The Mars Hills Graduate School Master of Divinity degree (MDIV) emerges from the belief that theology is alive only as it is lived in community.  Through an exploration of the interplay of text, soul, and culture, the degree embodies the tensions and paradoxes of Christian faith as we engage in the world.  Committed to academic excellence and relational integrity, we seek to be a healing presence within the global community, developing innovative leaders in the service of the body of Christ.

The Master of Divinity degree program is intended to prepare students with the knowledge, insight, passion, and skills needed for ministry in a variety of settings that include churches, hospitals, service organizations, art studios, music recording houses, and the various secular positions that our graduates may pursue as part of their ministries.  At MHGS we believe that Christians are beginning to think of ministry in broader terms.  MHGS asks its students to consider these questions:  What does it mean for the church to be present in the world, to be involved in the arts?  How can the church engage society with the truth and beauty of the gospel?  What does it mean for the church to bring a creative imagination and a compelling message to our cultures in this new century, this new millennium?  MHGS believes that an effective Master of Divinity degree should prepare the student to interweave an understanding of the Biblical text, the human soul, and culture.  The MHGS Master of Divinity program asserts an integrated approach allowing students to form Christian worldviews from the interplay of spiritual, cultural, and psychological studies.  This program emphasizes theological reflection as well as relational and spiritual growth.

The heart of the program is the applied training that accompanies the classroom experience.  Students participate in a minimum of four practica in which they explore personal and professional issues under the guidance of faculty and trained mentors serving as facilitators. 

The educational content of the degree program is designed to meet the ordination/licensure requirements for many denominations.  When specific courses other than those already listed in the course offerings are required for ordination/licensure in particular traditions, MHGS will approve those courses for independent study or as electives.  It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the educational requirements leading to ordination/licensure in her/his intended church/denominational setting.

Upon completion of the Master of Divinity degree, the graduate should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the assimilation of the core theological principles of her/his tradition and of the evangelical, reformed position.
2. Demonstrate a proficiency in exegeting and interpreting the texts of both the Hebrew and Greek Bibles.
3. Demonstrate an ability to present the biblical text with accuracy and passion.
4. Articulate an awareness of multicultural issues within a specific context.
5. Introduce others to the mystery of speaking the truth and the implications of speaking it in a postmodern context.
6. Compare and contrast the core theological and hermeneutical issues within diverse traditions and differing theological perspectives.
7. Evidence the skills necessary to effectively care for the spiritual needs of future congregants, counselees, students, etc. (This will be assessed after completion of the Mentored Ministry internship).
8. Evidence interpersonal skills needed for effective ministry or community service.
9. Identify and articulate aims and objectives for life-long personal and professional development in ministry.

MHGS offers the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree for students seeking graduate education in ministry.  In addition to the school's general educational goals, the Master of Divinity program endeavors to achieve the following goals:

1. Prepare students to pursue intercultural service, pastoral counseling, Christian education, chaplaincy, and related areas of service.
2. Prepare students who intend to further their postgraduate education by pursuing terminal degrees in the fields of theology or biblical studies.
3. Promote personal growth through understanding their own relational dynamics.
4. Interrelate biblical, theological, and cultural studies with the fields of ministerial training, pastoral counseling, and practical courses designed to help students relate to cultural paradigm shifts.
5. Prepare students for ordination/licensure as ministers of the Word and Sacrament in various denominations and church settings.

The Master of Divinity degree is conferred upon the attainment of academic and personal requirements.  In addition to the graduate school requirements, degree candidates must:

1. Give evidence of a level of personal maturity and stability that is consistent with ministry vocations; and
2. Complete all courses in the prescribed Master of Divinity curriculum with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

There are two concentrations offered within the Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Studies Programs: Leadership and Spiritual Formation.  Each concentration has two required core courses that are already mandatory within the Master of Divinity Program.  Within the Concentration in Spiritual Formation four additional credits come from two Required Courses and four additional credits are to be chosen from SFD electives.  In the Concentration in Leadership the remaining eight credits are elective courses.  In both concentrations the eight credits count towards the student’s coursework.