Master of Divinity

Mission and Goals
We live in a rapidly changing and complex world in need of the reconciling love of God and the
liberating message of the gospel. The Master of Divinity program prepares persons who will seek,
embody and proclaim God’s good news that liberates individuals and communities from
brokenness whose sources may be personal or systemic. The program prepares students to
practice and lead theological reflection with others in ways that promote ministries of personal
wholeness, faithful and hospitable community, and justice - each of which transforms those
involved.

The MDiv curriculum covers an expansive range of essential topics for ministry and also includes electives. Students who wish to fortify their knowledge in a particular area through completion of multiple courses may use electives to choose to specialize in one of nine areas within the MDiv program:

    • Church Leadership
    • Christian Education
    • Spirituality
    • Addiction Ministry
    • Pastoral Care and Counseling
    • Liturgical Arts
    • Mission and Evangelism
    • Youth Ministry
    • Biblical Languages and Texts


Additionally, dual degree students are welcome. The MDiv can be combined with any of the other Master’s degrees in a dual degree program, often with the equivalent of just one additional year of full-time study.

Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity students must successfully complete 85 credit hours for graduation. Students must also complete the Ecumenical Context requirement, which means they are required to successfully complete at least one course (two semester credit hours or more) at one of the other schools in the Theological Consortium of
Greater Columbus, Payne Theological Seminary (Wilberforce, OH), or the Ecumenical Theological Seminary (Detroit, MI).

More information on the Ecumenical Context requirement and
the limitations and requirements of cross-registration is listed in the Academic Catalog.

United Methodist students preparing for ordination are encouraged to take courses that meet
denominational requirements. Students should check with their annual conference regarding
commissioning requirements and eligibility. In some cases it may be required that two-thirds of
the denominational courses must be completed prior to the interview.

Students from denominations other than United Methodist may be able to complete courses in the polity, history and/or doctrine of their denominations at MTSO.

Course Requirements