Master of Divinity (MDiv)
For more information: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5451
NOTE: The Master of Divinity programs in English and Korean are not admitting new students for the 2024-25 academic year.
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program prepares women and men for professional ministry in the Church. Azusa Pacific Seminary faculty bring to the program a unique combination of the highest academic credentials and extensive ministerial experience.
Mission Statement
The Master of Divinity program prepares men and women for vocational ministry in the Church through a course of study comprising 74 units in theological, biblical, and ministerial studies. An important feature of the program is an intentional integration of academic and experiential components—students must engage in some form of supervised ministry during their degree program. An optional biblical studies emphasis serves students preparing for postgraduate work in biblical studies for careers teaching in colleges, universities, or seminaries through additional coursework in biblical languages and biblical studies.
Exceptions to Admission Requirements
A limited number of applicants who do not have baccalaureate degrees but have extensive ministerial experience may be considered for admission. For a description of the standards governing this exception, contact the Azusa Pacific Seminary associate dean. Students admitted under this exception must obtain a B or better in their first 12 units of coursework.
Requirements
The Master of Divinity program requires 74 units of coursework comprising 12 units of biblical studies, 12 units of theological studies, 12 units of ministry studies, 12 units in integrative core, 5 units in mentored ministry, 1 unit in intercultural experience, 4 units of a biblical language (which may be waived for students who have completed a year of undergraduate Hebrew or Greek), 12 units of electives, and a 4-unit capstone course.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Language Requirement 1 | 4 | |
| Elements of Greek Exegesis | ||
| Biblical Studies Core | 12 | |
| Torah and Prophets: Exodus-2 Kings | ||
| Biblical Interpretation: Exploring Genesis 2 | ||
| Paul the Pastor and Theologian | ||
| Theological Studies Core | 12 | |
| Church History I | ||
| Church History II | ||
| Christian Theology | ||
| Ministry Core | 12 | |
| Ministry Life and Leadership | ||
| Christian Formation and Discipleship | ||
| Pastoral Counseling and Church Health | ||
| Integrative Core | 12 | |
| The Bible and Preaching | ||
| Ethics and Worship | ||
| The Gospels and Christology | ||
| Mentored Ministry | 5 | |
| Community Retreat | ||
| Mentored Ministry 3 | ||
| Intercultural Experience | 1 | |
| Urban Immersion L.A. | ||
| Capstone | 4 | |
| M.Div. Capstone | ||
| Electives | 12 | |
| Total Units | 74 | |
- 1
Students who have completed one year of undergraduate Hebrew or Greek with a grade of B or better may waive this requirement. The requirement may also be filled with either GBBL 500, or GBBL 510 and GBBL 520, or GBBL 530 and GBBL 540.
- 2
GBBL 511 is a prerequisite to all GBBL courses, GINS 507, and GINS 542.
- 3
Repeated for a total of 4 units.
Additional Degree Requirements
Supervised Ministry
All students in the program must devote at least eight hours per week, for the duration of the degree program, to the practice of some form of supervised ministry in an approved church or parachurch field ministry center. In order to graduate, students must maintain at least a 2.7 grade-point average.
The Master of Divinity must be completed within 10 years from the date of admission. APU coursework completed more than 10 years prior to completion of degree requirements is not acceptable toward the degree.
Admission
University graduate admission and program-specific requirements must be met before an application is complete (see Admission to the University). Program-specific application requirements are available online.
International students should contact Graduate and Professional Admissions for application procedures.