Religion, Master of Sacred Theology
- Opportunities to complete the MDiv concurrently with other degrees offered through the Yale professional schools of law, medicine, nursing, public health, management, and forestry & Environment studies
- Opportunity to complete the MDiv concurrently with the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work or Yeshiva University’s MSW
- Superb resources available as part of the Sterling Divinity Quadrangle
Yale Divinity has produced some of the world’s leading scholars, researchers, ministers, and leaders, and its Master of Divinity continues this legacy of excellence in Christian study. Yale’s MDiv is a three-year course of study that’s designed to prepare students for ordination and parish ministry in a variety of Christian denominations. As an MDiv student, you’ll take courses in biblical interpretation, theology, ethics, and the history of Christianity while you begin applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world through a supervised ministry placement. Through the practical placement, students are able to fulfill the denominational requirements of a specific church. Yale Divinity School is home to outstanding resources and opportunities as part of the Sterling Divinity Quadrangle, which also includes the Andover Newton Seminary, the Berkeley Divinity School, and the Institute of Sacred Music.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Howard University
School of Divinity
Washington, DC
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Estimated total cost of program: $105,705
Also offers: MA in Religious Studies
- Opportunities to complete the MDiv concurrently with an MBA or MSW
- One of just six Historically Black Theological Institutions that’s earned accreditation through the Association of Theological Schools
- One of just a few theological schools in the nation to be named a Doctoral University with High Research Activity
Howard University’s School of Divinity offers the Master of Divinity, the basic professional degree for preparing students for ministry roles. We love that this program is one of just a few theological schools to reflect African-American culture and religious tradition. In fact, it’s one of just six Historically Black Theological Institutions that’s earned accreditation through the Association of Theological Schools. Featuring 81 credit hours of study that cover biblical studies, historical studies, theological studies, ethical & cultural studies, and ministry studies, along with electives of your choice, Howard’s MDiv is built on School of Divinity’s 150-year history of preparing the next generation of theological scholars and religious leaders. Choose Howard’s MDiv and you’ll be part of a Doctoral University with High Research Activity – one of just a few theological schools in the U.S. to hold this distinction.
FLORIDA
Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
Boynton Beach, FL
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $450
Estimated total cost of program: $54,900
Also offers: MA in Philosophical Studies for Missionary Discipleship; MA in Theological Studies
- Growing enrollment reflects the school’s nearly 60-year history of forming priests
- Serves as the only fully bilingual theologate in the country
Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary’s Master of Divinity offers a graduate professional course of study that’s designed to prepare candidates for the Roman Catholic priesthood. Here students receive outstanding preparation for ordained priestly ministry through a curriculum that’s built on the academic, human, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions of formation. This MDiv is rooted in the seminary’s storied history that includes the formation of more than 600 priests since its foundation in 1963. You’re sure to love the bilingual and multicultural environment here that serves a growing Hispanic presence in the U.S.; in fact, it’s the only fully bilingual theologate in the country!
Palm Beach Atlantic University
School of Ministry
West Palm Beach, FL
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Concentration in Bible Translation
- Concentration in Intercultural Studies
- Concentration in Philosophy of Religion
Price per credit: $515
Estimated total cost of program: $37,080
Also offers: MA in Christian Studies; MA in Philosophy of Religion
- Opportunities to complete the MDiv concurrently with the MA in Intercultural Studies, the MA in Philosophy of Religion, the MBA, the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and the MS in Leadership
- MDiv includes a substantive apprenticeship of 10-15 hours per week for outstanding, hands-on experience
- Ranked as Best for Ministry and one of the Best Colleges in Florida by Intelligent.com in 2021
- MDiv can be completed at the university’s West Palm Beach or Orlando campus
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Master of Divinity within the School of Ministry boasts a flexible course of study that includes your choice of a traditional, campus-based program completed at the West Palm Beach campus or a non-traditional, weekend program completed at the university’s Orlando campus. The MDiv here features a rigorous, dynamic course of study that’s grounded in the Bible, languages, history, and theology, as well as in practical ministry experiences. Whether your aspirations in the church include a career in ministry, missions, education, nonprofit organizations, or leadership, Palm Beach Atlantic’s 72-credit-hour MDiv has what you’re looking for. You’ll study in a multi-cultural, multi-denominational environment that reflects our diverse world while completing a substantive apprenticeship of at least 10-15 hours per week.
GEORGIA
Emory University
Candler School of Theology
Atlanta, GA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Catholic Studies
- Chaplaincy
- Criminal Justice Ministries
- Formation and Witness
- Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation
- Leadership in Church and Community
- Religion, Health, and Science
- Religion and Race
- Scripture and Interpretation
- Society and Personality
- Theology and the Arts
- Theology and Ethics
- Traditions of the Church
- World Christianity
Estimated total cost of program: $86,000
Also offers: Master of Theological Studies-MBA; JD-Master of Theological Studies; Master of Religion and Public Life; Master of Religious Leadership; Master of Theological Studies; Master of Theology; MPH-Master of Theological Studies
- MDiv can be completed concurrently with the Master of Theological Studies + MA in Bioethics, MBA, the Master of Development Practice, the JD-MDiv, the MPH, or the MSW
- Candler is one of 13 seminaries of the United Methodist Church
- Emory University is consistently ranked among the top 25 national universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Superb opportunities to personalize the MDiv through your choice of concentrations
Emory University’s Master of Divinity offers outstanding preparation for service in ministry and in church leadership, social services, and other chaplaincy settings. Designed with a focus on church and ministry in the modern world, the MDiv here is grounded in Christian texts, traditions, theologies, and practices, yet is also aimed at developing a better understanding of our multi-ethnic, intercultural, ecumenical, and religiously diverse world. This 86-credit program, which is usually completed in three to four years of full-time study, offers exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning, along with concentration options that allow students opportunities to personalize their MDiv.
