Master of Divinity
3 YEARS | FREE TUITION
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.
DEGREE OVERVIEW
94 Credit Hours
5 Unique Concentrations
12 Concentration Credits
3 Years to Complete
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.
Core Curriculum
Required for all MDiv students.
YEAR
1
FALL | WINTER | SPRING | SUMMER |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pastoral Ministry Preparation I | 1 | *Concentration Elective | 3 | Pastoral Ministry Preparation II | 1 | *Concentration Elective | 3 |
| Research for Theological Education | 2 | Spiritual Formation and Discipleship | 3 | *Elective | 3 | ||
| Intro to Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 | Historical Theology | 3 | ||||
| Biblical Greek I | 3 | Biblical Greek II | 3 | ||||
| OT Studies I: Pentateuch & Former Prophets | 3 | OT Studies II: Latter Prophets & Writing | 3 | ||||
| TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 12 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 3 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 13 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 6 |
YEAR
2
FALL | WINTER | SPRING | SUMMER |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematic Theology I | 3 | *Concentration Elective | 3 | Systematic Theology II | 3 | *Elective | 3 |
| Biblical Greek Exegesis I or Greek for Exposition | 3 | English Bible or Gk/Hb Exegesis Elective | 3 | *Elective | 3 | ||
| Biblical Hebrew I | 3 | Biblical Hebrew II | 3 | ||||
| NT Studies I: Matthew to Acts | 3 | NT Studies II: Romans to Revelation | 3 | ||||
| TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 12 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 3 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 12 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 6 |
YEAR
3
FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematic Theology III | 3 | *Concentration Elective | 3 | Systematic Theology IV | 3 |
| Foundations of Biblical Teaching | 3 | Christian Ethics | 3 | ||
| Biblical Hebrew Exegesis | 3 | English Bible or Gk/Hb Exegesis Elective | 3 | ||
| Apologetics, Evangelism, & Missions | 3 | Foundations of Biblical Counseling | 3 | ||
| TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 12 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 3 | TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: | 12 |
*12 Concentration Credits Needed
* 6 Elective Credits Needed
TOTAL MDIV CREDIT
HOURS:
94
Degree Concentrations
The 94-hour MDiv program offers a balance between core coursework and specialization. Students complete 67 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.
Concentration Options
Pastoral
This concentration prepares students for pastoral work by focusing on the governance of the church and the public exposition of the Word.
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.
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 total fees, which include a LOGOS package, student events, and graduation costs, can be amortized by the student at $80.00 per month over 36 months. The normal tuition cost for the MDiv degree is approximately $40,000 dollars. We are thankful for our generous partners who make this special MDiv cohort tuition free!
Admission Requirements
- Program Open to Men Only
- Must Be in Residence at Cary Campus
- 3.0 in an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program
- Complete an Interview with Seminary Representatives
- Attend The Shepherd’s Church for Ministry Overview and Experiences
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. This hands-on experience will help prepare students as they move into pastoral positions following graduation.