Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Cairn University is committed to preparing shepherds and teachers for the local church.
Prepare for pastoral leadership in local churches focused on the Word of God. Study the Bible cover-to-cover while developing a foundational understanding of Christian doctrine and applied theology, preparing to approach pastoral responsibilities ranging from counseling to financial management with a biblical perspective.
Program Credits
72 + language proficiency (24 credits)
Standard Completion Time
2-4 yrs
Program Highlights
- Study in a multidenominational conservative evangelical setting, united around a shared statement of faith and enhanced by the richness of a diverse classroom representing over 40 denominations.
- Prepare to read the Bible in the original language through two years each of Greek and Hebrew.
- Earn a seminary degree while benefiting from robust university resources, including library access, student services, and campus events.
- Attend class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, accommodating flexible work schedules.
- Advanced standing of up to 24 credits may be granted for Bible/Theology credits earned at an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary. Credits will be granted on a course-by-course basis.
Typical Program Curriculum
| Semester | Course |
| Fall #1 | BIB 700 Canon and Context of the Bible CHM 631 Pastoral Care and Leadership HEB 631 Elementary Biblical Hebrew I |
| Spring #1 | BIB 711 Gospels and Acts CHM 731 Issues in Christian Education HEB 632 Elementary Biblical Hebrew II |
| Summer #1 | THE 601 Overview of Christian Theology CHM 621 The Spiritual Life |
| Fall #2 | BIB 701 The Pentateuch THE 712 History and Doctrine of Humanity, Sin, and Salvation HEB 731 Exegesis of Hebrew Prose |
| Spring #2 | BIB 713 General Epistles and Revelation PMN 721 Pastoral Counseling HEB 732 Exegesis of Hebrew Poetry |
| Summer #2 | THE 701 Church History BIB 702 Old Testament Narrative Literature |
| Semester | Course |
| Fall #3 | BIB 712 Pauline Epistles PMN 631 Homiletics GRK 631 Elementary New Testament Greek I |
| Spring #3 | BIB 704 Psalms and Wisdom Literature PMN 731 Advanced Homiletics GRK 632 Elementary New Testament Greek II |
| Summer #3 | THE 711 History and Doctrine of the Triune God BIB 703 Old Testament Prophets |
| Fall #4 | THE 745 Contemporary Theological Issue CHM 791 Guided Field Experience GRK 731 New Testament Greek Exegesis I |
| Spring #4 | THE 713 History and Doctrine of the Church and Last Things BIB 745 Exegetical Book Study GRK 732 New Testament Greek Exegesis II |
Requirements
To enter the program, the candidate will:
- Apply and complete Cairn University’s Graduate Program enrollment process
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited undergraduate institution and submit proof in the form of official transcripts.
To complete the program, the candidate will:
- Successfully complete all required coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Successfully complete the Capstone Project.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Articulate a master’s level understanding of the Bible appropriate for vocational ministry.
- Articulate a master’s level understanding of systematic and historical theology appropriate for vocational ministry.
- Demonstrate exegetical skill in the original languages of the Bible.
- Demonstrate expositional skill in communicating God’s Word.
- Demonstrate shepherding skills of caring for and leading God’s people within a ministry setting.
- Demonstrate evidence of mature Christian character necessary for vocational ministry and lead God’s people to spiritual maturity as one who models the same.
For more information about the Master of Divinity degree program, email grad-divinity@cairn.edu.
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