The Graduate School of Theology offers three theological degrees designed to prepare students for more effective Christian service and ministry:
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Christian Scripture is a 43-semester hour degree that enables students to read and interpret the Bible in the original languages of the texts. Our faculty educates students to engage scripture responsibly and interact thoughtfully with biblical scholarship, resulting not only in a deeper appreciation for the Bible, but also in spiritual growth and increased ability to communicate the gospel effectively. Moreover, those wishing to continue their graduate education beyond the MA will receive excellent preparation from the program.
MA Curriculum (43 hours)
Each student will be required to complete a total of 43 hours for the Master of Arts in Christian Scripture, as follows. All requirements must be completed for graduation.
1. Information Literacy (3 hours)
Every student will take MN500 Theological Education and Research within the first nine hours of the program. This class introduces the student to HCU staff, faculty, and resources, program policies and expectations, and the craft of research.
2. Language (18 hours)
A foundational aspect of the critical approach to scripture encouraged by the MA is knowledge of the original language(s) of the Hebrew Bible and/or New Testament. The program does not require previous knowledge of these languages. At least 18 hours of coursework will focus on mastering one or more languages.
3. Critical and Theological Perspectives (15 hours)
Students will take 15 hours of courses designated OT, NT, or TH.
4. Spiritual Formation (3 units)
Beginning with the first semester of enrollment, students will begin a program of Spiritual Formation designed to aid the spiritual life of the student during the time of academic growth and critical awareness gained throughout the degree program.
5. Independent Biblical Research (6 hours)
Students may choose to complete an MA Thesis (TH700) or a Guided Research project (TH743) along with an additional three-hour language course. Both the thesis and the guided research are designed to demonstrate the student’s competency in the interpretation of Christian Scripture. The student will be assigned to a professor for guidance through the research process.
6. Comprehensive Exams (1 hour)
All MA students will take a series of comprehensive exams in TH717: (1) a written exam in Biblical Studies with a language exam in Greek or Hebrew, (2) completion of the capstone portfolio, and (3) an oral defense with the three members of the comprehensive exam committee entailing (a) discussion of insufficient elements of the written exams, (b) evaluation of the capstone portfolio, (c)
demonstration of the relevance of the thesis to select student learning objectives, (d) any areas of interests of the committee related to student experience in the program.
Master of Ministry
The Master of Ministry is a 37-semester hour degree that prepares persons for service and leadership in ministerial settings by introducing the nature and practice of ministry, engaging scriptural and theological foundations, and encouraging the formation of the minister. The MMin is designed for flexibility, emphasizing choice in coursework to fit the contextual needs and vocational interests of the student. This program is designed for those seeking a first professional ministry degree, an additional degree after a period of absence from graduate education, or a pathway toward the MDiv.
MMin Curriculum (37 hours)
The 37 semester hour degree is composed of six major divisions: Information Literacy, Practice of Ministry, Texts and Contexts, Formation for Ministry, Specialization or Electives, and Capstone Assessment.
1. Information Literacy (3 hours)
Students will take MN500 Theological Education and Research within the first nine hours of graduate studies.
2. Practice of Ministry (6 hours)
Students will complete 3 credit hours in Ministry (Courses with prefix MN) and 3 credit hours in Counseling (courses with prefix CN).
3. Texts and Contexts (9 hours)
Students will complete 3 credit hours in New Testament (courses with prefix NT), 3 credit hours in Old Testament (courses with prefix OT), and 3 credit hours in Theology (courses with prefix TH).
4. Formation for Ministry (9 Hours + 3 Units)
Students will complete coursework in Spiritual Formation (MN532) and Human Formation (CN542), field work in a semester of supervised ministry experience under the mentorship of an approved supervisor (MN707), and 3 units of spiritual formation (SF877, SF878, SF879).
5. Specialization or Electives (9 hours)
Students will choose between 9 hours of elective credit or a specialization in one of 7 areas: Congregational Leadership, Homiletics, Christian Education, Pastoral Counseling, Youth Ministry, Christian Theology, Old Testament, New Testament.
6. Capstone Assessment (1 hour)
MMin students will take a series of comprehensive exams in TH707: (1) a four hour exam addressing various components of the program of study, (2) completion of the capstone portfolio, when necessary, and (3) an oral defense with the three members of the comprehensive exam committee entailing (a) discussion of insufficient elements of the written exams, (b) evaluation of the capstone portfolio, when necessary, (c) demonstration of the relevance of field education to select student learning objectives, (d) any areas of interests of the committee related to student experience in the program.
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity is a 76-semester hour degree that trains individuals for Christian ministerial leadership in a congregational setting. The MDiv is the first theological degree required for admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree, and the recommended degree for preparation for admission into advanced research-based theological degrees such as the Master of Theology, the Doctor of Theology, or the Doctor of Philosophy. Additionally, the MDiv is the required degree for service as a chaplain in the United States Armed Forces.
MDiv Curriculum (76 hours)
Each student will be required to complete a total of 76 hours for the Master of Divinity.
Students will develop a holistic ministry plan that specifically addresses the needs of a Christian community or communities while basing the program upon the student’s rigorous academic research. The student will implement relevant primary and secondary sources, case studies, etc. that address specific issues or concerns in the field of ministry and Christian service. The study will be specific to the student’s primary area and will be developed with the profession in mind. The results of this research will be presented to the faculty as the student’s practicum.
1. Information Literacy (3 hours)
Every student will take MN500 Theological Education and Research within the first nine hours of graduate studies.
2. Our Religious Heritage (27 hours)
Every student will complete 12 hours of one language sequence, 12 hours of biblical studies including introductions to Old and New Testaments as well as study of at least one biblical book in the Old and New Testaments, and 3 hours in the study of Theology.
3. Spiritual Formation of a Leader (3 hours + 7 Units)
Students will complete coursework in Spiritual Formation (MN532) and 7 units through the MDiv spiritual formation program.
4. Contextualizing Our Religious Heritage (12 Hours)
Students will take 12 hours to gain skill in interpretation by engaging various methodologies, applications, and approaches to the study of the Bible, ministry, and religion.
5. Praxis in our Religious Heritage (30 hours)
Students will complete 6 hours of study in pastoral counseling and 6 hours of study in ministry. Students will complete 2 semesters of supervised ministry experience under the mentorship of an approved supervisor for six hours credit. Additionally, the MDiv includes 12 hours of elective credit where students may enhance ministry preparation through any combination of courses offered through the Graduate School of Theology.
6. Capstone Assessment (1 hour)
MDiv students will take a series of comprehensive exams in TH727: (1) a written exam stemming from an area or areas of MDiv coursework, (2) completion of the capstone portfolio, and (3) an oral defense with the three members of the comprehensive exam committee entailing (a) discussion of insufficient elements of the written exams, (b) evaluation of the capstone portfolio, (c) demonstration of the relevance of field education and the practicum to select student learning objectives, (d) any areas of interests of the committee related to student experience in the program.
