The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree at AGTS is a cutting edge program designed to enable:

At AGTS, the M.Div. degree requires 78 credits of study. It has been streamlined to enable students to begin or resume full-time ministry one semester sooner than traditional 90 credit programs. Course options in fulfilling requirements enable students to customize their program to fit their needs and interests. Thirteen concentrations allow students to specialize in a particular area, if they wish.

AGTS offers a unique two-track M.Div.: one for those who have graduated from a secular college and another for those who have had substantial undergraduate work in Bible, theology and/or ministry. The first track eliminates the frustration of keeping up with students who already have a background in theological studies. The second track eliminates the frustration of repeating courses already taken in undergraduate studies.

The M.Div. combines the biblical-theological emphasis of the M.A. in Theological Studies with the ministry relevance of the M.A. in Christian Ministries. It more thoroughly equips students for ministry, and—for those interested—future studies such as the D.Min. or Ph.D.

OVERVIEW OF CURRICULUM

Military chaplaincy candidates are strongly encouraged to take an additional 12 credits of their choice. The military considers a 90-credit M.Div. an important factor for promotions.

Students planning to enter a Ph.D. program will profit from taking an additional 12 credits in their field of interest or by considering our proposed Th.M. degree.

Those with limited ministry experience should consider one or two practicums as part of their electives.

Click here to view the courses that make up the resident M.Div. Program and its concentrations.

Graduates are equipped to excel in a wide variety of ministries including:

In addition to the general requirements for graduation, an analytical reflection paper of approximately 3,000 words will be required toward the close of the student’s course work. The paper will summarize the student’s growth experience while at the seminary in relationship to the ministry contemplated. Guidelines are available from the faculty secretary.

The M.Div. degree program requires that 6 credits of biblical languages be taken at AGTS. Introductory coursework in NT Greek is a prerequisite for M.Div. students and cannot be applied to their degree. To satisfy their biblical language requirement, students who have not taken any biblical language study in their undergraduate programs must take six credits of 500-level Greek (Greek 1A and 1B). Subsequently, they can take Inductive Studies in the Greek New Testament (Greek 2A and 2B) or 6 credits of biblical Hebrew (Hebrew 1A and 1B).

A limited number of courses may be taken through directed research or distance learning

The Master of Divinity In-Service Track, offered through the Continuing Education Program, requires that applicants: demonstrate involvement in ministry and satisfy standard admission requirements. The equivalent of one year of residency (27 credits) at the Springfield, Missouri, campus is required.  Program participants may take up to one-third of their courses (27 credits) through the DLC program (see Distance Learning Courses).

The M.Div. In-Service Track is a 78-credit degree, which does not allow for course reduction. A prerequisite for the M.Div. In-Service Track is one year of Greek or its equivalent, which may be taken in addition to the degree credits required. In addition to the general requirements for graduation, participants must complete a field-based research project that applies biblical and professional research to a specific context of ministry.

The M.Div. In-Service Track curriculum is identical to that of the resident M.Div. to provide a seamless approach to integrative learning regardless of the geographic context in which the participant studies. The requirements for this degree as stated in the catalog will remain for the duration of the student’s program.

Click here to view the courses that make up the In-Service Track M.Div. Program and its Musim Ministry concentration

The Muslim Ministry Concentration provides the opportunity to develop competencies essential for effective ministry to Muslims.

Graduates are equipped to excel in a wide variety of ministries including:

“The M.Div. Has elevated and strengthened my teaching and training skills in my present ministry. I was able to immediately convert the seminary experience into valid, practical, and effective ministry.

“My M.Div. experience at AGTS exposed me to issues and challenges that I would face in ministry. Expect a quality academic experience with strong emphasis given to Pentecostal values and spirituality.”