Master of Divinity

Overview: Master of Divinity

Developing Christian leaders for various forms of ministry is the primary function of the Master of Divinity program. The three-year course of study prepares persons for pastoral leadership and ordination in most denominations. The program consists of a core of Bible, theology, and ministry courses. Flexibility is a distinct characteristic of this program. With a system of electives, independent studies, and concentration of courses in a specialized area, students find the program adaptable to their individual needs. A student develops personal resources as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to become a spiritual leader. Graduates are equipped for a variety of related pastoral ministries: chaplaincy, church planting, missionary service, youth ministry, church music, and other church staff ministries. The program also prepares capable persons for doctoral studies.

Objectives: Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity program prepares students for ministry leadership through development in the following areas:

• Spiritual maturity, moral character, and vision for ministry necessary for building the Body of Christ;
• Competence in leading the Body of Christ through preaching, evangelism, administration, and counseling;
• Commitment to the authority of the Scriptures for preaching and teaching so the Body of Christ might be equipped for fulfilling its worldwide mission of evangelism, discipleship, and social change;
• Coherent understanding of the Bible, theology, Christian heritage, and church polity, enabling the graduate to make disciples in a congregation.
  
  

Language Study Options

Students entering the Master of Divinity program are encouraged to study both languages of the Bible. However, students may take either Greek or Hebrew to fulfill the language requirement.Students are advised to complete introductory Greek or Hebrew in college. Those who have fulfilled this requirement before coming to seminary and who demonstrate an adequate competence in Greek or Hebrew may proceed with New or Old Testament exegesis following a written proficiency examination. The examination is given during registration each fall.

The beginning Greek and Hebrew courses are offered each fall semester, intermediate Greek and Hebrew during January term, and Greek and Hebrew exegesis in the spring semester.

A Master of Divinity program based on the English Bible is also available.

Concentrations

A motivated student with clear goals may elect to follow a concentration which best meets his or her professional objectives. These options recognize student individuality and provide opportunities for achieving personal goals. 

Sioux Falls Seminary Student Assessment

Master of Divinity Requirements for Graduation

• Satisfactory completion of 94 semester hours.
• Maintenance of a 2.25 grade point average.
• Recommendation of faculty.
  
  

Course of Study: Master of Divinity

• Language
• Students entering with Greek or Hebrew:
• New Testament Greek Exegesis,  3 hrs. 
•    OR
• Biblical Hebrew Exegesis, 3 hrs.
  
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• Students entering without Greek or Hebrew:
• Elements of New Testament Greek, 3 hrs.
• Intermediate Greek, 2 hrs. 
• New Testament Greek Exegesis, 3 hrs.
•    OR
• Elementary Hebrew I, 3 hrs. 
• Elementary Hebrew II, 2 hrs.
• Biblical Hebrew Exegesis, 3 hrs.
• 
  
• English Language Option:
• The Responsible Use of Scripture, 3 hrs.
  
• Hebrew Primer, 1 hr.
• Greek Primer, 1 hr.
• Issues in Biblical Hermeneutics and Exegesis, 3 hrs.
  
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• Bible
• Old Testament Literature, 3 hrs.
• New Testament Literature, 3 hrs.
  Old Testament Elective, 3 hrs.
• New Testament Elective, 3 hrs.
  
• 
  
• Spirituality and Church History
• Introduction to Spiritual Formation & Vocation, 3 hrs.
• Christian Heritage I, 3 hrs. 
• Christian Heritage II, 3 hrs. 
• Denominational Heritage, 2 hrs.
  
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• Theology and Ethics
• God, Christ, and Humanity, 3 hrs.
• Creation, the Spirit, and the Church, 3 hrs
• Christian Ethics, 3 hrs.
• 
  
• Educational Ministries
• Educational Ministries of the Church, 3 hrs.
• Effective Teaching Practicum, 2 hrs.
• 
  
• Preaching and Pastoral Ministries
• Biblical Foundations of Sermon Preparation, 3 hrs. 
• Sermon Delivery, 2 hrs.
• Worship Leadership, 3 hrs.
• Introduction to Pastoral Care, 3 hrs. 
• Church Leadership and Administration, 3 hrs.
• 
  
• Intercultural Studies
• Mission of the Church, 3 hrs.
• Intercultural Studies Elective, 3 hrs.
• 
  
• Other Requirements
• Graduate Theological Research, 1 hr.
• Supervised Ministry, 8 hrs.
• Readiness for Ministry Colloquium, 2 hrs. 
• Electives, 18-20 hrs.

• Total Required, 94 hrs.

Additional Master of Divinity Options

Master of Divinity Distance Learning Option
Master of Divinity with Specialization in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Master of Divinity with Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy