(90 Hours)
The Master of Divinity, a three-year course of study, is recognized by The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) as the basic professional degree. The theological education associated with this degree has service to the church as its central focus. Predicated on the assumption that ministers in the church should share a common theological substructure irrespective of their particular calling, the School of Divinity offers the Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) in six concentrations, each sharing a common 60-hour core comprised of biblical studies, historical/theological studies, spiritual formation, and ministry studies. Beyond the core, students may choose, by means of a 30-hour concentration, to earn the MDiv degree with a concentration in Pastoral Studies, Biblical Studies, Congregational Health through Formation: Christian Education, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Care and Counseling or Missiology.
Emphasizing theological reflection and ministerial formation, this course of study is designed to provide men and women with a comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of the body of divinity and to help ministers develop the skills necessary for effective ministry. “Real world” ministry situations, surfaced by the students themselves, serve as catalysts for theological reflection in interdisciplinary courses, team-taught seminars, and spiritual formation experiences.
Moreover, not only does the curriculum seek to bridge the gap between “theory” and “practice” in ministry, but also to help the student to synthesize and integrate the theological content of the various disciplines of the body of divinity.
The School of Divinity’s “Be, Know and Do Statement,” encapsulated in the MDiv “Program Objectives” is the guiding document around which the curriculum is built.
Core Curriculum
The MDiv core curriculum is designed to be integrative, inductive, and interactive. Seeking to move beyond the artificial dichotomy between “theory” and “practice” that has often characterized theological education, the curriculum requires students to reflect theologically on the practice of ministry while they are actually engaged in ministry. The common core of divinity means that every student, irrespective of his/her ultimate vocational ministry, will share the same biblical/theological substructure for ministry, thus making “shared ministry” and “pastoral teamship” less an ideal and more a reality. Moreover, such an approach fosters a genuine appreciation for ministerial diversity and the rich variety of the ministries of the church.
A guiding principle behind the core curriculum is that effective ministry is not simply a function of what the minister knows, or even what the minister does, but must also include who the minister is, both personally and vocationally. Assessment of who students “are,” what students “know,” and what students can “do” is informed by pre- and post-tests, specific assignments and assessment interview/conferences associated with the following core courses:
| DSSF 100 | Introduction to Theological Education for Ministry | 3 |
| DSSF 200 | Spiritual Formation: The Christian Journey | 3 |
| DSOT 100 | Introduction to the Old Testament I | 3 |
| DSOT 101 | Introduction to the Old Testament II | 3 |
| DSNT 100 | Introduction to the New Testament I | 3 |
| DSNT 101 | Introduction to the New Testament II | 3 |
| DSHB 100 | Hebrew I | 3 |
| DSGK 100 | Greek I | 3 |
| DSHS 100 | Introduction to Christian History I | 3 |
| DSHS 101 | Introduction to Christian History II | 3 |
| DSTH 200 | Introduction to Christian Theology I | 3 |
| DSTH 201 | Introduction to Christian Theology II | 3 |
| DSCE 115 | Administration and Leadership in the Church | 3 |
| DSET 100 | Christian Ethics | 3 |
| DSMN 201 | Introduction to Preaching | 3 |
| DSMN 202 | Introduction to Worship | 3 |
| | |
| DSMS 310 | Mission in Biblical-Theological Perspectives | 3 |
| OR | |
| DSIS 310 | Transformational Movements in the Texts | 3 |
| | |
| DSPC 100 | Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 |
| DSSF 300 | The Theory and Practice of Ministry | 3 |
| DSSF 301 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
DSSF 100: to be taken during first year of study
Concentrations
Beyond the 60-hour core, students must choose one of six concentrations each requiring a further 30 hours: Pastoral Studies, Biblical Studies, Congregational Health through Formation: Christian Education, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Missiology, or Intercultural Studies; or in place of a concentration the student may pursue one of four dual-degree programs – the MDiv/MBA, the MDiv/MA in English, the MDiv/MA in Mental Health Counseling, or the MDiv/MA in Religion.
Ministerial Formation
Recognizing the importance of ministerial formation, each student’s progress is tracked throughout his or her divinity school experience. Evidence of movement toward maturity in spiritual and ministerial formation is gathered into a student portfolio. Such vehicles as the Profiles of Ministry Instrument Stage I, Annual Mentor Conference, Formations small group experiences, Assessment Interviews and a Capstone Conference each emphasize that genuine spiritual formation involves healthy relationships toward self, others, the material world, and God.