Columbia Theological Seminary
Decatur, GA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $633
Estimated total cost of program: $56,970
Also offers: MA in Practical Theology; MA in Theological Studies; Master of Theology
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the MA in Practical Theology (MAPT); offers students an opportunity to add an area of specialization in practical theology
- Diverse community of students and scholars represent 16 countries around the world and 37 denominations and religious traditions
- Superb opportunities to study abroad
Columbia Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity is the starting point to fulfilling, lifelong careers in ministry, education, evangelism, chaplaincy, and church leadership. The program’s rich, robust core in both classroom and practical learning prepares students for a variety of vocations in and outside of the church. Coursework includes study in biblical studies, theology, worship, church history, and pastoral leadership. Students here have the option of completing the MDiv alongside the Master of Arts in Practical Theology, which provides students with a unique opportunity to add an area of specialization in practical theology. Options for specialization include educational ministries; pastoral care/pastoral theology; and worship, preaching, and the arts. International study is commonplace among Columbia’s MDiv students. In fact, more than 70% of these students study internationally through programs like Alternative Context for Ministry, a second-year course offered annually; supervised ministry placements to places like Ghana, India, Kenya, and South Africa; pilgrimages to Taizé, Geneva, Rome, Assisi, and Turkey; and exchange programs and internship to places like the UK, Jamaica, India, and Ghana.
ILLINOIS
University of Saint Mary of the Lake
Mundelein Seminary
Mundelein, IL
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Estimated total cost of program: $126,673
Also offers: MA in Pastoral Studies; MA in Liturgical Studies; MA in Liturgy
- Mundelein Seminary is home to more than 100 seminarians from nearly 30 dioceses across the country
- MDiv includes two, full-time internships that include work in parish and hospital settings
The Master of Divinity offered through the University of Saint Mary of the Lake is a four-year, integrated program that’s designed to meet the requirements necessary for priestly formation. The program features a core curriculum that provides a comprehensive look at the doctrine of faith, while field education experiences offer outstanding, hands-on learning outside of the classroom. Students of the MDiv complete two internships that include full-time work in parish and hospital settings. Mundelein Seminary’s diverse community of scholars includes no less than 100 seminarians from nearly 30 dioceses across the country, all of whom have the common goal of preparing candidates for diocesan priesthood.
University of Chicago
Divinity School
Chicago, IL
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Estimated total cost of program: $97,281
Also offers: MA in Divinity; MA in Religious Studies
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the Master of Public Policy (offered through the Irving B. Harris School of Public Policy Studies); the JD (offered through the University of Chicago Law School), and the MA in Social Work and Social Welfare (offered through the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
- Exciting opportunities to get involved through the Divinity Students Association (DSA), an organization run by and for University of Chicago Divinity School students
The University of Chicago’s Divinity School is home to the dynamic Master of Divinity, a three-year course of study that’s focused on the study of religion and religious leadership. The MDiv here is offered in a cohort setting, which encourages communication and collaboration and nurtures students’ intellectual, spiritual, professional, and personal formation. Classroom learning is complemented with significant field work in a variety of settings. The Divinity School welcomes students of many faiths and traditions, and students of the MDiv are encouraged to explore religious leadership within their own traditions and in other traditions.
Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago, IL
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
- Chaplaincy Studies
- LGBTQ Studies
- Interreligious Engagement
- Islamic Chaplaincy
- Muslim Studies
- Study of Black Faith & Life
Estimated total cost of program: $77,175
Also offers: MA in Religious Studies; Master of Sacred Theology; MDiv-Social Services Administration
- Practice-based program includes two site placement requirements – one in clinical pastoral education and one in a parish or community setting
- Progressive format features options to learn about gender and LGBTQ justice, interreligious engagement, civil rights and more
The Chicago Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity is a three-year course of study that prepares students to become religious leaders in the church and beyond, often in an ordained position. Largely focused on real-life applications, which include emphasizing ministry and theology within the context of the community, Chicago Theological Seminary’s MDiv comes complete with your choice of one of six innovative concentrations and the option of on-campus or online study. This flexibility in curriculum and program design makes CTS one of the most inclusive and diverse institutions anywhere!
INDIANA
University of Notre Dame
College of Arts and Letters, Department of Theology
Notre Dame, IL
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Estimated total cost of program: $408,844
Also offers: Master of Theological Studies; MA in Theology; MA in Early Christian Studies
- Ranked among the top five graduate programs in Religion by the National Research Council’s Assessment of Research Doctoral Programs in 2009
- Notre Dame is home to one of the largest faculties of Catholic theology in the world
- All Catholic lay students of the MDiv receive a full tuition scholarship for three years
The University of Notre Dame’s Master of Divinity offers professional preparation for ministerial service in the Roman Catholic Church. The MDiv is committed to serving both lay and ordained ministry and providing a comprehensive formation process for both. The MDiv is housed within the world-class Department of Theology. It’s also part of a Catholic Research University and home to one of the largest faculties of Catholic theology in the world. It comes as little surprise that it was named among the top five graduate programs in Religion by the National Research Council’s Assessment of Research Doctoral Programs in 2009. Academic excellence and student success are exemplary; in fact, for the past ten years, MDiv program graduates have enjoyed a 100% placement rate into broad variety of ministry positions.
IOWA
University of Dubuque
Theological Seminary
Dubuque, IA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $580
Estimated total cost of program: $43,500
Also offers: MA in Christian Leadership; MA in Mission and Discipleship
- Outstanding record of graduate success includes a 100% placement rate among UDTS graduates seeking positions in pastoral ministry
- Offered in both an online and on-campus (residential) format, both of which features flexible course schedules to accommodate working adults
- Theological Seminary is an ecumenical seminary of the Presbyterian Church
The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity is focused on building missional communities, rooted in the Scriptures and in the tradition and practices of the church, and designed to prepare most students for ordination in Protestant communities. We love the flexibility program design that includes your choice of on-campus or online study and the overarching focus on accommodating the needs of the adult learner. The residential MDiv, which can be completed in four years, features a number of hybrid classes that ensure the best in convenience, while the distance MDiv, which can be completed in three-four years, features small, online classes. You’ll feel good about choosing a program within a theological seminary that boasts a 100% placement rate among graduates seeking positions in pastoral ministry!
