Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are anticipated for Master of Divinity students:

1. the ability to see the holy in all life –in the entirety of creation
2. the ability to read and interpret scripture and other sacred texts with cultural sensitivity, ethical awareness, and a critical understanding of their histories, interpretations, and applications in church and society
3. the ability to think theologically with imagination, openness, and analytical insight
4. the ability to interpret histories of Christian thought and practice critically and creatively, engaging the otherness of the past while also rendering it relevant to current contexts and emerging possibilities
5. the ability to hear God’s call to recognize and address injustice and inequality in the social structuring of gender, ethnicity, race, class, disabilities, and sexual identity
6. the capacity to exercise effective leadership in both ecclesial and public contexts through, for example, preaching, teaching, pastoral care, worship, and justice ministries
7. the development of communal and personal practices that nourish spiritual and moral well-being.
8. transformative engagement during the seminary years with religious pluralism and cultural difference in the classroom, on cross cultural trips, and in community life

Program Duration and Location

The M.Div. program is designed to be completed in three years of full-time study. Students who carry heavy employment or other responsibilities may extend this an additional year by carrying a lighter but still full-time load. Financial assistance may be awarded for no more four years (including the January and summer terms during those years) and all requirements for the degree must be completed within seven years of the date of initial matriculation. Students may not take more than 15 credits in the fall or spring semester or 3 credits in the January term without approval of the Academic Standing Committee.

Students who cannot attend seminary full time may apply for the Extended Track Program of the Theological School. In this program, students take 15-18 credits per year including fall and spring semesters, January term, and summer terms. The program takes five to six years to complete on this track. Scholarships apply to all courses (even if the student is enrolled in only three credits) up to a total of six years (including January and summer terms during those years). There are a limited number of spaces available for Extended Track students. Students should indicate an interest in this program on their application form.

Students must complete a minimum of forty-two credits at Drew Theological School. Students with credits earned elsewhere at the graduate level may apply for transfer credit.  Transfer credits do not replace any required courses. Students may petition to waive requirements based on previous course work on a case-by-case basis. For more information on transfers and waivers see the Academic Policies section of the catalogue. 

Credits for the M.Div. are earned in a combination of regular semester-long courses held on Drew’s campus in Madison, New Jersey, online courses, intensive courses that meet in a compressed time period (one to three weeks), hybrid courses that combine on-campus meetings with online work, and off-site courses such as supervised ministry placements, travel seminars, and courses that meet at one of New Jersey’s state prisons. Most courses meet once per week and are offered at daytime or nighttime hours. While there is substantial flexibility in the course offerings, it is not possible at this time to complete the M.Div. with entirely night/weekend courses, online courses, or with traveling to Drew only one day per week. 

Curriculum

The M.Div. is awarded at the satisfactory completion of 84 credits: 51 required and 33 elective. Students are encouraged to use elective credits to shape the curriculum to their own professional goals, to fulfill specific denominational requirements for ordination, and to become more proficient in areas where future ministry needs or study interests may have been identified.

The M.Div. required courses are as follows:

• BBST 501 - Biblical Literature I: Torah, Prophets, Writings
• BBST 511 - Biblical Literature II: Gospels, Epistles, Apocalypse
• CHST 502 - Church History 1
• CHST 503 - Church History 2
• TPHL 501 - Systematic Theology
• CSOC 501 - Christian Ethics
• CSOC 500 - Religion and the Social Process
• PSTH 501 - Pastoral Formation 1
• PSTH 502 - Pastoral Formation 2
• PSTH 503 - Introduction to Educational Ministry
• CSOC 504 - Introduction to Pastoral Care
• PSTH 505 - The Church at Worship: Worship
• PSTH 506 - The Church at Worship: Preaching
• PSTH 521 - Supervised Ministry 1
• PSTH 522 - Supervised Ministry 2

Suggested Course Sequence For Required Courses (Full-Time)

First Year:

Entering students are advised to complete approximately 15-18 credits of required courses in the first two semesters:

• Biblical Literature 1 and 2 (6 credits)
• Pastoral Formation 1 and 2 (3 credits)
• Church History 1 and/or 2 (3 to 6 credits)
• Introduction to Educational Ministries, Religion and the Social Process, or Systematic Theology (3 credits)

Taking only required courses in the first year is possible, but not recommended. Choose the remaining credits from electives that provide opportunities for exploration and/or alternative modes of learning.

Some students will be required to take TPHL 584 Theological Research and Writing. This course is also open to any student wanting to improve their academic writing skills. ESOL students usually take a sequence of THPH 549 A-D: Theological Language and Learning.

Second Year:

• Second year students commonly take Supervised Ministry 1 and 2, Church @ Worship (both Worship and Preaching), and two or three required courses, again striving for a balance in workload, progress, and interest.
• Students are encouraged to take their cross-cultural course in their second or third year.
• Required courses are offered at night, in the January or summer terms, and in hybrid format on an unpredictable schedule. Commuter students are encouraged to consider these special offerings whenever possible.

Additional Suggestions for Enriching your Educational Experience:

• Take classes with a range of Drew professors. They each have different talents and expertise.
• Consider taking a course in PREP. This innovative program allows you to join your Drew professor and go into either Edna Mahan correctional facility (for women) or Northern State correctional facility (for men) to co-learn alongside Drew’s “inside” students among the incarcerated population on New Jersey.
• Attend chapel. It is an important part of Drew’s shared spiritual and communal life. Consider chapel practicum (PSTH 565) or singing in the seminary choir (PSTH 575) as a one-credit experience (both are P/F).
• Attend non-classroom events. Lectures, panels, special services, and other events are announced by e-mail in Theo Update, the bi-weekly Theological School e-newsletter.
• Students at Drew may cross-register to take courses at New York Theological School or Union Seminary in New York. For more information, see the Registrar’s office.