Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity degree is a 96-hour graduate-level academic program designed primarily for men who wish to serve in the senior pastorate or other position requiring a similar level of spiritual, and ministry leadership. It provides a more in-depth study of the Bible, theology and ministry practice than on the undergraduate level. It is possible to complete the program in four years.

The M.Div. courses are offered during the regular fall and spring semesters as well as during one- or two-week modular classes in the summers (usually late May-June) and winters (usually January). A modular course often includes reading assignments to be completed before the class meets.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Master of Divinity degree program requires an approved Bachelor’s degree. In addition, according to the New Testament, pastoral leadership is the responsibility of men. Because the Master of Divinity program is designed specifically to prepare men for the pastoral ministry or the equivalent level of leadership in Christian Service, the Master of Divinity Program is open only to male students.

Admissions with Language Deficiency

Readiness for Intermediate New Testament Greek is a prerequisite for admission to the M.Div. program. This proficiency may be demonstrated through successful completion of Elementary Greek, at the undergraduate or graduate level, or through the successful completion of a proficiency exam to be administered by IBCS. A student that cannot demonstrate proficiency through one of these means may nevertheless be admitted to the program, provided that the student removes the deficiency within two years of admission.

Language Credit Transfer

Subject to administrative approval, students may transfer as many as 6 credit hours of intermediate or advanced New Testament Greek and up to 6 credit hours of Biblical Hebrew from undergraduate studies as substitutes for graduate Greek and Hebrew courses respectively. Approved and substituted courses would not be required to be made up as electives elsewhere. Substituting for GK 603 or GK 604 requires three such credit hours each.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Divinity, the successful student will

1. Integrate a personal love for God with an ever-expanding relationship with people.
2. Evidence a comprehensive understanding of the original message of the Bible through the application of legitimate hermeneutical principles.
3. Value a deeper knowledge of the historical development of Christian thought and practice.
4. Employ an expanded ability to relay and apply the Bible’s message to the modern audience.
5. Value the commitment to Biblically-based separation.
6. Apply effective, Bible-based solutions to problems encountered in ministry leadership.
7. Construct a genuine concern for people through an understanding of human problems.

Department Head

Program Requirements

Student Spotlight

Pastor Jason McDonnell

“I graduated from IBCS with a Master of Divinity in 2014. That summer, I became the youth pastor at Tri-City Baptist Church, where I have the opportunity to serve families with many different backgrounds. My education at IBCS has afforded me the opportunity to teach not only Bible class on the high school level, but also Elementary Greek at the college level. In September of 2016, I swore into the United States Navy as a reservist, serving as a chaplain. I am thankful that IBCS gave me the necessary credentials to become a chaplain. God has blessed me with a beautiful wife, who is also an IBCS graduate, and four wonderful children.”

Potential Careers Include:

• Church Administrator
• Chaplain
• Evangelist
• Missionary
• Pastor

Ministry Focus

Tri-City Baptist Church and other local churches provide International Baptist College with a variety of opportunities to gain ministry experience. Music students can be personally mentored by an experienced music pastor while serving in a children’s choir, adult choir, or church orchestra. Tri-City Christian Academy’s large enrollment allows education majors to do their observation and student teaching on campus.