Advanced M.Div. gives future Christian leaders head start to new plateaus of learning
The Advanced Master of Divinity degree has always been a bridge from collegiate-level biblical and theological studies to the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program, and now that bridge is both shorter and more efficient thanks to Southwestern Seminary’s new Advanced M.Div. The 73-hour program with 33 hours of prerequisites will enable students to build upon their undergraduate theological training and advance through master’s-level studies even faster.
“I am so pleased to introduce our new Advanced M.Div. to Christian college students of today!” says D. Jeffrey Bingham, interim president of Southwestern. “Finally, we can offer to them a shorter, more efficient bridge from their collegiate biblical and theological achievements to a Master of Divinity.”
“Southwestern’s new curriculum values and respects the work they have already done, and then imparts new knowledge and skills,” Bingham says. “These learning experiences equip students for a lifetime of ministerial service by building on their college experiences without repeating them. The Advanced M.Div. gives future Christian leaders a head start to new plateaus of learning.”
The Advanced M.Div. is designed to allow students who completed theological studies in their undergraduate programs (such as Old and New Testament studies and courses in Greek and/or Hebrew) to pursue master’s-level education without having to repeat these core classes. Instead, they can pursue elective courses that will enrich their knowledge and build on a pre-established foundation.
Dean of Scarborough College Mike Wilkinson was involved in the revision of the Advanced M.Div. “to ensure that this degree provides a good bridge for the Scarborough student from the college to the M.Div.,” notes Mark Taylor, interim senior associate dean of the School of Theology. In addition to the Advanced M.Div., Southwestern also offers Advanced Standing, whereby students may take a proficiency exam in a subject area in which they already have class experience.
“These two options build a much greater bridge between Scarborough College and the seminary, coordinating our work together to get more students out into the field quicker without losing any of the quality of either degree,” says Wilkinson. “In fact, the quality increases by allowing our students fewer, but more advanced, courses for ministry preparation.”
Current students may switch into the new program immediately by completing the online degree change form. Any questions can be answered by the Registrar’s Office at 817-923-1921, ext. 2000.
