Master of Divinity

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Last updated: Apr 04, 2024 by Beth Brunk
4 min read

Degree: Master of Divinity
Semester Hours: 81

The Master of Divinity program is recommended for students seeking a comprehensive preparation for Christian ministry. In three academic years of study the student is exposed to the complete range of theological disciplines which include biblical, theological, historical, contextual, formational and practical ministry studies. This program is designed for persons in leadership roles which assume broad knowledge of the church’s faith, tradition and practice.

To qualify for the degree the student must complete 81 semester hours. Fifty-three hours of core studies are designed for all students. 

A Master of Divinity is generally thought of as a degree for those interested in pastoral ministry.  In some denominations the Master of Divinity is required for ordination to Christian ministry.  An MDiv at Eastern Mennonite Seminary is intended both for those interested in pastoral ministry, and for those called to academic ministry, intercultural and community mission, chaplaincy, or spiritual direction.  Advisers and faculty will help guide students in the process of selecting courses that lead toward their chosen vocation.  Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, identify performance goals, seek constructive feedback and grow competent in their chosen field(s) of ministry.

Biblical Languages

In keeping with the persuasion that the expositor of God’s Word should be familiar with the original languages of Scripture, the Primary Track of this curriculum emphasizes an acquaintance with Koine Greek and Biblical Hebrew. Students will take both the Elementary and Readings course in each language (BIBL 532 Elementary Hebrew, BIBL 541 Hebrew Readings, BIBL 531 Elementary Greek, BIBL 541 Greek Readings). Exegesis courses may be taken as electives.

The seminary recognizes that not all students will benefit equally from biblical language study and so offers an Alternate Track within the MDiv program. The Alternate Track will replace the 12 credit hours of biblical language required in the Primary Track with four courses for 12 credit hours: BIBL 532 Elementary Hebrew or BIBL  531 Elementary Greek, BIBL 621 Interpreting the Biblical Text and two biblical book studies including an Hebrew Bible book study and a New Testament book study. All biblical book studies will incorporate an emphasis on the language aspects of the study, encouraging students in the use of language tools and resources.

Formation Studies

A unique strength of Eastern Mennonite Seminary is our formation program. We believe that focusing on our own ongoing formation is the way for ministering persons to be healthy in our vocations. FS 503 and FS 605, Formation in Spiritual Practices and Formation in Narrative Identity, invite students to pay attention to the rhythms of their life, discern God's presence and explore a sustainable rule of life while centering a narrative reflection process of self-understanding and theological meaning making.. FS 601 and FS 602 Formation in Ministry I & II (3 credits each) offers students the opportunity to put their learning into practice in internship sites related to their vocational leanings with a mentor to help with on-site theological reflection. FS 698 and FS 699 Formation in Vocation and Leadership I & II (2 credits each) provides space for students to integrate what they have learned about themselves, God, the world, and the church as they look forward to their future in ministry. For more information please visit the formation page.

Supervised Field Education

The requirement in supervised field education or Mentored Ministry may be fulfilled in several different ways. Normally students will fulfill six hours of this requirement by taking FS 601 and FS 602 Formation in Ministry I and II. SMFE 601 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and other ministry internships are available for those desiring more practical ministry experience. The MDiv program also has a cross-cultural competency requirement. (See Cross-Cultural Experience) .

Read more about the mission, theological framework, educational philosophy , curricular framework and guiding principles of the curriculum at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Core Courses

Formation courses (16 SH)

Year 1

  • FS 503 Formation in Spiritual Practices (3 SH)
  • FS 504 Formation in Narrative Identity (3 SH)

Year 2

  • FS 601 Formation in Ministry I (3 SH)
  • FS 602 Formation in Ministry II (3 SH)

Year 3

  • FS 698 Formation in Vocation and  Leadership I (2 SH)
  • FS 699 Formation in Vocation and  Leadership II (2 SH)

Other required courses (27 SH)*

BIBL 511 Hebrew Bible: Text in Context (3 SH)
BIBL 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3 SH)
CTH 501 Christian Traditions I (3 SH)
CTH 512 Christian Traditions II (3 SH)
CTT 634 Living Theology (3 SH)
CM 643 Missio Dei in Cultural Context (3 SH)
CTE 702 Christian Ethics (3 SH)
SMCL elective (3 SH)
Intercultural Church Experience (3 SH) – such as CM 613, CM 614, or other CM intercultural courses

Biblical Languages/Studies (12 SH)

Primary Track

  • BIBL 532 Elementary Hebrew (3 SH)
  • BIBL 541 Hebrew Readings (3 SH)
  • BIBL 531 Elementary Greek (3 SH)
  • BIBL 541 Greek Readings (3 SH)

Alternate Track

  • BIBL 532 Elementary Hebrew or BIBL 531 Elementary Greek (3 SH)
  • Hebrew Bible book study elective (3 SH)
  • New Testament book study elective (3 SH)
  • BIBL 621 Interpreting the Biblical Text (3 SH)

*Anabaptist-affiliated students must take an Anabaptist studies course; 

Anabaptist studies courses: 
CTH 641 Mennonite History
CTT 633 Anabaptist Theology
CTT 523 Anabaptism Today: Topics

CTT 546 Justice, Peace and the Biblical Story

CTE 713 Sermon on the Mount: Peace, Justice and the Reign of God
BIBL 560 Biblical Foundations for Justice and Peacemaking