KENTUCKY
Asbury Theological Seminary
Wilmore, KY
Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)
- Church Planting
- Anglican Studies
- Chaplaincy
- Christian Discipleship
- Christian Leadership
- Intercultural Studies
- Pastoral Counseling
- Spiritual Formation
- Theological Studies
- Youth Ministry
Price per credit: $685
Estimated total cost of program: $65,760
Also offers: Master of Theology (Biblical Studies, Intercultural Studies, Theological Studies); Master of Biblical and Theological Foundations; MA in Church Planting (Intercultural Studies); MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Theological Studies (Spiritual Formation, Philosophy and Apologetics); MA in Ministry (Bilingual); MA in Pastoral Counseling; MA in Christian Ministries
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the Master of Theology
- Options to specialize the MDiv through your choice of ten concentrations
- Truly flexible course of study can be completed on-campus, through a hybrid learning model (online classes supplemented with on-campus intensives), in a cohort model, or in an urban ministry setting
Asbury Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity, which features 96 credit hours of study in the Wesleyan tradition (it’s the largest seminary in the Wesleyan tradition!), provides students with an exciting pathway to a career as a transformative preacher and leader in a congregation-based ministry. You’re sure to love the flexibility this degree offers. Students here can earn their MDiv on campus, online (complete about two-thirds of your classes online and complete the rest through on-campus intensives), in a cohort model, or in an urban ministry setting. No less than ten concentrations provide students with a unique opportunity to personalize this course of study to meet their professional goals and personal interests. Church planting, youth ministry, spiritual formation… whatever your pursuits, Asbury’s MDiv can be designed with your specific needs in mind.
MASSACHUSETTS
Harvard University
Harvard Divinity School
Cambridge, MA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $952
Estimated total cost of program: $91,392
Also offers: Master of Theological Studies, Master of Theology, Master of Religion and Public Life
- Opportunities to complete the MDiv concurrently with other degrees from the Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, and Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
- Students have the opportunity to declare a religious tradition as part of the MDiv, if desired
Harvard Divinity School’s Master of Divinity is steeped in tradition (educating learned ministers has been central to the mission of Harvard since its founding) and designed to accommodate students of many faith communities. Students here are afforded study in their own religious tradition while also being exposed to others. Classroom learning here is always complemented with hands-on learning in many settings, thereby exposing students many religious communities and tradition. Harvard’s MDiv includes three years of study and preparation for those seeking ordained or lay ministry and leadership positions in congregations, prisons, social service organizations, hospitals, and more.
MICHIGAN
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
Detroit, MI
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Traditional Ecumenical Ministry MDiv Track
- Urban Transformation and Renewal MDiv Track
Price per credit: $780
Estimated total cost of program: $58,500
Also offers: MA in Pastoral Ministry; MA in Biblical Studies
- MDiv emphasizes Christian ethics along with social justice ideals; curriculum is firmly rooted in the historical fabric Detroit and its communities
- Two tracks within the MDiv allow students to personalize their degree according to their career goals and personal interests
Ecumenical Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity features three years of full-time study (or 5-7 years of part-time study), a balance of academic and practical experiences, and a distinct focus on ethics-praxis and social justice. Courses here cover biblical studies, theology, and church history and are complemented with extensive practical training. Students of the MDiv can choose from two tracks of study. The Traditional Ecumenical Ministry track is designed for students seeking a career in congregational ministry within a mainstream denomination, while the Urban Transformation and Renewal track allows students to concentrate their efforts on pressing social issues by completing specialized certificates like the Certificate in Social Justice, the Certificate in African American Religions, and the Certificate in Race, Racism, and Diversity alongside their MDiv.
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Grand Rapids, MI
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Pastoral Ministries
- Student and Family Ministries
- Small Group and Discipleship Ministries
- Intercultural Ministries
- Formation and Soul Care Ministries
- Chaplaincy Ministries
- Academic
Price per credit: $780
Estimated total cost of program: $58,500
Also offers: MA in Biblical Exegesis; MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Christian Formation; MA in Christian Studies; MA in Ministry Leadership; MA in Theological Studies; Master of Theology
- Ministry residency program is overseen by ministry mentors and includes service in local churches and other ministry sites; opportunities include camp ministry, international missions, higher education, church ministry, and more
- MDiv designed for students of various religious denominations and traditions
Cornerstone University’s Master of Divinity produces competent and passionate pastors, missionaries, evangelists, and more for a variety of ministry settings. Designed for students of various religious traditions and convictions, Cornerstone’s MDiv enjoys a diverse student body that represents no less than 24 religious denominations. Coursework in the 94-credit-hour MDiv incudes biblical languages, the interpretation of Scripture, theology, church, history, and spiritual formation, among others. The MDiv includes at least seven theology courses. And because of the program’s strong emphasis on the Bible, students here take a total of 10 courses in Greek and Hebrew grammar and exegesis. Practical experience plays a big role in this program, with students completing five ministry leadership courses and a four-course ministry residency sequence.
MINNESOTA
Luther Seminary
St. Paul, MN
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
- Bible
- Children, Youth & Family
- Congregational Mission and Leadership
- History of Christianity
- Justice and Reconciliation
- Spanish Language for Ministry
- Systematic Theology
Price per credit: $826
Estimated total cost of program: $74,340
Also offers: Master of Theology [Bible (Old or New Testament), Congregational and Community Care (Clinical Pastoral Theology), Congregational Mission and Leadership, History of Christianity, Mission and World Religions, Pastoral Theology and Ministry (Composite degree concentration involving courses in congregational and community care, congregational leadership, children and youth ministry, educational leadership, preaching, and worship), Systematic Theology/Ethics)]; MA (Bible, History of Christianity, Justice and Reconciliation, Systemic Theology, Lutheran Ministry, Children Youth and Family Ministry, Leadership and Innovation for Ministry, Christian Ministry)
- Options to complete the MDiv as a traditional, campus-based program or through the Distributed Learning program, which offers online courses and a course of study that can be completed at your own pace
Luther Seminary’s Master of Divinity prepares students to become leaders in a Christian community. This dynamic course of study allows students to build upon their talents while they receive the theological inquiry that ensures they’ll have the knowledge and skills to serve as competent and compassionate servant leaders. We love the outstanding flexibility this degree offers. You’ll have the opportunity to focus the MDiv on a specific area of study that interests you and aligns with your career goals by choosing among seven concentrations. In addition to an on-campus MDiv, students here can complete their MDiv online and at their own pace through the Distributed Learning (DL) program. One or two campus courses are required as part of the DL program. Nearly 600 Christian leaders from around the world attend Luther Seminary to connect with the school’s world-class faculty!
