Master of Divinity in Presbyterian Studies

If you are a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the MDiv in Presbyterian Studies program will prepare you, in collaboration with your Committee on Preparation for Ministry, for pastoral leadership and ordination as a Teaching Elder.

This program may be a good fit for you if you plan to pursue ordained ministry as a Teaching Elder in the PC(USA), including, but not limited to, such roles as:

• Pastor of a local congregation
• Chaplain in a hospital or other professional setting (with the addition of chaplaincy certification)
• Validated minister in an educational institution
• PC(USA) denominational work at a local, regional, national or international level

Concentration Learning Outcomes

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

• interpret a selected biblical passage from multiple historical and contemporary perspectives and using one or more critical methods, demonstrating understanding of the influence of their own situatedness on that interpretation;
• conduct a personal theological interpretation of a selected biblical text that demonstrates understanding of the influence of their own situatedness on that interpretation and that engages the situatedness of contemporary readers from a context different from their own;
• critically interpret, analyze and reflect on a selected 1st–17th Century Christian theological text or perspective in its historical context as well as through the lens of modern questions and challenges;
• articulate strategies for effective, professional, ethical, and compassionate pastoral and spiritual care to a diversity of persons;
• construct and deliver a faith formation curriculum that arises from, and addresses the needs of specific populations/issues within ministry contexts and is based on solid theological and religious understanding;
• creatively and effectively construct liturgy and lead worship in one’s religious and denominational context;
• analyze, construct, and lead the basic elements of Christian worship according to their denominational traditions and theological commitments;
• craft and deliver a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context;
• apply basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew to the exegesis of a given biblical text.;
• apply knowledge of the meaning in the original language of selected New Testament texts to the critical interpretation of, analysis of, and reflection on those texts;
• articulate their vocation as a presbyterian minister;
• effectively use the Directory of Worship and the Book of Common Worship in the development of Reformed worship services;
• incorporate each of the four parts of the Book of Order into the practice of Presbyterian ministry;
• effectively moderate a meeting;
• successfully complete the standard ordination exams in Church Polity and in Worship and Sacraments;
• explain the historical development of the Reformed tradition, including the central theological ideas of John Calvin;
• reflect theologically on what it means to be Reformed in the contemporary world;
• explain the basic theological foci of the creeds and confessions found in the Book of Confessions; and
• achieve their self-defined practice of ministry goals that are appropriately based on the requirements of their denomination.

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 three years if you take a full-time course load (24 credits per year)
• Most MDiv concentrations, including Presbyterian Studies, can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously