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Master of Divinity M.Div.
Location: Online
Credits: 72
Overview
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the most comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare men and women for full-time Christian ministry, pastoral leadership, preaching, teaching, chaplaincy, and church administration. This program provides advanced biblical, theological, historical, and ministerial training to equip students to proclaim the Word of God, shepherd God’s people, and lead churches and ministries effectively. The M.Div. at Beracah International Theological Seminary emphasizes academic excellence, sound doctrine, spiritual formation, and global mission engagement.
Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Old and New Testaments.
Apply sound hermeneutical and exegetical principles to biblical texts.
Preach and teach Scripture with clarity, relevance, and theological integrity.
Provide biblical pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual guidance.
Lead and administer church ministries effectively.
Understand the history, theology, and global mission of the church.
Engage contemporary ethical, cultural, and social issues with a biblical worldview.
Communicate and defend the Christian faith in diverse contexts.
Requirements
| General core - 21 credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| GEN501 | Biblical Worldview | 3 | |
| GEN502 | Research Methods | 3 | |
| GEN503 | Entrepreneurial Theology | 3 | |
| GEN504 | Biblical Epistemology | 3 | |
| GEN505 | Theology, Economics and Development | 3 | |
| GEN506 | Biblical Ethics and Social Change | 3 | |
| GEN507 | Bible and Cultural Intelligence | 3 | |
| Biblical and Theological Core - 21 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| THE601 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 | |
| OLD602 | Old Testament Survey and Theology | 3 | |
| NEW603 | New Testament Survey and Theology | 3 | |
| THE604 | Systematic Theology 1 | 3 | |
| THE605 | Systematic Theology 2 | 3 | |
| HIS606 | History of Christianity 1 | 3 | |
| HIS607 | History of Christianity 2 | 3 | |
| Biblical Languages - 12 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| LAN608 | Biblical Greek 1 | 3 | |
| LAN609 | Biblical Greek 2 | 3 | |
| LAN610 | Biblical Hebrew 1 | 3 | |
| LAN611 | Biblical Hebrew 2 | 3 | |
| Pastoral Ministry and Practical Theology - 12 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| MIN701 | Homiletics (Preaching 1) | 3 | |
| MIN702 | Expository Preaching (Preaching 2) | 3 | |
| MIN703 | Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 | |
| MIN704 | Church Administration and Leadership | 3 | |
| Mission, Evangelism and Spiritual Formation and M.Div. Integrative Ministry Project - 6 credits | |||
| Code | Title | Credits | |
| MIN705 | Mission, Evangelism, and Spiritual Formation | 3 | |
| MIN706 | Integrative Ministry Project (Capstone) | 3 | |
Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Divinity M.Div. may pursue roles such as:
Senior Pastor / Associate Pastor
Church Planter
Chaplain (hospital, prison, and so on)
Pastoral Counselor
Bible Teacher or Preaching Pastor
Missionary or Missional Strategist
Director of Ministry Programs
Denominational or Network Leader
Admission to Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) or doctoral programs (Th.D. / Ph.D.)
General core - 21 Credits
GEN501 - Biblical Worldview (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to a comprehensive Christian worldview grounded in Scripture. It explores the nature of reality, human purpose, ethics, culture, and the mission of God. Students examine competing worldviews and develop the ability to interpret contemporary issues through a biblical-theological lens, strengthening their capacity for faithful Christian leadership in society.
GEN502 - Research Methods (3 Credits)
A graduate-level introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Students learn how to design research projects, analyze data, review scholarly literature, formulate hypotheses, and integrate theological reflection with academic inquiry. Emphasis is placed on research skills relevant to ministry, leadership, and theological scholarship.
GEN503 - Entrepreneurial Theology (3 Credits)
This course explores theological and practical foundations for innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving within Christian ministry. Students examine biblical models of creativity, stewardship, and mission-shaped leadership. The course equips learners to design ministry initiatives, launch sustainable projects, and respond to emerging needs within church and society.
GEN504 - Biblical Epistemology (3 Credits)
A study of how knowledge, truth, and belief are understood within Scripture. The course examines philosophical and theological questions concerning revelation, faith, reason, certainty, and spiritual understanding. Students develop tools to think critically about how Christians know what they know and how to apply biblical truth in academic and ministry settings.
GEN505 - Theology, Economics and Development (3 Credits)
An interdisciplinary exploration of economic life from a biblical and theological perspective. Topics include stewardship, work, wealth, poverty, justice, development, public policy, and global mission. Students evaluate modern economic theories in light of Scripture and consider how Christian leaders can promote economic flourishing in their communities.
