Advanced M.Div. Will Speed Up Graduate Degree Completion

Starting spring 2019, Cedarville University will offer a more personalized Master of Divinity degree pathway that builds on undergraduate coursework already completed by students.

Cedarville’s new Advanced Master of Divinity degree program, approved by the Higher Learning Commission in September, builds on undergraduate studies in Bible, theology and ministry in a customizable format. Students who have completed a minimum of 21 credit hours of relevant undergrad coursework are eligible for this program. The program will recognize a maximum of 30 hours.

“It is very much a personalized degree,” said Dr. Jason Lee, dean of Cedarville’s school of biblical and theological studies. “We will work with each student’s transcript and come up with a degree program that fits their preparation.”

Students will complete the Advanced Master of Divinity program in 61 credit hours, with a nine-hour specialized track built in. Students can choose from one of eight specialized tracks: academic ministry, biblical apologetics, biblical care and counseling, missions, pastoral ministry, women's ministry, worship and theology and youth and family ministry.

“The new program could save students money, reduce overlap with undergraduate Bible courses and still allow them a high level of specialized ministry training,” said Lee.

This degree is designed to move students through the academic program into ministry opportunities at a quicker, but thorough, pace.

According to Lee, the advanced master’s program allows students the flexibility to work in a secular career field while preparing for ministry. Additionally, this program could open up new opportunities for missions in closed access countries.

“Many times students can get into closed countries as a nurse, a teacher or through a variety of undergrad programs. So, if they major in one of those areas while at Cedarville and do the Advanced M.Div., that will qualify them for work as a missionary because they will have the ministry and theology and mission training that they want,” said Lee.

“Cedarville has been equipping graduates for ministry since its founding in 1887. Its graduate offerings — the Master of Ministry and the Master of Divinity — are an extension of the university’s commitment to equip students who will serve the local church and advance the Gospel,” said Dr. Janice Supplee, dean of graduate studies.

Students can apply for the Advanced M.Div. starting spring 2019.

Cedarville University also offers a stand-alone, 79-hour M.Div. and a five-year Accelerated B.A. + M.Div. degree. Find out more about Cedarville’s M.Div. options online.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,193 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.