While Chapel attendance is voluntary, participation in a Formations group is a component of each of the four core spiritual formations courses: DSSF 100 Introduction to Theological Education for Ministry, DSSF 200 Spiritual Formation: The Christian Journey, DSSF 300 The Theory and Practice of Ministry, and DSSF 301 Capstone Seminar. Faculty, students, and staff work together to plan, lead, and participate in weekly Chapel worship experiences.
A small group Formations experience is led by each student’s faculty mentor (and by the instructor of the DSSF 100 night class) in conjunction with all spiritual formation classes. As the name Formations suggests, relevant issues of ministerial formation are addressed, such as integrity, stress, worship, ministerial identity, and spiritual discipline.
In consultation with the faculty mentor, the student selects for inclusion in the Student Portfolio three to five examples of his/her best work done at various junctures during the course of study. Anecdotal items such as journal entries or faculty comments may also be included in the portfolio. A Ministry Formation Notation, should one be given, may likewise be placed in the Student Portfolio any time a matter of ministerial formation should be noted by a faculty member. These items become discussion points at Spring Mentor Conferences, the Assessment Interview and the Capstone Conference. The portfolio becomes the property of the School of Divinity for a period not to exceed ten years, with a copy provided to the student at the student’s request.
Supervised Ministry Experience
Students will also participate in an approved Supervised Ministry Experience (SME). During two consecutive semesters of his/her MDiv degree program, each student will serve in a ministry position, either volunteer or paid, which will involve the student in significant leadership opportunities requiring responsibility in planning, administering, leading, and evaluating.
These two semesters of SME will be taken in conjunction with The Theory and Practice of Ministry and Capstone Seminar (DSSF 300 and DSSF 301) in which each student will serve a minimum of 10 hours weekly in the ministry placement. Proposed SME placement must be approved by the Associate Dean of the School of Divinity who administers the program and oversees student progress in a ministry setting.
Admission Policies
Requirements for Full Admission
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants are expected to have had broad baccalaureate preparation including studies in world history, philosophy, languages and literature, the natural sciences, the social sciences, the fine arts, and religion. In cases where the applicant’s undergraduate preparation is deemed deficient, additional baccalaureate work may be required for full admission.
- A grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in baccalaureate work.
- A stated and demonstrated commitment to ministry.
- A Background Record Check. Prior to admission, a satisfactory “Criminal Record Check” for all states of residence for the past five (5) years must be submitted to the School of Divinity Office of Admissions with a residence verification statement. Criminal background histories obtained for employment purposes are not acceptable for admission to the School of Divinity. Information received pertaining to criminal background histories will become part of the student’s permanent academic file. Any conviction or pending criminal charges cited in the criminal history will be reviewed by the School of Divinity Faculty Admissions Committee. Any allegations or charges of misdemeanor(s) or felony(s) that occur after the Criminal Record Check has been submitted must be reported immediately to the School of Divinity Office of Admissions and the Dean of the School of Divinity. Failure to report allegations of such charges may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Criteria for Admission
Applicants for admission are evaluated on:
academic attainment;
writing skills;
promise for ministry; and
vocational clarity and commitment.
Procedure for Admission
- Request application materials from the Office of Graduate Admissions.
- Submit a completed Application for Admission with a $40 non-refundable application fee to Office of Graduate Admissions, Campus Box 7308, Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC 28017. Applications for any fall term may be submitted by August 1. Applications for any spring term may be submitted by January 1.
- Request that official transcripts of all previous baccalaureate and any graduate-level work be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
- Submit three recommendations from persons who know the applicant well. These recommendations should be submitted on the reference forms provided by the School of Divinity. Acceptable recommendations are as follows: an academic reference, a ministerial reference and a personal reference.
- Submit a completed Church Approval Form. The form must come from the church where the applicant is a member in good standing.
- Submit a completed Immunization History Form.
- Provide proof of satisfactory criminal background record check for all states of residence for the past five (5) years with a residence verification statement.
- Students for whom English is a second language must take the TOEFL examination. The minimum acceptable score is 550 on the paper-based test.
Applicants will be considered for admission when the above-mentioned conditions have been met. All applicants are strongly urged to come for a visit and interview prior to final admission. Arrangements can be made through the office of the Director of Admissions for the School of Divinity.
Acceptance of Admission
Acceptance into the School of Divinity is good for one academic year. If an applicant wishes to enroll after one year, the student may be asked to resubmit part or all of the application. Because of the confidential nature of some items of information required for admission, the University reserves the right to reject any application without stating a reason.