Bethlehem College and Seminary
Seminary
Minneapolis, MN
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Church Planting & Revitalization
- Worship Pastor
Price per credit: $240
Estimated total cost of program: $28,000
Also offers: MA (Theology and Biblical Studies; Theology and Global Studies; Theology and Letters); MA in Exegesis and Theology; Master of Theology
- Designed as a small cohort (18-20) of men
- Outstanding experiential opportunities include cross-cultural experiences that are fully funded as part of a built-in financial grant
- Options to personalize the MDiv on church planting & revitalization or worship pastor
Bethlehem College and Seminary’s Master of Divinity is where students head for outstanding training for biblical elder-level leadership positions in pastoral ministry, missionary service, and future theological study. Designed as Bethlehem’s flagship program, the MDiv gathers a small cohort of men (between 18 and 20) to complete this four-year course of study. The MDiv here consists of a rigorous curriculum in biblical languages and theological studies that’s complemented with superb, real-life experiences in leadership and congregational care and unique, cross-cultural ministry experiences (a built-in financial grant covers the cost of the cross-cultural ministry experience). Despite the MDiv here being designed as a cohort program, students enjoy the opportunity to focus their program on either church planting & revitalization or worship pastor to best reflect their career goals.
MISSOURI
Aquinas Institute of Theology
St. Louis, MO
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $800
Estimated total cost of program: $64,800
Also offers: MA in Theology; MA in Practical Theology with a specialization in Health Care Mission; MA in Pastoral Studies-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; MA in Pastoral Studies; MA in Pastoral Studies-MSW
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the Master of Theology
- Supervised ministry experiences include an opportunity to study preaching with the Dominicans - the Order of Preachers - who direct the only Catholic Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program in the world
The Master of Divinity offered through the Aquinas Institute of Theology is where the next generation of ecclesial leaders is formed! Consisting of 81 credit hours and rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, the MDiv here is designed to prepare students to serve in the constantly changing environment of the modern and global Catholic church. Students of the MDiv are prepared with the leadership skills necessary to promote social change focused on the common good, thanks to study of human and spiritual formation. The curriculum of this program also includes study in biblical studies; historical, systematic, moral, and pastoral theology; preaching and liturgical leadership; clinical pastoral education; and the supervised practice of ministry.
Covenant Theological Seminary
St. Louis, MO
Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)
- Pastoral (preparation for ordained ministry)
- Specialized Ministry
- Church Planting
- FSI Cultural Apologetics
- Leadership for Community Transformation
Price per credit: $560
Estimated total cost of program: $55,440
Also offers: MA in Biblical and Theological Studies; MA in Ministry; MA in Theological Studies; MA in Missional Theology; Master of Theology
- New hybrid MDiv features online classes that are complemented with six, on-campus intensive courses
- Exciting concentration options allow students to personalize their MDiv
- Program designed as small cohorts of 8-10 MDiv students who meet weekly with group facilitators
Covenant Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity features a comprehensive course of study that’s designed to prepare students to become pastors and work in a myriad of vocational ministry settings. Boasting a rigorous curriculum that is focused on engaging the whole person, the Covenant’s MDiv is rich in on-campus opportunities and real-life ministry experiences for outstanding, hands-on learning. The program’s enhanced field education program is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to immediately begin putting their training into practice in local churches and ministries. In addition to a standard, on-campus format, the MDiv is also available as a new hybrid format. The hybrid MDiv features online courses that are complemented with six, on-campus intensive courses.
NEW JERSEY
Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton, NJ
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Black Church Studies
- Christian-Jewish Studies
- Lutheran Studies
- Theology Ecology and Faith Formation
- Theology Women and Gender
Price per credit: $731
Estimated total cost of program: $57,018
Also offers: MA in Theological Studies (Biblical Studies, Theology, History and Ecumenics, Practical Theology, Religion and Society); MA in Christian Education and Formation (Teaching, Ministry with Young People, Spiritual Formation and Mission); Master of Theology (Biblical Studies, Theology, History and Ecumenics, Practical Theology, Religion and Society)
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the MA in Christian Education and Formation or the MSW (through Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work)
- More than 61 Christian traditions represented in the student body
- Home to an extensive alumni network of more than 11,000
Princeton Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity provides students with the outstanding academic and practical preparation needed to lead diverse ministries and pursue graduate study in theology. The rigorous curriculum of Princeton’s three-year, 78-credit MDiv is complemented with extensive field education placement that includes one, year-long placement and a summer education placement in a church setting. You’re sure to love the flexibility of this MDiv, which comes with your choice of concentrations in an area like Christian-Jewish studies, Lutheran studies, Black Church studies, and more. A faculty member will guide you as you focus your study and fellowship on one of these contemporary concentrations. You’ll feel good about completing your MDiv through a seminary that is home to an extensive alumni network of 11,000+!
NEW YORK
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York
New York, NY
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
- Anglican Studies
- Bible: New Testament
- Bible: Old Testament
- Bible: Cross-Testament
- Buddhism & Interreligious Engagement
- Buddhism & Interreligious Engagement/Chaplaincy
- Chaplaincy
- Church History/Historical Studies
- Interreligious Engagement
- Islam & Interreligious Engagement
- Islam & Interreligious Engagement/Chaplaincy
- Ministry & Social Work
- Pastoral Ministry & Theology
- Psychology & Religion
- Religion & Black Experience
- Religion & Society
- Social Ethics
- Theological Studies
- Worship, Preaching, and the Arts
- Interdisciplinary Study
Price per credit: $910
Estimated total cost of program: $70,980
Also offers: MA in Religion (Bible/Old Testament | Bible/New Testament | Bible/Cross-Testament | Buddhism & Interreligious Engagement | Church History/Historical Studies | Interreligious Engagement | Islam & Interreligious Engagement | Psychology & Religion | Religion & Black Experience | Religion & Society | Social Ethics | Theological Studies | Theology and the Arts | Interdisciplinary: Other (approved by an advisor and MA director), Master of Sacred Theology
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the MSW
- Contemporary, cutting-edge concentrations allow students to address some of the most pressing issues of our modern world
- Outstanding practical learning experiences include more than 100 field site options
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York’s Master of Divinity features 78 credits of rigorous study that prepare students to become ordained or serve in a ministerial vocation. Union’s flexible MDiv allows students to choose a concentration that best matches their career goals and personal interests. The contemporary concentrations offered here attract a diverse, justice-minded student body who are compassionate to the realities of our modern world. The MDiv is both grounded in tradition and complemented with cutting-edge anti-racist, feminist, LGBTQ+ views and offered in a multi-faith, interreligious context.
