What Is a Master of Divinity?
Prepare to fulfill your mission in life by earning your Master of Divinity (MDiv) 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. The Master of Divinity, offered online by Grand Canyon University, empowers bachelor’s-prepared individuals to develop a strong foundation for vocational ministry.
Examine the fundamental teachings 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 are prepared to serve their faith-based communities with the compassion, wisdom and sensitivity that Jesus himself exhibited.
Earn Your Degree as a Master of Divinity (MDiv) Online
Pursue advanced study in Christian leadership and biblical principles by enrolling in MDiv online 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, and sharpen your skills as an effective and sensitive communicator. The MDiv program requires a total of 82 credits for completion. Most of the online classes are eight weeks in length. Evening classes are also available on campus.
For individuals who wish to pursue ordained ministry, the Master of Divinity is the standard degree. During your course of study, you will deepen your understanding of evangelism and discipleship which are vital to a faithful ministry. There is an emphasis on the development of Christian character. Future Christian leaders are trained to faithfully lead lives that align with the word of God.
What Is the MDiv Curriculum?
The Master of Divinity degree follows a pastorally oriented curriculum. It is an intensive program of study that walks students through the history of Christianity, the biblical languages and the principles of Christ-centered preaching. Some of the core classes for the MDiv program include the following:
- Christian Worldview and Mission
- New Testament Exegesis: Gospels and Acts
- Old Testament Exegesis: Pentateuch
- Biblical Leadership and Ministry
- Christian Apologetics
There is an emphasis on rightful biblical interpretations and the application of biblical principles. Students will study the basics of Hebrew and Greek to acquire linguistic tools for studying the Bible. Students also explore the fundamentals of ethical Christian leadership within organizations.
Additionally, MDiv students 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.
Throughout the program, students participate in ministry experiences under supervised guidance. Students may elect to participate in an optional MDiv internship to gain additional hands-on, real-world experience under the supervision of a seasoned gospel minister.
What Can You Do with a Master of Divinity Degree?
Graduates of the MDiv 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. You would be called upon to provide moral and biblical guidance, and to preside over special ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals and baptisms. Non-ordained individuals with a Master of Divinity degree may pursue work as pastoral counselors, chaplains or religious educators.
Program Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in ministry and theology. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical and theological foundations of Christian ethics along with an analysis of the roles and responsibilities of gospel ministry. Significant attention is given to self-care, personal morality, and character formation as well as ethical concerns unique to ministers as they lead, equip, shepherd, and intercede for God’s people.
Course Description
This course is a study of the basic principles of evangelical biblical interpretation, exegesis, and application, especially in the context of ministry, including an introduction to the use of biblical language tools.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical truths of the gospel and the corresponding virtues and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship. Students study God's work in the formation of Christ-like character as they learn to keep in step with the Spirit in all aspects of life. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and character in the Pastoral Epistles. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Course Description
This course is a systematic study of the biblical bases, historical development, and theological formulation of the Christian doctrines of revelation, God, creation, humanity, sin, and the Person of Christ, as well as their implications for individual and corporate Christian life. Attention is also given to theological prolegomena.
Course Description
An introduction to the biblical, historical, and theological bases for the cross-cultural contextualization of the Christian worldview with attention to sound missiological practices. Special emphasis is placed on cross-cultural communication and ministry in light of contemporary topics and practical exigencies. This course is taught in residency.
Course Description
This course is a practically oriented study of biblical principles and practices for faithfully communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ to non-Christians and guiding them toward spiritual maturity in Christ. Emphasis is placed on understandings, disciplines, and habits that facilitate the process of discipleship. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Course Description
This course introduces biblical Hebrew with a focus on grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and the use of linguistic tools for the translation and interpretation of selected passages.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the first major division of the Old Testament. Special attention is given to key theological themes. Emphasis is also placed on the interpretation of selected passages from the Pentateuch and the elementary Hebrew language skills and interpretive tools. Prerequisite: HEB-501.
Course Description
This course introduces the grammar of New Testament Greek with an emphasis on the vocabulary and morphology of the New Testament and the use of linguistic tools for the translation and interpretation of selected passages.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the initial books of the New Testament. Special attention is given to key theological themes. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts and the application of elementary Greek language skills and interpretive tools. Prerequisite: GRK-501.
Course Description
This is a practically oriented, theological examination of the roles and responsibilities of ministers as they lead, equip, shepherd, and intercede for God's people. This course is taught in residency. Prerequisite: HTH-505.
Course Description
This course is a systematic study of the biblical bases, historical development, and theological formulation of the Christian doctrines of the works of Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church, and the last things as well as their implications for individual and corporate Christian life. Prerequisite: HTH-505.
Course Description
This course examines the biblical basis, history, and proper formulation of ecclesiology for the purpose of leading the church to display more fully God's glory through worship, ministry, and mission. Emphasis is placed on the application of biblical and theological principles within students' denominational heritage and ecclesial context. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45. Prerequisite: HTH-505.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the second and third major divisions of the Old Testament. Special attention is given to key theological themes. Emphasis is also placed on the interpretation of selected passages from the prophets and writings and the application of elementary Hebrew language skills and interpretive tools. Prerequisite: HEB-501.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the latter books of the New Testament. Special attention is given to key theological themes. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of selected passages from the New Testament epistles and the book of Revelation as well as the application of elementary Greek language skills and interpretive tools. Prerequisite: GRK-501.
Course Description
This course is a historical exploration of the Christian church's theological and institutional development from the postapostolic era to the early medieval era (100-1300) with emphasis on significant doctrinal statements, major thinkers and leaders, important political figures, and movements.
Course Description
This course is an integrative study of biblically sound principles and practices for rightly handling God's word for the purpose of developing skill in the preparation and delivery of expository sermons. Emphasis is placed on the Christological focus of the Old and New Testaments and the vital relationship between the character of the messenger and responsible exegesis. This course is taught in residency. Prerequisites: BIB-611 and BIB-620.
Course Description
This course introduces principles of biblical leadership and ministry through an examination of the roles and responsibilities of Christian leaders within churches and parachurch organizations. Coursework focuses on leadership, administration, ministry, and interpersonal relations within particular ministry contexts. Emphasis is placed on living a life that exemplifies the gospel while leading and organizing the church according to the biblical principle. This course requires supervised ministry hours. Practicum/field experience hours: 45.
Course Description
This course is a historical exploration of the Christian church's theological and institutional development from the late medieval era to the late modern period (1300-2000) with emphasis on significant doctrinal statements, major thinkers and leaders, important political figures, and movements.
Course Description
This course examines the rational and existentially compelling defense of the Christian faith within various contexts. Emphasis is placed on apologetic methodology, sound tools of persuasion, the philosophical foundations of key Christian doctrines, and responding to significant objections to Christianity with humility and respect.
Program Locations
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
Online and Evening program disclosures (3.583 years)
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.