Types of Admission
Full Admission
To be considered for Full Admission, an applicant must complete the requirements as outlined under the “Procedure for Admission” section. Final decisions regarding admission will be made by the Admissions Committee. The applicant’s file should be completed a minimum of 30 days prior to registration.
Provisional Admission
In some cases as determined on an individual basis, Provisional Admission may be granted:
when the baccalaureate degree has not yet been granted but the applicant is within six hours of completion;
when the student does not come from a regionally accredited college or university; and
when the process for Full Admission has not been completed prior to the beginning of the term, but information sufficient to support the applicant’s request for admission has been received.
Probationary Admission
If an applicant is deemed marginal based on the criteria for admission, a student may be admitted under probationary status. The Admissions Committee may require one or all of the following conditions for a student admitted under probation:
The student may be asked to interview with the Admissions Committee;
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the first semester of coursework;
Restrict the number of hours a student may take during the first semester;
Require the student to take remedial coursework;
Require the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test to determine their readiness for study.
At the end of the first semester of enrollment, the Admissions Committee will review the status of all students granted provisional or probationary admission and will (1) grant full admission to the degree program, (2) maintain the student in provisional or probationary status for one additional semester, or (3) terminate student status.
Non-Degree/Transient/Other
Individuals who wish to take courses for credit but who do not choose to pursue a degree may apply for Non-Degree Status.
Applicants for Non-Degree Status
Non-Degree status may be granted for only one semester. Individuals accepted as Non-Degree students must pay full tuition. Both grades and credit will be recorded on the student’s transcript.
Students seeking “Non-Degree Status” must:
- complete an application form and submit it with the application fee;
- submit an official transcript of the last degree earned; and
- submit an Immunization History form if taking 4 or more hours.
Applicants for Transient Status
Students enrolled in other recognized graduate institutions who wish to take courses for transfer of credit to their home institutions may apply for Transient Status. Applicants for Transient Status must:
- submit an application for admission;
- pay the application fee; and
- submit a letter from the dean or director of the program in which the applicant is regularly enrolled indicating good standing.
Applicants for Other Status
Students enrolled in Gardner-Webb University’s undergraduate program or another graduate program may apply for Other Status. Students applying for Other Status must:
- secure written approval from the student’s academic advisor;
- secure written approval from the Dean or the Associate Dean of the School of Divinity; and
- return written approvals to the student’s academic advisor and complete the registration process specific to the program in which the student is enrolled.
Applicants to Audit
Individuals who wish to audit classes in the School of Divinity must:
- contact the Director of Admissions;
- complete the Application for Admission to Audit;
- pay a fee of $175 per course; and
- meet requirements for auditors established by the instructor of the course. Permission to audit classes is subject to space availability.
Readmission of Former Students
Students who are not in attendance for one or more semesters or who withdraw during a semester for any reason must submit an application for readmission. No application fee is required. An exception will be made for students enrolled in dual-degree programs (MDiv/MBA, MDiv/MA) in which they are working on the non-MDiv portion of the degree.
Those seeking readmission after having not attended for as long as one calendar year will be required to follow degree requirements currently in effect.
The Admissions Committee is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and acting on all applications for admission to degree programs offered by the School of Divinity. The committee is comprised of the Director of Admissions, one of the School of Divinity deans and a faculty member.
International Students
International students holding baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited colleges or universities within the United States will follow the procedure for admission under the “Requirements for Full Admission” section.
International students holding degrees from institutions outside the United States will follow the usual procedure for admission with these additions:
- Applicants must submit their transcripts to the World Evaluation Service (P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745) for evaluation before they mail them to the School of Divinity.
- The U.S. Department of Justice form, “Affidavit of Support,” must be completed, signed, and accompanied by a letter from the student’s or sponsor’s bank indicating sufficient funds to support one year of graduate study. A copy of this form is available from the School of Divinity.
- Once the applicant’s file is completed and an admission decision has been made, an I-20 Form will be sent, enabling the student to apply for a Visa.