The General Theological Seminary
New York, NY
Master of Divinity (hybrid)
- Honors
- Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Price per credit: $700
Estimated total cost of program: $53,200
Also offers: MA in Spiritual Direction, MA in Ministry, MA (Anglican Studies, Ascetical Studies, Biblical Studies, Theological and Historical Studies), Master of Sacred Theology
- Tight-knit, highly engaging academic environment
- Opportunities for special lectures and international conferences at the Seminary’s Desmond Tutu Center, which has solidified the seminary’s position as an international forum for the Anglican Communion
- Outstanding practical learning experiences — students here serve in a ministerial context for the length of their degree program
Harvard Divinity School’s Master of Divinity is steeped in tradition (educating learned ministers has been central to the mission of Harvard since its founding) and designed to accommodate students of many faith communities. Students here are afforded study in their own religious tradition while also being exposed to others. Classroom learning here is always complemented with hands-on learning in many settings, thereby exposing students many religious communities and tradition. Harvard’s MDiv includes three years of study and preparation for those seeking ordained or lay ministry and leadership positions in congregations, prisons, social service organizations, hospitals, and more.
NORTH CAROLINA
Duke University
Duke Divinity School
Durham, NC
Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)
- Certificate in Anglican Studies
- Certificate in Baptist Studies
- Certificate in Black Church Studies
- Certificate in Christian Education
- Certificate in Faith Food and Environmental Justice
- Certificate in Faith-based Organizing Advocacy and Social Transformation
- Certificate in Gender Sexuality Theology and Ministry
- Certificate in Latinx Studies
- Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies
- Certificate in Missional Innovation
- Certificate in Preaching
- Certificate in Prison Studies
- Certificate in Theology and the Arts
- Certificate in Theology Medicine and Culture
- Certificate in Worship
Estimated total cost of program: $78,480
Also offers: Master of Theological Studies-JD; MA in Christian Practice (General theological education, deacon ordination or congregational leadership); Master of Theological Studies (Historical Studies, Biblical Studies, Theology and Ethics); Master of Theology (Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, Theological Studies, and Ministerial Studies); MA in Religious Studies
- MDiv can be completed concurrently with the MSW and Master of Public Policy
- Duke Divinity School is one of 13 seminaries founded and supported by the United Methodist Church
- Outstanding ministry placement opportunities include rural United Methodist Church placements, nonprofit ministry placements, international opportunities to places like Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and El Salvador, and partner churches across the country
Duke University’s Master of Divinity may very well be the most flexible course of study available! The MDiv here is rich in academic study and theological reflection as to produce competent Christian ministry leaders. While all students here complete the same MDiv core and are taught by the same renowned Duke Divinity faculty, you’ll enjoy a personalized program by choosing among one of the program’s outstanding certification options like Black Church Studies, Prison Studies, Christian Education, Worship, and Preaching. And if your busy schedule makes on-campus learning difficult or even impossible, you’re sure to appreciate the hybrid MDiv program, which features online courses that are complemented with week-long residential intensives.
OHIO
Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology (MTSM)
Cincinnati, OH
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $885
Estimated total cost of program: $97,350
Also offers: MA in Biblical Studies; MA in Catholic Studies; MA in Pastoral Ministries; MA in Theology
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the MA in Biblical Studies, MA in Theology
- Four-year program includes a seminary residence and an optional supervised pastoral internship
- Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology (MTSM) is the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s graduate-level Catholic Seminary and School of Theology
Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology’s Master of Divinity offers an optimal blend of intellectual and pastoral formation to prepare students for ordained ministry in the Catholic Church. This four-year course of study includes a seminary residence and an optional supervised pastoral internship. The first two years of the MDiv include the study of theology and an internship, while the last two years allow students to develop their own ministerial identity and competency. Students may apply for the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies or Theology during their final two years. Students of the MDiv complete study in biblical studies; pastoral and professional studies; Church history; sacramental and liturgical studies; systematic theology; moral theology; and spirituality, along with eight semester hours of pastoral Spanish.
Methodist Theological School in Ohio
Delaware, OH
Master of Divinity (on-campus, hybrid)
- Biblical Languages and Texts
- Black Church and African Diaspora Studies
- Chaplaincy
- Ecology and Justice
- Feminist and Womanist Studies
- Interreligious Contexts
- Spirituality
- Unitarian Universalist Studies
- Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Price per credit: $885
Estimated total cost of program: $76,110
Also offers: Master of Theological Studies (Bible, Ethics, History, Theology); MA in Practical Theology (Chaplaincy, Ecology and Justice, Parish and Community Ministry, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Self-Designed Specialization); MA in Counseling Ministries
- Option to complete the MDiv concurrently with the MACM, MTS, MASJ, MACM
- Outstanding program delivery options include your choice of on-campus, online, weekend, weekday, intensive and hybrid courses for a truly personalized course of study
- Students have the option of choosing among the MDiv’s seven optional specializations focused on modern ministry
The Methodist Theological School in Ohio’s (MTSO) Master of Divinity serves as an outstanding pathway to a career in parish ministry. We love the flexibility that this program offers! You’ll be able to choose from no less than seven optional specializations focused on modern ministry. You’ll also be able to choose from a variety of delivery formats that include the Connections Pathway, which features both on-campus and online learning (students visit campus just once per week) and the Traditional Pathway, which offers students the option of choosing between weekday, weekend, intensive, and hybrid courses for a highly personalized MDiv. Students may also complete the MDiv in four years by choosing among a combination of course delivery formats and spreading out their coursework to accommodate their schedule. The MTSO is one of 13 seminaries and theological schools affiliated with the United Methodist Church, although students here represent more than 20 religious denominations.
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma Christian University
College of Humanities and Bible, Division of Bible
Oklahoma City, OK
Master of Divinity (online)
Price per credit: $550
Estimated total cost of program: $40,150
Also offers: Master of Biblical and Theological Studies; MA in Christianity and Culture
- Fully online courses complemented with guided ministry experiences
- Outstanding record of academic excellence includes recognition as a Best Master’s University in the West by U.S. News & World Report and among the Best Western Colleges by the Princeton Review
Oklahoma Christian University’s Master of Divinity is the starting point for a career in full-time ministry! All students of this online MDiv complete a core of courses and then advance on to study in their chosen area of ministry. Guided by full-time ministry experts and chock-full of outstanding, hands-on experiences, Oklahoma Christian’s MDiv is a standout player among MDiv programs! This course of graduate study, which features 100% online courses, offers students the best in flexibility and convenience. It’s little wonder why it was named among a Best Master’s University in the West by U.S. News & World Report and named among the Best Western Colleges by the Princeton Review.
OREGON
Western Seminary
Portland, OR
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
- Biblical/Theological Studies
- Chaplaincy
- Coaching
- Exegetical Studies
- Pastoral Studies
- Women's Transformational Leadership
Price per credit: $617
Estimated total cost of program: $50,594
Also offers: MA in Ministry and Leadership (Biblical/Theological Studies Chaplaincy, Coaching, Pastoral Studies, Women's Transformational Leadership); MA in Biblical and Theological Studies (Biblical Languages, Biblical/Theological Studies, Chaplaincy, Coaching, Exegetical Studies, Pastoral Studies, Women's Transformational Leadership); Master of Applied Biblical Leadership; Master of Theology (Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Pastoral Theology, Old Testament, New Testament)
- Options for full- and part-time study and on-campus and online course delivery for the best in flexibility and convenience
- Exciting opportunity to complete a faculty-led study tour to Israel or Greece and Turkey
Western Seminary’s Master of Divinity is where aspiring leaders in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, teaching, and missions prepare for careers of a lifetime. The MDiv here is highly focused on the Gospel and biblical theology and how they shape your approach to ministry. Students here complete a curriculum of biblical studies, theological studies, ministerial studies, and foundational studies and then specialize their course of study by choosing a focus area like chaplaincy, coaching, pastoral studies, or women’s transformational leadership, among others. Experiential learning plays a major role in Western Seminary’s MDiv. Students here form a mentoring team within their chosen ministry setting and work in ministry leadership groups throughout their practical ministry experiences. They also have the opportunity to complete a faculty-led study tour to Israel or Greece and Turkey. On-campus or online… full-time or part-time, you’ll have plenty of options to complete your MDiv through Western Seminary.
PENNSYLVANIA
Westminster Theological Seminary
Glenside, PA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
- General Ministry
- Pastoral Fellows
Estimated total cost of program: $113,775
Also offers: Master of Theology [Biblical Studies (concentrations in Old Testament or New Testament), Historical & Theological Studies (concentrations in church history, systematic theology, or apologetics)]; MA in Religion; MA in Theological Studies
- Your choice of on-campus or online course delivery and full- or part-time study for a truly personalized course of study
- Superb support and guidance available through spiritual care and support teams
Westminster Theological Seminary’s Master of Divinity features three years of on-campus training and one year of pastoral residency to prepare students for leadership and ministry. If on-campus study doesn’t work for you, you’re sure to find the MDiv’s online courses to be the perfect addition to your busy schedule, and the option of full- or part-time study ensures you’ll complete the program at a pace that works best for you. And while you may be studying online, you’ll always be engaged through live classes, videos, recorded lectures, and other interesting learning tools. You’ll be supported along the way, thanks to the guidance and encouragement offered through the seminary’s spiritual care and support teams.
United Lutheran Seminary
Gettysburg, PA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $938
Estimated total cost of program: $67,536
Also offers: MA (Lutheran Studies, Liturgy and Music, Integrative Theology, Metropolitan/Urban Ministry, Rural Ministry, Black Church, Bible, History, Theology, Pastoral Care, Interfaith Studies, Christian Education); MA in Ministerial Leadership; Master of Sacred Theology
- MDiv prepares leaders from 30 denominations
- Outstanding flexibility in course design includes your choice of on-campus, online, hybrid, intensive, Saturday, and evening courses
United Lutheran Seminary’s Master of Divinity offers an innovative and rigorous pathway to a career in ordained ministry or in pastoral or specialized ministry settings. Here you’ll gain the tools and resources you’ll need to meet the spiritual, vocational, professional, and theological requirements of pastoral leadership. Understanding that student needs vary, United Lutheran Seminary offers its MDiv courses in a number of formats, including residential (on-campus), hybrid, intensive, and online. Choose the residency track and you’ll complete most of the program’s courses through face-to-face study. Or choose the distributed learning track and you’ll have the opportunity to complete the program through online and intensive courses. This is what outstanding flexibility in graduate education looks like!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia International University
Seminary
Columbia, SC
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
- Bible Exposition
- Care and Counseling
- Chaplaincy
- Ministry Studies
- Missiological Studies
- Muslim-Christian Relations
- TESOL
- Youth Ministry Leadership
Price per credit: $515
Estimated total cost of program: $37,080
Also offers: MA in Bible Exposition; MA in Bible Teaching; MA in Chaplaincy; MA in Ministry Studies; MA in Missiological Studies; MA in Muslim-Christian Relations; MA in Theological Studies; MA in Youth Ministry Leadership
- Outstanding flexibility in course design includes your choice of on-campus or online study
- Exciting concentration options ensure a personalized MDiv that reflects your specific career goals
Columbia International University’s Master of Divinity offers outstanding opportunities to specialize the pathway leading to a career in ministry leadership! This exciting, comprehensive course of study is home to an ideal blend of biblical-theological knowledge and practical ministry leadership experiences that are designed to produce effective servant leaders who can lead in local churches, parachurch organizations, mission agencies, and more. No less than eight concentrations here ensure that your MDiv will reflect your career goals. And thanks to the option of on-campus or online study, you can complete this 72-credit-hour program in as little as 36 months. On-campus study features 16-week courses, while online study features eight-week courses. You’ll feel good choosing a university that’s been providing students with a Christian education since 1923!