GEN506 - Biblical Ethics and Social Change (3 Credits)
A study of ethical reasoning grounded in Scripture with application to contemporary social issues. Students analyze moral philosophy, biblical ethical frameworks, justice concerns, human dignity, and the Christian’s role in promoting societal transformation. The course equips graduates to lead ethically in ministry, leadership, and public life.
GEN507 - Bible and Cultural Intelligence (3 Credits)
An examination of how Scripture informs cross-cultural engagement and Christian leadership in diverse contexts. Topics include cultural anthropology, worldview analysis, intercultural communication, and biblical perspectives on ethnicity, unity, and mission. Students develop cultural intelligence necessary for ministry in a globalized world.
Biblical and Theological Core - 21 Credits
THE601 - Biblical Hermeneutics (3 Credits)
An advanced introduction to principles, methods, and tools of biblical interpretation. Students explore genre, historical context, original languages, theological themes, and contemporary application. Emphasis is placed on responsible exegesis for preaching and teaching.
OLD602 - Old Testament Survey and Theology (3 Credits)
A comprehensive study of the Old Testament with emphasis on narrative flow, covenant themes, prophetic literature, wisdom traditions, and theological motifs. Students explore the unfolding of God’s redemptive work in Israel.
NEW603 - New Testament Survey and Theology (3 Credits)
A survey of the New Testament focusing on historical background, literary structure, theology of Jesus and Paul, early church dynamics, and canonical unity. Students learn to interpret New Testament writings for pastoral ministry.
THE604 - Systematic Theology 1 (3 Credits)
A graduate-level introduction to theological method, revelation, Scripture, the Trinity, creation, and humanity. Emphasis is placed on integrating classical doctrine with the needs of the contemporary church.
THE605 - Systematic Theology 2 (3 Credits)
A continuation of Systematic Theology I, focusing on Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Students articulate doctrinal positions grounded in Scripture and informed by historical theology.
HIS606 - History of Christianity 1 (3 Credits)
A study of the early church to the Reformation. Students examine major debates, church councils, leaders, and theological developments that shaped Christian identity.
HIS607 - History of Christianity 2 (3 Credits)
A continuation of History of Christianity I, covering the Reformation to the present. Topics include denominational movements, global missions, revivalism, and modern theological trends.
Biblical Languages - 12 Credits
LAN608 - Biblical Greek 1 (3 Credits)
An introduction to Koine Greek grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Students begin translating selected New Testament passages and learn foundational skills required for exegesis.
LAN609 - Biblical Greek 2 (3 Credits)
A continuation of Biblical Greek I, leading to increased proficiency in translation, intermediate grammar, and exegetical analysis of New Testament texts.
LAN610 - Biblical Hebrew 1 (3 Credits)
A study of biblical Hebrew fundamentals including alphabet, morphology, vocabulary, and basic syntax. Students begin translating simple Old Testament texts.
LAN611 - Biblical Hebrew 2 (3 Credits)
A continuation of Hebrew I, focusing on intermediate grammar, reading comprehension, and exegetical methods for Old Testament interpretation.
Pastoral Ministry and Practical Theology - 12 Credits
MIN701 - Homiletics (Preaching 1) (3 Credits)
An introduction to the theology and practice of biblical preaching. Students learn sermon structure, exegesis, illustration, application, and delivery. Emphasis is placed on preaching with clarity, passion, and biblical fidelity.
MIN702 - Expository Preaching (Preaching 2) (3 Credits)
An advanced course building on Homiletics I, focusing on expository preaching grounded in systematic exegesis of biblical texts. Students preach multiple sermons and receive detailed evaluation.
MIN703 - Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 Credits)
A study of pastoral care theory and applied counseling skills. Topics include crisis intervention, grief, family challenges, spiritual distress, addiction, and ethical decision-making. Students learn holistic models of care.
MIN704 - Church Administration and Leadership (3 Credits)
An introduction to the administrative and organizational responsibilities of pastoral ministry. Topics include church governance, budgeting, planning, supervision, conflict resolution, and effective leadership practices.
Mission, Evangelism and Spiritual Formation and M.Div. Integrative Ministry Project - 6 Credits
MIN705 - Mission, Evangelism, and Spiritual Formation (3 Credits)
A study of the biblical basis, theology, and practice of evangelism and mission. Students explore personal evangelism, discipleship, global mission trends, and spiritual formation practices necessary for effective ministry.
MIN706 - Integrative Ministry Project (Capstone) (3 Credits)
A culminating academic and ministerial project integrating biblical studies, theology, leadership, and practical ministry skills. Students design and complete a major research or ministry initiative demonstrating competence for pastoral leadership.