Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree
Overview of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) Degree Program
Prepare to fulfill your mission in life by earning your Master of Divinity (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.
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.
Earn Your MDiv Degree Online or on Campus
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. The on-campus and online MDiv degree program requires a total of 82 credits for completion. Most of the online classes are eight weeks in length.
If you wish to be well-educated and properly equipped for ministry, the Master of Divinity degree 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.
Explore the Master of Divinity Degree Curriculum
The Master of Divinity 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.
Core Classes in GCU’s Master of Divinity Program
Some of the core class topics for the on-campus or online MDiv degree program include the following:
- Developing and exploring the Christian worldview and mission
- Old and New Testament exegesis
- Biblical leadership and ministry practices and concepts
- Christian apologetics studies
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. You will also explore the fundamentals of ethical Christian leadership within organizations.
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.
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, real-world experience under the supervision of a seasoned gospel minister.
What You Can Do With a Master of Divinity Degree
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).
On-campus and Online MDiv Degree FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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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 offered in residency for non-traditional students.
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 offered in residency for non-traditional students. 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 offered in residency for non-traditional students. Prerequisites: HEB-501 and GRK-501.
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.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
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.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.