SOUTH DAKOTA
Institute of Lutheran Theology
Christ School of Theology
Brookings, SD
Master of Divinity (online)
- Biblical Theology
- Doctrinal Theology
Price per credit: $425
Estimated total cost of program: $38,250
Also offers: MA in Religion, Master of Sacred Theology; Master of Ministry; Master of Military Chaplaincy; Doctorate of Ministry; PhD in Theology.
Undergraduate options offered through the ILT Christ College include certificate programs, associate, bachelor's, and open studies programs.
- Outstanding, online learning platform features a live online virtual classroom
- Program includes three years of full-time study that’s complemented with a one-year, full-time internship
The Institute of Lutheran Theology’s Master of Divinity is offered through a fully online program design, thereby allowing students with various needs and schedules to complete their degree at their own pace and from the comfort of their home. Although you’ll study at a distance, you’ll always be engaged and connected through interactive, virtual classrooms. The MDiv here includes 90 credits, three years of full-time study, and a one-year, full-time internship. Choose the Biblical Theology Track and your program will be largely focused on biblical languages and the study of the Bible. Or choose the Doctrinal Theology Track and your program will include an emphasis on historical and systematic theology. Both programs provide the foundation you’ll need for a fulfilling, lifelong career in pastoral ministry.
TENNESSEE
Vanderbilt University
Divinity School
Nashville, TN
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Black Religion and Culture Studies
- Chaplaincy
- Pastoral and Prophetic Congregational Leadership
- Global Christianities and Interreligious Encounter
- Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies
- Prison and Carceral Studies
- Religion and Economic Justice
- Religion and the Arts
- Religion Gender and Sexuality
- Spirituality and Social Activism
Price per credit: $1,075
Estimated total cost of program: $77,400
Also offers: MA in Religious Studies (Critical Studies in Asian Islamic and Jewish Traditions, Ethics and Society, Hebrew Bible, Historical Studies, Homiletics and Liturgics, Jewish Studies, New Testament, Early Christianity, Religion Psychology and Culture, Theological Studies); Master of Theological Studies (Black Religion and Culture Studies, Global Christianities and Interreligious Encounter, Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies, Prison and Carceral Studies, Religion and Economic Justice, Religion and the Arts, Religion Gender and Sexuality, Spirituality and Social Activism); Master of Theology; Doctor of Ministry in Integrative Chaplaincy.
- The Divinity School is one of just a few university-based, interdenominational schools for the preparation of ministers and the oldest one in the South
- Outstanding selection of interdisciplinary concentrations available to ensure a personalized learning experience that reflects your vocational interests and career goals
Vanderbilt University’s Master of Divinity features a dynamic, three-year, 72-credit pathway to a career in ministry. The MDiv here features a flexible foundation off which you can build a customized degree. Choose among the school’s outstanding selection of concentrations based upon your vocational interests and career goals to create a truly personalized course of graduate study. You’ll find these concentrations to be highly interdisciplinary, thereby allowing you to begin making the connection between the practice of ministry and specific disciplines. You’ll complement your classroom learning with exciting, hands-on immersion experiences.
TEXAS
University of Dallas
Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts
Irving, TX
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
Price per credit: $685
Estimated total cost of program: $82,200
- MDiv largely focused on the formation of seminarians of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of the Diocese of Dallas
- The Redemptoris Mater Seminary has ordained ten priests and one deacon since its inception in 2004
The University of Dallas’ Master of Divinity is the starting point for the formation of candidates for ordination into the Roman Catholic priesthood; largely for the formation of seminarians of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of the Diocese of Dallas. This 120-credit program includes study in sacred Scripture, historical theology, moral theology, and practical theology and is complemented with a practicum and additional theology electives. Since its inception in 2004, the Redemptoris Mater Seminary has ordained ten priests and one deacon for the Diocese of Dallas, all of whom are currently serving the Diocese in different capacities.
Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas, TX
Master of Sacred Theology* (on-campus, online)
*replaces a traditional MDiv
Price per credit: $619
Estimated total cost of program: $74,280
Also offers: Master of Theology; MA in Chaplaincy and Ministry (Hospital Chaplain, Corporate Chaplain, Arts and Culture Chaplain, Marriage and Family, Military Chaplain, Campus Chaplain, Life Coach/Spiritual Director); MA in Apologetics and Evangelism; MA in Christian Education; MA in Christian Leadership; MA in Media Arts and Worship; MA in Intercultural Studies; MA in Jewish Studies
- Dallas Theological Seminary is a non-denominational evangelical seminary that is home to more than 2,500 students that represent 74 countries and 72 religious denominations.
- Dallas Theological Seminary is home to an expansive alumni network of more than 15,000
The Dallas Theological Seminary offers a unique Master of Sacred Theology program that combines a three-year MDiv degree with a Master of Theology to produce a four-year course of study that emphasizes systematic theology, Hebrew and Old Testament exegesis Greek and New Testament exegesis, and Bible exposition. Offering a more comprehensive course of study than a traditional MDiv, the Master of Sacred Theology here also allows students to customize their program in an area like women’s ministry, Jesus studies, urban studies, or apologetics and/or serve in a church or ministry through a residency internship. Dallas Theological Seminary is a non-denominational evangelical seminary that is home to more than 2,500 students that represent 74 countries and 72 religious denominations.
