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Pursue advanced study in Christian leadership and biblical principles by enrolling in on-campus or online MDiv degree program classes at GCU. Study the Word of God from anywhere, at any time with our dynamic online learning platform. Participate in intellectually stimulating discussions with instructors and your fellow students in face-to-face classes and sharpen your skills as an effective and sensitive communicator.Â
Those who are a part of the online MDiv degree program are required to attend three week-long residencies throughout the program. Each residency is an opportunity to work closely with professors, missionaries and ministerial leaders to inspire deeper understanding and plant the seed for lifelong relationships in the Christian community. Because on-campus MDiv students are Arizona residents who are attending courses in person, there are no designated residency requirements for in-person students.
Prepare to fulfill your mission in life by earning your Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) online or in person at Grand Canyon Theological Seminary. Scholars undergo a rigorous program of ministry training and biblical and theological study to lay the framework for a future career ministering to God’s people. Master of Divinity degree online or on-campus programs offered by Grand Canyon University empowers individuals with a bachelor’s degree to develop a strong foundation for vocational ministry.Â
This degree follows a pastorally oriented curriculum. It is an intensive program of study that walks you through the history of Christianity, the biblical languages and the principles of Christ-centered preaching.
There is an emphasis on rightful biblical interpretations and the application of biblical principles. You will study the basics of Hebrew and Greek to acquire linguistic tools for studying the Bible and explore the fundamentals of ethical Christian leadership within organizations.
Throughout your program, you will be taught:
Faithful Development
During your course of study, you will be taught with an emphasis on the faithful development of Christian character.
Faithful Ministry
Deepen your understanding of evangelism and discipleship which are vital to a faithful ministry.
Faithful Leadership
Future Christian leaders are trained to faithfully lead lives that align with the Word of God.
Throughout the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program, you will participate in ministry experiences under supervised guidance. You may elect to participate in an optional internship for the Master of Divinity degree of either modality to gain additional hands-on, practical experience under the supervision of a seasoned gospel minister.
Some of the core class topics for the on-campus or online MDiv degree program include the following:
Read through some of our most frequently asked questions as you prepare to earn your MDiv.
An on-campus or online MDiv degree program is perfect for anyone looking to fulfill their calling into ordained ministry, but is looking for convenience and flexibility with their education. All GCU’s online degrees provide affordability, connection and resources that are backed by our traditional campus.
Entrance into GCU’s MDiv degree, and all programs in the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, is based upon affirmation and adherence to the GCU Doctrinal and Ethical Positions Statement, the College of Theology’s Covenant and the College of Theology’s Dispositional and Behavioral Standards. These documents serve to emphasize the college’s commitment to the essential doctrines of the Christian faith and its concern to exemplify these doctrines in life and ministry.Â
You may be denied admission or removed from the program if you display behavior or actions contradictory to these statements over the course of the program.
GCU offers a few other degrees that provide training and topical education into different areas of ordained ministry or church leadership. These include the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Urban Ministry and Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry. Each degree is approved by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools and is backed by the leadership and faculty of the College of Theology and grounded in biblical truth.Â
With this master’s degree, you may find yourself called to teach others about God or show your devotion to your teachings and to God by becoming a member of the clergy. This degree is suitable for those seeking a career in deepening and sharing their understanding of faith with others.
An MDiv degree will equip you with all the biblical and faith-related knowledge needed to teach philosophy or religion at a postsecondary level. Depending on your state requirements, you may need to seek specific certification or licensure to teach at this level.
Divinity is a more archaic term than theology, that has traditionally been used in the language associated with certain theological programs such as the Master of Divinity degree program. The Master of Divinity, and virtually all other degrees related to ministry preparation, include significant attention to theology. In this program, students are offered a robust biblical and theological foundation as a central aspect of the student experience. Thus, within the context of academic programs, divinity and theology are more or less synonyms.
Examine the fundamental teachings of Scripture and learn to apply biblical knowledge to various ministerial contexts. As you grow your knowledge of the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, so too will your Christian character develop. Graduates of the online MDiv degree program are prepared to serve their faith-based communities in person with the compassion, wisdom and sensitivity that Jesus himself exhibited.Â
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
If you wish to be well-educated and properly equipped for ministry, the Master of Divinity degree is the standard degree.
Grand Canyon Theological Seminary is fully accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and the Commission has approved the Master of Divinity program. This MDiv program and all curriculum in the Seminary are designed to align with ATS’ Standards of Accreditation. Specialized accreditation for the Master of Divinity online and on-campus program speaks to GCU’s overall commitment of excellence and rigor in all its colleges and programs.
Graduates of the on-campus or online MDiv degree program are prepared to pursue ordination. Some graduates feel called to serve Christ in local churches or Christian organizations. If you become an ordained member of the clergy, you would fulfill an important role in the spiritual life of your congregation. As a Master of Divinity program graduate, you would be called upon to provide moral and biblical guidance, and may preside over special ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals and baptisms. You may also feel called to pursue a career as a philosophy or religion teacher (postsecondary).