Core Curriculum (60 Hours)
Biblical: 18 hours
Historical/Theological: 12 hours
| DSHS 100 | Introduction to Christian History I | 3 |
| DSHS 101 | Introduction to Christian History II | 3 |
| DSTH 200 | Introduction to Christian Theology I | 3 |
| DSTH 201 | Introduction to Christian Theology II | 3 |
Spiritual Formation: 12 hours
| DSSF 100 | Introduction to Theological Education for Ministry | 3 |
| DSSF 200 | Spiritual Formation: The Christian Journey | 3 |
| DSSF 300 | The Theory and Practice of Ministry | 3 |
| DSSF 301 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
Chapel/Formations/Mentor Conferences
Ministry: 18 hours
| DSCE 115 | Administration and Leadership in the Church | 3 |
| DSPC 100 | Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 |
| | |
| DSMS 310 | Mission in Biblical-Theological Perspectives | 3 |
| OR | |
| DSIS 310 | Transformational Movements in the Texts | 3 |
| | |
| DSET 100 | Christian Ethics | 3 |
| DSMN 202 | Introduction to Worship | 3 |
| DSMN 201 | Introduction to Preaching | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 60 |
Master of Divinity Concentrations
Pastoral Studies
The Pastoral Studies concentration, designed primarily, though not exclusively, with a view toward pastoral ministries (pastor, associate pastor, etc.) extends the basic MDiv core curriculum by adding courses in advanced biblical languages, advanced biblical electives, advanced historical/theological electives, and courses focusing on the more practical aspects of ministry in a local church setting
Student Learning Outcomes
A student completing the Pastoral Studies concentration will:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Bible;
- Distinguish and assess the various significant theological positions taken by the church throughout the church’s history;
- Integrate the knowledge of biblical languages into the biblical hermeneutical process;
- Apply the meaning of biblical texts to situations faced in church ministry through preaching, teaching, and pastoral counseling;
- Demonstrate appropriate pastoral care skills and pastoral ethics and the ability to apply them to a local church ministry setting.
| Biblical Electives | 6 |
| DSGK 101 | Greek II | 3 |
| DSHB 101 | Hebrew II | 3 |
| Historical/Theological Electives | 6 |
| Practical Ministry Electives | 6 |
| DSMN 100 | Life and Work of the Minister | 3 |
| General Electives (Selected from the School of Divinity Catalog) | 3 |
| TOTAL in the Concentration |
30 |
| MDiv Core |
60 |
| Total for the MDiv Degree |
90 |
Biblical Studies
The Biblical Studies concentration offers specialized training for persons who wish to emphasize in their ministry the study and the teaching of Scripture. With additional hours of Old Testament and New Testament electives (including biblical languages), as well as seminars that focus on pedagogy (teaching), research, and writing for publication, this concentration also prepares students for graduate research programs in Biblical Studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
A student completing the Biblical Studies concentration will:
- Identify, examine, and evaluate both their own theological and interpretive assumptions about biblical texts and other historical and current interpretive possibilities, integrating them into exegetical work with biblical texts;
- Articulate and implement biblical, theological, and philosophical bases for teaching and learning in the church and academy, and apply them by constructing syllabi, learning plans, learning goals, activities, and assessments that implement appropriate teaching methodologies;
- Demonstrate intermediate level mastery of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the biblical languages, especially the ability to distinguish the varied meanings of words in their specific contexts; and
- Demonstrate the ability to manage ideas, to articulate and evaluate titles and theses, to structure research, to give, receive, and assess critical feedback, and to present and revise writing projects in order to achieve a highly polished writing sample for use beyond the requirements of the course.
Biblical Languages
(Students in the Biblical Studies concentration must also take at least one Hebrew or Greek exegetical elective as part of their 15 hours of electives)
| TOTAL in the Concentration |
30 |
| MDiv Core |
60 |
| Total for the MDiv Degree |
90 |
Congregational Health through Formation: Christian Education
The Congregational Health through Formation: Christian Education concentration offers specialized training for those entering the field. Through this study, one acquires an overview of age-group work, tools in designing a church’s curriculum, and principles in organizing a church for mission and ministry.
Student Learning Outcomes
A student completing the Christian Education and Formation/Christian Ministries concentration will:
- Be able to design instruction for education and formation that is age-appropriate, interactive, and easily assessed for continuous growth and development;
- Articulate a philosophy of teaching and ministry; and
- Identify ways to engage people in volunteerism and/or any leadership endeavor.
Congregational Health through Formation: Christian Education Concentration Required Courses
| DSCE 105 | Teaching and Learning in the Church | 3 |
| DSCE 110 | Foundations for Discipleship and Ministry | 3 |
| DSCE 310 | Leadership with Volunteers | 3 |
Required Electives (Two of the four)
Any two from the following
Any course from the Pastoral Care and Counseling or Missiology Concentrations
| DSSF 201 | Readings in Spiritual Classics | 3 |
| DSSF 202 | Creating Christian Education and Formation Curricula | 3 |
| DSCE 300 | Designing Curricula for Christian Education and formation | 3 |
| DSCE 451 | Writing for Publication Seminar | 3 |
| DSMN 100 | Life and Work of the Minister | 3 |
| DSCE 400 | Congregational Health through Formation Practicum | 6 |
| DSCE 401 | Selected Topics in Congregational Health through Formation | 3 |
Additional nine credits (three courses) from any concentration (electives)
Pastoral Care and Counseling
The Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration offers specialized training for persons who desire to emphasize in their ministry the pastoral role of the minister as counselor and care-giver, whether in a parish setting or in an institutional setting. The program gives attention both to theory and to clinical experience under supervision.
Student Learning Outcomes
A student completing the Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration will:
- Be able to demonstrate, acknowledge, and articulate the theories of Pastoral Care and Counseling and ways to integrate those with biblical and theological foundations;
- Be able to dialogue in a multidisciplinary way, employing both clinical and biblical principles, through reflective listening, assessment, evaluation, and the use of holistic and healthy resources in order to provide appropriate intervention for those to whom he/she ministers; and
- Demonstrate an understanding of the Theology of Care and Counseling as a vital part of the mission of the church by caring for individuals, families, and different pastoral settings, i.e., churches, communities, hospitals, etc.
| DSPC 200 | Clinical Pastoral Education | 3 or 6 |
| DSPC 201 | Clinical Pastoral Education in the Parish | 6 |
| DSPC 400 | Pastoral Care and Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| DSPC 204 | Interpersonal Relationships in Ministry | 3 |
| DSPC 115 | Pastoral Care of Families | 3 |
| DSPC 120 | Crisis Intervention in Pastoral Care | 3 |
| DSPC 125 | Grief, Loss, Death, and Dying | 3 |
| DSPC 110 | Pastoral Theology | 3 |
| DSPC 405 | Health and Spirituality | 3 |
| General Electives | 9 |
DSPC 200: one unit
General Electives: Selected from the School of Divinity Catalog
| TOTAL in the Concentration |
30 |
| MDiv Core |
60 |
| TOTAL in the MDiv in Pastoral Care and Counseling Degree |
90 |
DSPC 200, DSPC 201, DSPC 400, DSPC 204: In circumstances where CPE is not an option for the student, with instructor’s approval, DSPC 400 Pastoral Care and Counseling Practicum and DSPC 204 Interpersonal Relationships may be substituted for DSPC 200 or DSPC 201.
Missiology
The Missiology concentration offers specialized training to persons who will serve in a variety of mission-related ministries. The program includes biblical, historical, theological and practical issues that must be addressed by missionaries in the 21st century. The concentration will address both religious and cultural pluralism in an effort to equip persons for a variety of cross- cultural situations.
Student Learning Outcomes
A student completing the Missiology concentration will:
- Articulate a coherent biblical theology of the mission of God and the missions of God’s people;
- Develop competence in managing resources and technology for effective missions education and intercultural engagement;
- Improve cultural intelligence (CQ) through mission immersion experience and intercultural exposure; and
- Cultivate a missional mindset as transformational leaders.
One of the following courses
| DSMS 302 | Urban Missiology | 3 |
| DSMS 305 | Diaspora Missions for Intercultural Diversity | 3 |
Each of the following courses
| DSMS 311 | Mission in Historical Perspectives | 3 |
| DSMS 312 | Mission in Contemporary Perspectives | 3 |
| DSMS 200 | World Religions | 3 |
| DSMS 300 | Evangelism and Discipleship | 3 |
| DSMS 301 | Church Planting and Development | 3 |
| DSMS 303 | Cultural Anthropology for Church ministry | 3 |
One of the following courses
General Electives 6 credits
(select from the School of Divinity Catalog)
| TOTAL in the Concentration |
30 |
| MDiv Core |
60 |
| TOTAL in the MDiv in Missiology |
90 |
Intercultural Studies
The Intercultural Studies concentration offers specialized training to persons who will serve in cultures other than their own. The program aims to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and overall competence necessary for intercultural engagements in North America and overseas using the paradigm of change. This concentration will equip students to become effective agents of change in the face of 21st century religious pluralism, cultural relativism, urbanization, global diaspora, and globalization.
Student Learning Outcomes
A student completing the Intercultural Studies concentration will:
- Articulate a coherent biblical theology of the mission of God and the missions of God’s people;
- Develop competence in managing resources and technology for effective intercultural education and engagement;
- Improve cultural intelligence (CQ) through immersion experience and intercultural exposure; and
- Cultivate a missional mindset as transformational leaders.
One of the following courses
Each of the following courses
General Electives: select from the School of Divinity Catalog
| TOTAL in the Concentration |
30 |
| MDiv Core |
60 |
| TOTAL in the MDiv in Intercultural Studies |
90 |