Baylor University
George W Truett Theological Seminary
Waco/Houston/San Antonio, TX
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Graduate certificates:
- Biblical Studies and Languages (BSTL)
- Chaplaincy Ministry
- Family Ministries (FAMI)
- Music Leadership in Worship (WSHP)
- Spiritual Formation (SPFD)
- Sports Ministry/Chaplaincy (SPMI)
- World Christianity and Witness (WOCW)
Price per credit: $690
Estimated total cost of program: $60,030
Also offers: Master of Music in Church Music; MA in Christian Ministry (Music, Leadership in Worship, Spiritual Formation & Discipleship, Family Ministry, Sports Ministry/Chaplaincy, Congregational Ministry, Cross Cultural Ministry); Master of Theological Studies; MA in Theology Ecology and Food Justice; MA in Theology and Sports Studies; MA in Contextual Witness and Innovation
- Options to complete the MDiv concurrently with the MEd, MA, Master of Music, MSW, MBA, or JD
- Outstanding opportunities to personalize your MDiv by choosing a graduate certificate
- Superb record of student success includes a 92% placement rate within six months of graduation
The George W. Truett Theological Seminary within Baylor University offers a Master of Divinity, an exceptional course of study that’s rooted in the Baptist tradition and designed to prepare students for gospel ministry. As a student of the MDiv, you’ll learn to think theologically, become skillful in ministry, cultivate community, and grow spiritually. The competency-based curriculum of this program can be complemented with a graduate certificate in a specialized area like biblical studies and languages, family ministries, spiritual formation, music leadership in worship, and more. You’re sure to be impressed with the seminary’s outstanding record of graduate success that includes a 92% placement rate within six months of graduation!
Southern Methodist University
Perkins School of Theology
Dallas, TX
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $780
Estimated total cost of program: $56,940
Also offers: MA in Religious Studies; MA in Ministry; Master of Sacred Music; Master of Theological Studies; Master of Theology
- Perkins School of Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and is one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools
- MDiv also offered through an extension program in Houston/Galveston
- Home to a culturally and theologically diverse faculty
Southern Methodist University’s Master of Divinity offers outstanding preparation for students pursuing ordained clergy and other specialized ministry positions. This program features formation groups that meet weekly throughout the first year of the program. These groups of five to ten students are led by facilitators and designed to allow students to share in a formative experience that emphasizes their common experience. All MDiv students here also complete a one-academic-year, full- or part-time internship or complete a full-time clinical pastoral education residency.
VIRGINIA
Virginia Union University
Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology
Virginia Union University, VA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $541
Estimated total cost of program: $43,821
Also offers: Masters in Christian Education
- Flexible curriculum offers many hybrid, intensive, evening, and Saturday courses to accommodate your busy schedule
- The MDiv curriculum is sensitive to the social, cultural, and religious history, heritage, and traditions of all people and cultures of Africa and the African diaspora to reflect Virginia Union University’s status as an Historically Black College/University
Virginia University’s Master of Divinity prepares students for ordained ministry, pastoral and religious leadership positions, and other leadership roles in the church and the world. Because the MDiv here is housed within a graduate school of theology of an Historically Black College/University, the curriculum is sensitive to the social, cultural, and religious history, heritage, and traditions of all people and cultures of Africa and the African diaspora. This program features three years of full-time study, 81 semester credit hours, and a flexible curriculum that includes many evening, Saturday, hybrid, intensive, and year-long-format courses, thereby accommodating students with a variety of needs and demanding schedules.
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online, hybrid)
Price per credit: $525
Estimated total cost of program: $42,525
Also offers: MA in Christian Leadership; MA in Religion
- Options to earn the MDiv concurrently with the MA in Conflict Transformation and the MA in Counseling
- EMU is ranked a Best Return on Investment University by Forbes
- Ranked among the Best Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report
- Flexible curriculum includes a nice selection of online, hybrid, and on-campus courses
The Master of Divinity offered through Eastern Mennonite University prepares students for Christian ministry through an outstanding course of graduate study that features 81 credit hours, three years of full-time study, and your choice of online, hybrid, and on-campus courses for the best in flexibility and convenience. We love the inclusion of formation classes, which will guide you on your seminary journey, and the supervised field education and clinical pastoral education experiences that ensure exciting, hands-on learning opportunities in your chosen ministry field. Eastern Mennonite University is home to a robust student body that includes more than 2,000 students. Students here learn by doing, and faculty mentors provide outstanding guidance and support throughout their academic journeys.
WASHINGTON
Seattle University
School of Theology and Ministry
Seattle, WA
Master of Divinity (on-campus)
- Chaplaincy
Price per credit: $975
Estimated total cost of program: $70,200
Also offers: MA in Pastoral Studies; MA in Transformational Leadership
- MDiv can be completed concurrently with a Pastoral Leadership or Transforming Spirituality post-master’s certificate
- More than 14 Christian denominations and more than 24 interfaith collaborators represented in the School of Theology and Ministry
- Outstanding, hands-on learning available in a variety of settings through the School of Theology and Ministry’s Contextual Education internship
The Master of Divinity through Seattle University provides a highly engaging pathway to leadership roles in congregations, faith-based communities, and ministerial settings. Here you’ll develop the skills needed to interpret Scripture, engage in theological reflection, and become an effective servant leader. Thanks to the School of Theology and Ministry’s partnership with more than 14 Christian denominations and more than 24 interfaith collaborators, you won’t have difficulty meeting the requirements for ordination. We also love the blend of classroom and practical learning experiences here. Through the School of Theology and Ministry’s Contextual Education internship, you’ll enjoy exciting opportunities to work with nonprofit-organizations, hospitals, government agencies, for-profit companies, places of worship, and more
WISCONSIN
Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology
Hales Corner, WI
Master of Divinity (on-campus, online)
Price per credit: $640
Estimated total cost of program: $74,880
- MDiv includes about four years of theological studies and formation
- The Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology is an apostolate of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and has been forming faithful seminarians since 1932
The Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology’s Master of Divinity produces seminarians for the Roman Catholic priesthood. This formation program features an optimal blend of classroom learning and ministry experiences and about four years of theological studies and formation. Each MDiv student here completes a course of study that’s designed to reflect their background and life experiences, along with their future ministerial needs. Home to about 170 students, the Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology is an apostolate of the Priests of the Sacred Heart and has been forming faithful seminarians since 1932.
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