The seventy-nine-credit hour MDiv degree (plus eleven credit hours of field education) is designed primarily to equip parish pastors, but also those seeking service credit hours in specialized ministries such as teaching, counseling, and various kinds of chaplaincy. The MDiv may lead to Ordination to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Divinity degree is awarded to students who:
- Complete all Vocational and Spiritual Formation for Leadership evaluations and receive approval by faculty vote.
- Complete the required 79 semester hours of academic course work, plus 11 field education credit hours.
- Maintain a grade point average of 2.5. No grade under C- shall be counted toward the degree.
- Exemplify a quality of life and commitment suitable for ministry.
- Rectify all incomplete grades no later than week seven of the semester in which they plan to graduate.
- Fulfill all financial obligations to the Seminary.
- Complete the degree program within seven (7) years from the time of matriculation.
Biblical Languages
Six semester hours of New Testament Greek (1 and 2) are required for MDiv programs in addition to a three-semester hour Greek exegesis course. Though not required, Hebrew 1 and 2 are highly recommended as elective options.
Before enrolling in Greek Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching, anyone who has not had a passing grade in two terms of New Testament Greek language within one year must pass a proficiency exam.
Bible | 24 Credit Hours
History | 9 Credit Hours
| HSTY 5210 | Christian History 1: the Early Church to the Early Reformation (1-16c) | 3 |
| HSTY 5220 | Christian History 2: Global Christianity (17-21c) | 3 |
| HSTY 5230 | Christian History 3: North American Christianity | 3 |
Theology | 12 Credit Hours
Spiritual Formation | 4 Credit Hours
| SPFM 5201 | Journey: The Story of Our Lives | 1 |
| SPFM 5211 | Intercultural Spirituality: Praying Together | 1 |
| SPFM | Spiritual Formation Elective | |
| SPFM | Spiritual Formation Elective | |
Ministry | 15 Credit Hours
Cultural Diversity Elective | 3 Credit Hours
Student selects one course from the following:
| BIBL 6290 | Intercultural Readings of the Bible | 3 |
| MNST 6125 | Issues of Christian Faith in the Americas | 3 |
| MNST 6130 | The Gospel in Asian Context | 3 |
| MNST 6135 | Experiencing African Christianity | 3 |
| MNST 6140 | Experiencing Global Christianity | 3 |
| MNST 6151 | Cultural Dimensions of Mission | 3 |
| MNST 6152 | Rethinking Mission: Lessons From Christian Art History & Practice | 3 |
| MNST 6352 | Journey to Mosaic | 3 |
| MNST 6401 | Sankofa: Racial Righteousness & Reconciliation | 3 |
On occasion, a 7190 Topics course which is not offered on a regular basis will fulfill an area requirement.
Denominational Elective | 3 Credit Hours
Students seeking ECC ordination are encouraged to take HSTY 6300 History and Theology of the Covenant Church (3 credit hours). Students from a denomination other than the Evangelical Covenant Church may take a course in their home denomination’s history, theology, and polity. Such courses may be taken through cross-registration at another school in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, or as an independent study with North Park faculty. Students not seeking ordination in any denomination may substitute any class by petition.
General Elective | 9 Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours for the Degree | 79 Credit Hours
Students are required to take 27 credit hours in residence at the main campus. Students are recommended for graduation when all requirements are fulfilled for the degree.
Field Education
Field education may be completed prior to, during, or post course completion for the MDiv degree. The experiences designated as field education will be awarded eleven (11) credit hours in addition to the ninety-two (92) credit hours required for the MDiv degree.