Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree at Covenant Seminary is designed to equip you for a lifetime of ministry.
The MDiv equips pastors and ministry leaders to to preach and teach the Bible, understand themselves and others, and develop a deeper love for Christ so that they are equipped to lead His Church. This three-year 99-credit-hour program can be taken residentially or through an online hybrid program requiring only 6 trips to campus.
Our world-class faculty have equipped thousands of people for gospel ministry and would love to help you fulfill your calling.
The distinctive Covenant MDiv Experience
Biblical Scholarship
Covenant Seminary faculty were the largest group of contributors to the ESV Study Bible. Our faculty bring a deep commitment to teaching you how to read, teach, and preach the Bible faithfully so that you can equip others.
Ministry Mentorship
Our faculty of pastor-scholars don’t just teach the Bible. They train you to live it. The coursework is designed for real-world ministry. And you will be trained under the supervision of current ministry leaders through a practicum cohort so that you get practical ministry training that is aligned with your vocational goals.
Character Formation
Seminary should not be a spiritual cemetery. Beginning in year one you will be placed in a cohort group where you begin to unpack your own life story. By better understanding yourself and others, you will be changed into a more mature follower of Christ so that you can lead others towards worship and greater spiritual growth as well. Learn more
Community Integration
The church isn’t about just you and your Bible. Seminary shouldn’t be either. You’ll be placed in community both inside the classroom and out, since the most meaningful and lasting spiritual growth always happens in community. Many alumni say their deepest friendships were the ones they made here.
MDiv Overview
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Year One
The foundations of ministry. Learn Greek and theology courses. Begin practical ministry courses like preaching, counseling, & apologetics. Begin your cohort group.
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Year Two
Going deeper into the Bible. Begin advanced Bible courses using Greek. Learn Hebrew. Continue practical ministry training in counseling & teaching. Begin field ed.
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Year Three
Advanced ministry training. Continue Bible & theology courses using Greek & Hebrew. Take advanced ministry courses in pastoral leadership, preaching, & worship.
Note
Some full-time students may wish to do the MDiv in four years. Others preparing for pastoral ministry may wish to add on a Master of Arts in Counseling degree for a 4 or 5 year total program. See more details below.
The result
96%
ministry Placement Rate
Through our Alumni & Career Services office, our alumni find jobs that match their calling.
92%
Pass Ordination Exams the first time
More pastors in the Presbyterian Church in America are trained here than any other seminary.
5,000+
Total Alumni
Our faculty have equipped thousands of people for ministry. We would love to equip you for your calling.
Degree Formats
The Master of Divinity is 99 credit hours. This ministry degree can be obtained through two formats:
Residential
Whole-person ministry training through rigorous academics, complete with on-campus community life & housing. Practical ministry training alongside local pastors & ministry leaders in a distinctive setting with diverse ministry opportunities.
Hybrid Online
Ministry training without leaving your local ministry. Earn an MDiv in as few as six trips to campus. Community with your faculty and fellow students is still a part of the curriculum, though you don’t have to leave the current community you call home.
Two Degree Tracks
Pastoral Ministry Track
The Pastoral Ministry Track prepares men for ordained ministry, such as pastoral ministry, campus ministry, youth ministry, or missions. It can also help prepare those interested in post-graduate study. This track includes all homiletics courses and courses unique for pastoral ministry.
Specialized Ministry Track
The Specialized Ministry Track prepares women for a variety of ministry roles or post-graduate study. This track replaces the homiletics courses for practical theology electives such as educational ministries, counseling, contemporary culture, or world mission.
Program Requirements
Students must have an accredited Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 2.25 GPA. Special exceptions can be made.
Students must attempt the Bible Content Exam during their first semester of coursework and pass it prior to graduation.
For all tracks of the MDiv, 400 hours of supervised practical ministry experience, the Field Education Practicum class, and the Theology of Work module are required for graduation with Field Education Office approval. Specific requirements vary by track.
Concentrations
Students can also add the following concentrations to the Master of Divinity if they wish, though a concentration is not required.
The Church Planting Track
Designed to equip church planters through special courses, personal ministry assessments, externships, mentored oversight, field trips, and fundraising training. Can be taken residentially or through hybrid study formats.
COMBINE WITH THE MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING (MAC) DEGREE
Many students preparing for vocational ministry wish to take advantage of our counseling program while they are here. MDiv students who wish to pursue a dual MDiv + MAC can do a combined 4 or 5 year program. This will equip them in the Bible and ministry skills, as well as give them access to clinical counseling training, mentorship, and a supervised counseling internship to prepare them for counseling ministries, whether in an ordained or clinical setting.
MDiv + MAC Pastoral Ministry Track Degree Overview
MDiv + MAC Specialized Ministry Track Degree Overview
Course Information
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Course Offerings
View a list and descriptions of course offerings for the current academic year.
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Course Descriptions
View a full list of all courses offered on a rotational basis (some not offered every year).
Ready to begin?
If you are being called to ministry, we can help get you there. The next step is to get in touch. One of our Admissions Representatives will contact you to walk you through next steps and answer any questions you might have.