3-YEARS | FREE TUITION

MASTER OF DIVINITY

At Shepherds Theological Seminary, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) is our flagship degree. Universally recognized as the gold-standard for vocational ministry, the MDiv is designed to prepare pastors, ministers, chaplains, global workers, and other Christian workers for a life of effective servant leadership. The degree combines an in-depth academic study of Bible Exposition, Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Languages, and Theology, with practical training in pastoral ministry, expository preaching, teaching, biblical counseling, and discipleship. A student in the MDiv program can choose to focus in one of several concentrations to further customize their degree.

3-YEAR PROGRAM STRUCTURE

 

The 3-Year MDiv cohort program is an accelerated pastoral ministry program offering a comprehensive curriculum that equips students for ministry. Students will learn the biblical languages, explore scripture from beginning to end, and gain a systematic understanding of Christian doctrines. The program also delves into the practical aspects of ministry, teaching the principles and practices of teaching, counseling, and discipleship. Graduates will leave with the foundational knowledge and versatile skills needed to serve effectively in any ministry setting.

DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

 

The 93-hour MDiv program offers a balance between core coursework and specialization. Students complete 66 credits together with their cohort, forming a strong foundation. The remaining 27 credits allow them to tailor their education to specific interests. These credits are divided into three categories:

  1. Biblical Exposition (9 credits): Students choose three courses from a variety of English, Greek, or Hebrew Bible book studies.
  2. Electives (6 credits): Students select two elective courses to further explore their interests.
  3. Concentration (12 credits): Students dig deeper into a chosen area of focus by completing four courses in their MDiv concentration.

 

1. Biblical Exposition (9 Credits)

Students choose three courses from a variety of English, Greek, or Hebrew Bible book studies.

2. Electives (6 Credits)

Students select two elective courses to further explore their interests.

3. Concentration (12 Credits)

Students dig deeper into a chosen area of focus by completing four courses in their MDiv concentration.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be in residence at the Cary Campus
  • 3.0 in an accredited bachelor’s degree program
  • Complete an interview (in person or on zoom) with the Dean of the Seminary
  • Attend the Shepherd’s Church (for discipleship and ministry opportunities)*
  • Pay the one-time student fee for the program ($2,000)

COST

This is a tuition free program offered through Shepherds’ Adopt-a-Shepherd Scholarship Fund. Students enrolled in this program will be responsible for payment of fees and purchase of books. The fees total 2,000 for the entire program.

 

COHORT MODEL

Students in this pastoral ministry program will come together as a cohort on the STS main campus located in Cary, NC. They will maintain a shared academic schedule for three years and then graduate together. The cohort experience establishes friendships, creating a lifelong ministry support group. Additionally, cohort students have full access to all the discipleship opportunities afforded to the rest of the STS student body, including chapel, the mentorship program, and enriching student activities.

HANDS-ON MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

The Shepherds’ Cohort Program partners students with The Shepherd’s Church community where students will gain hands-on ministry experience. Students will learn by doing and experiencing a wide range of church activities from teaching in adult Bible studies, to sitting in elder’s meetings, to assisting in the nursery. This hands-on experience will help prepare students as they move into pastoral positions following graduation.

CONCENTRATION SELECTIONS 

PASTORAL (MEN ONLY)

This concentration prepares students for pastoral work by focusing on the governance of the church and the public exposition of the Word. 

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ADVANCED BIBLICAL LANGUAGES

This concentration allows a student to go deeper into the Biblical languages and is ideal for doctoral preparation. 

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ADVANCED BIBLICAL STUDIES

This concentration allows a student to go deeper into theological and biblical studies and is ideal for doctoral preparation. 

ADVANCED THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

This concentration prepares students to go deeper into the History of Theology and the core Doctrines of the Faith. It is ideal for those who are interested in future PhD work in this discipline.

BIBLICAL COUNSELING

This concentration allows a student to gain advanced training in counseling. It is preparatory for work in the church or in parachurch counseling ministries. 

CHAPLAINCY

This concentration allows students to meet the requirements for hospital or military Chaplaincy. 

CHURCH PLANTING

This concentration prepares students to engage in the rewarding and challenging work of church planting and church revitalization.

GLOBAL MINISTRY

This concentration prepares students for the critically important work of global ministry. It is ideal for those who desire to serve as a church planter overseas or for those desiring to engage in marketplace ministry.

INTERDISCIPLINARY

This concentration allows a student to tailor their Master of Divinity electives according to the student’s interests or perceived skill gaps. 

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