Top 9 Master of Divinity Online Programs (mDIV)
Having a Master of Divinity degree is often necessary for pastoral ministry. Depending on your chosen specialization, it may also help you be eligible for a variety of professional pathways. Graduating with a Master of Divinity degree, students can find opportunities as pastors, professors in seminars, corporate and military chaplains, preachers, global missionaries, and campus ministers, among several others.
In seminaries, divinity schools, and other institutions with a similar mission, it is the most sought-after professional degree. In this article, you will find out about the best Master of Divinity online programs to help you choose the right one.
Best Master of Divinity (MDiv) Online Programs
The first post-baccalaureate degree for those interested in a career in pastoral ministry is the Master of Divinity (M.Div.). Here are some of the best online Master of Divinity programs offered by the top colleges and institutes across the United States.
1. Liberty University
Liberty University offers a 2-year master’s degree in Divinity that includes 8-week courses. The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is offered entirely online and aids both men and women in preparing for careers in the ministry. Church history, biblical studies, and theology are just a few of the traditional topics that are covered in-depth and comprehensively by the MDiv degree online.
To achieve your personal, professional, and spiritual objectives, the MDiv online program lets you select a field of study that reflects your goals. It offers a convenient approach for you to acquire the information and abilities you need to deal with the issues your ministry is facing. A full-time position in ministry leadership is also an option for people with this degree.
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has accredited the program. Grants, including Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, scholarships, outside aid, and work-study programs, help students with educational expenses.
2. The Loyola University of Chicago
The Loyola University of Chicago’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a comprehensive degree program that was created to satisfy the educational demands of people called to professional ministerial leadership. The degree can be pursued on campus or remotely through online coursework.
All other courses for the distance program are fully online, with the exception of the Liturgical Leadership course, which requires an intensive on campus. For full-time students, the normal course load is three to four courses every semester, with extra coursework spread out over two summers.
The tuition cost per credit hour of the program is $805. Students can avail of external, institutional, and federal financial aid to support expenses. The Association of Theological Schools Commission on Accrediting has granted IPS at Loyola University Chicago accreditation. In addition, IPS received complete accreditation from the Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
3. Eastern University
Located in Pennsylvania, Eastern University is a nationally-recognized university. It offers a 78-hour Online Master of Divinity (eMDiv) program. It is geared toward ministry professionals and developed around six church practices. It provides a novel and contemporary method for applying theology in a ministry setting.
The curriculum for this course differs from the typical theological curriculum as it uses the Openseseminary approach. The course incorporates biblical studies, history, theology, and practical/pastoral studies. The six elements of church practice may be explored in more depth for students thanks to carefully chosen core and optional courses.
It can be taken entirely online or in a blended online and on-campus format. Grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options are available through the Financial Aid Office. The student body, professors, and administration at Eastern University are all interdenominational Christians who are associated with the American Baptist Churches USA.
4. Regent University
To prepare you to manage a church, ministry, parachurch organization, or NGO, Regent University‘s Master of Divinity in Theology & Ministry combines aspects of the M.A. in Practical Theology with the Master of Theological Studies. Additionally, ordination or a license for ministry are outcomes of the Master of Divinity in Theology & Ministry program.
You will learn about the background of Christianity, the texts of the Bible, and the interpretations of the Bible. Students who receive the degree can work as a Christian educator, church planter, global missionary, corporate/military chaplain, and campus minister are among the titles of a ministerial executive leader.
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) has accredited and approved the Master of Divinity in Theology & Ministry (M.Div.) program at Regent’s School of Divinity. The school offers various financial aid options to eligible students to help them with their program fees.
5. Mercer University
Mercer University offers a Master of Divinity (M.Div) as a 78-hour professional degree for theological colleges and seminaries. It equips students for leadership positions in congregations and other settings, as well as for ordained ministry.
Both a 4-year completely online program and a 3-year residential program are available for this degree. The residential program will consist of 13 hours every semester, whereas the online program will consist of 6 to 7 hours per semester. McAfee teachers provide individualized attention to students as they work towards their degrees and become ready for a career in vocational ministry, with an 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
University-funded aid, state aid, and federal aid are all options available to students at the university. In addition, students can also apply for scholarships, student employment, and grants. The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools has granted the James & Carolyn McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University accreditation.
6. George Fox University
George Fox University offers a 4-year master of divinity program consisting of 72 semester credit hours. It is a hybrid program with courses held online with BridgeWeek in Portland each semester. The program includes biblical studies, pastoral care, the history and theology of Christianity, and spiritual development and discipleship.
To accurately analyze, interpret, and communicate findings, you will engage with Christian Scripture, history, and theology. Additionally, you will participate in spiritual formation that integrates aspects of Scripture, theology, psychology, biology, and social and cultural context. A community of your cohort will hold you responsible for continuing to put what you learn at school into practice.
You will be equipped to head a nonprofit organization, start a church, or serve as a pastor after earning your Master of Divinity. The cost per semester credit hour of the program is $600. Federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to students. The program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, NWCCU.
7. Columbia International University
Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Columbia International University offers a 36-month Master of Divinity in Ministry Studies. The program enables you to lead ministries in a variety of circumstances by equipping you with a broad range of biblical-theological knowledge and useful skills.
The program gives you the tools you need to serve effectively in a local church, a para-church organization, or a missions organization through a customized curriculum. After graduating, students can get several opportunities, including pastoring a local congregation, leading an outreach or discipleship team, leading a marketplace ministry team, serving as an assistant or associate pastor, and leading a ministry team.
The program has received accreditation from the ABHE Commission on Accreditation, ATS, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school offers a wide range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, federal student aid, South Carolina tuition grant, SC Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, military discount, veteran’s benefits, and many more.
8. St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry
St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is a comprehensive and dynamic blend of theological and ministerial preparation. It helps prepare students to give compelling, well-informed testimony to the world, often through professional ministry.
The program includes elaborate courses on Pastoral Theology, Historical Theology, Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, and Foundational Courses. It combines chances for practical applications of the skills taught in the classroom with an in-depth examination of the four areas of development such as intellectual, pastoral, spiritual, and human.
The program includes 72 credits spread across 24 courses. The per credit hour tuition fee for graduate programs at the school is $705. It offers financial aid and scholarships to alleviate the burden of educational costs for students.
9. Southeastern University
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Southeastern University gives students the skills they need to serve in full-time professional ministries, such as missionaries, pastors, and military chaplains. You will get the knowledge and training required for professional ministry service through the Master of Divinity program.
Ecclesiology, Old Testament and New Testament, systematic theology, pastoral care, historical theology, global religions, ethics, philosophy, preaching, and leadership are only a few of the specific subjects addressed. Biblical languages such as Greek and Hebrew are also discussed. You will acquire the knowledge and abilities required to get your ordination certification and to pursue additional study in a Ph.D. program through the combination of these classes with a practicum, a thesis, or an elective.
The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has granted accreditation to the School of Divinity (graduate programs) under the Barnett College of Ministry & Theology at Southeastern University. The school offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to eligible students.
Conclusion
Looking for the right accreditation before choosing a school is essential to get the best learning environment and an authorized degree. Before enrolling in an online master of divinity program, students should research in detail about the course, financial aid offered, and other aspects to ensure the program suits their needs.