The Master of Divinity Program

At the heart of the School of Divinity’s academic offerings is the program leading to the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree. The program is designed to prepare men and women for competent and faithful service to the church and to the world. Recognized by most churches and denominational bodies as the basic theological degree, the Master of Divinity at Wake Forest is built around a classic core of biblical studies, historical studies, ministerial studies, spirituality, and theological studies. Ecumenical in outlook, the program seeks to educate students by engaging the rich histories and traditions of the churches, by confronting contemporary issues facing the church and larger culture, and by cultivating a community committed to the integration of learning, formation, and service as a lifelong vocation.

The Master of Divinity is a 90-hour program that can be completed in three years of full-time, residential study. In addition to the core curriculum in biblical studies, church history, theology, worship, homiletics, and spiritual formation, students are guided through a three-year program of vocational formation, including supervised experiential learning in a ministry setting in the second year. A strong leadership studies component provides direction and guidance for students preparing for ordained ministry within their denominational traditions, and for those interested, various public service and not-for-profit agencies that provide ministry in communities. All students enroll in a multicultural immersion course that provides an academic component and experiential learning in an urban, rural, or internationallocation. Students have opportunities for spiritual growth and deepening through a variety of activities such as classes, chapel, small group sessions, retreat experiences, and spiritual formation practices. Broad in its scope, the degree program encourages students to utilize the diverse academic resources of the University through interdisciplinary learning.

The Master of Divinity program at the School of Divinity is designed for full-time students. While the curriculum is carefully structured to provide the classical components of the MDiv program, the School of Divinity considers each student’s needs and interests in helping him or her design the elective component of the program.

Goals for the Master of Divinity Degree

The Master of Divinity program at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity combines study of the academic theological disciplines with rich opportunities for vocational formation and spiritual nurture. Through an integrated curriculum and with access to the University’s broad resources, students experience intellectual challenge and ecumenical engagement. Creatively-mentored internships foster professional development in a variety of community settings. Master of Divinity students acquire a clarified sense of vocation and the ability to analyze cultural and contextual issues bearing upon ministry. In particular, students who graduate with the Master of Divinity degree from the Wake Forest University School of Divinity shall demonstrate:

•A knowledge of Christian scripture, history, and theology that is substantial and relevant for pastoral ministry;

•Evidence of sustained reflection on and participation in spiritual nurture, both individual and communal;

•Development of skills, gifts, and arts of ministry appropriate for leadership in local congregations and other settings.

See requirements for the Master of Divinity Program.