Master of Divinity in General Studies

The flexible MDiv in General Studies program prepares you for ministry in a variety of contexts. It’s ideal if you are not following a predefined ordination track, or if you wish to pursue an MDiv but are not seeking ordination. It allows you to customize your curriculum to meet your vocational goals.

If you are seeking ordination from a denomination with rigorous curricular requirements, the MDiv in Church Leadership may be the better program for you.

This program may be a good fit for you if you plan to pursue:

• Ordained ministry in a denomination with flexible ordination requirements
• Ordination in a non-denominational church
• A non-ordained ministerial position
• A Ph.D. from a seminary or divinity school that requires an MDiv for admission to the Ph.D. program

Concentration Learning Outcomes

In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the General Studies program will be able to:

• critically interpret, analyze and reflect on a selected Christian theological text or perspective in its historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges; and
• craft, deliver, and reflect on a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context.

United’s MDiv at a Glance

• 72 credits
• Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including one field experience
• A final thesis or project is not required, but you can choose to complete a thesis as an elective course
• Can be completed in approximately three years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
• Most MDiv concentrations, including General Studies, can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously