The Master of Divinity is Olivet Theological College & Seminary’s flagship four-year program designed to prepare future ministers for real-world church planting and specialized ministry in twenty-first-century Christian missions. This program offers students core biblical and theological instruction, leadership training, and a range of practical skills necessary to perform ministerial duties in churches and various ministries globally.

As the entrance qualification for ordained pastoral ministry, the Master of Divinity degree aims to prepare and equip its students for a fruitful life in ministry. What sets Olivet’s M.Div. program apart is its format, integrating theological, biblical, and mission-critical practical work experiences. To address the challenges of the dynamic world, the program includes specific ministry internship experiences, allowing M. Div. students at Olivet to choose their concentrations.

The program provides students with the opportunity to study at more than one Olivet University location. For those interested in taking the Master of Divinity program online, it is available through the eCampus.

Program Goals

In the context of Olivet’s mission, completion of the Master of Divinity program will enable students to:

• Grow in likeness to Christ.
• Develop biblically and theologically sound expository sermons within a historical context.
• Evaluate contemporary moral and social issues by applying Biblical and theological principles.
• Gain professional competencies in the respective fields of Christian ministries.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate with a Master of Divinity degree from OTCS, the student must:

1. Pass a total of 136 quarter credits, including 100 quarter credits of Master of Divinity required and elective courses, and 36 quarter credits in the chosen Concentration;
2. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 (B average) or above in course work applicable to degree;
3. Receive a passing mark for all Christian Service and Chapel requirements;
4. Complete all degree requirements within the time limit, unless extenuating circumstances exist;
5. Satisfy all financial responsibilities of the university.

Students are subject to the Master of Divinity degree requirements of the catalog of the year in which they entered unless a change to a more recent catalog year has been approved.

Time Limits

The Master of Divinity degree is normally fulfilled in four (4) years of study. Except under extenuating circumstances, all requirements for the degree must be completed within six (6) years of the date of enrollment. Students who have not completed the requirements within the six-year period must apply to the Registrar’s Office for an enrollment extension every term, up to a maximum of ten (10) years from the date of enrollment.

Curriculum

The Masters of Divinity degree is offered in collaboration with a number of affiliate ministries and mission-minded companies colocated or in close proximity to the university campus locations. It can be taken either as a stand-alone program or as part of a dual degree option with an applicable master’s degree from another school at Olivet University. Its design requires half-time or full-time employment from all students throughout this graduate program. The program is offered in an evening/weekend format to maximize the integration of essential curricular studies and theory with practical application and professional reflection.

1. Biblical Studies Requirement (28 units)

Students are required to take the following six Biblical studies courses and four biblical language courses:

Students are required to take no fewer than 28 units of biblical studies courses selected from the following options:

1. BIBL501 Old Testament I – Pentateuch (4 units)
2. BIBL502 Old Testament II – Historical Books, Psalms and
3. Wisdom Books (4 units)
4. BIBL503 Old Testament III – Canonical Prophets (Isaiah- Malachi) (4 units)
5. BIBL511 New Testament I – Gospels (4 units)
6. BIBL512 New Testament II – Acts & Pauline Epistles (4 units)
7. BIBL513 New Testament III – Hebrews to Revelations (4 units)
8. BIBL630 The Primeval History (4 units)
9. BIBL640 The Life and Theology of Paul (4 units)
10. BIBL641 Galatians (4 units)
11. BIBL650 First Epistle to the Corinthians (4 units)
12. BIBL651 Second Epistle to the Corinthians (4 units)
13. BIBL720 Acts and Romans (4 units)
14. BIBL730 Special Topics in Biblical Studies (4 units)

2. Biblical Languages Requirement (8 units)

Students are required to take following four biblical languages courses:

1. BIBL551 Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation I* (2 units)
2. BIBL552 Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation II* (2 units)
3. BIBL561 Greek for Biblical Interpretation I* (2 units)
4. BIBL562 Greek for Biblical Interpretation II* (2 units)

* Note: These courses may be waived if the student takes proficiency exams and demonstrates competency in Biblical Hebrew or Biblical Greek.

3. Theological & Historical Studies Requirement (32 Units)

Students are required to take no fewer than 32 units of theological and historical studies courses selected from the following options:

1. HIST505 History of Christianity I: 100-1650 (4 units)
2. HIST506 History of Christianity II: 1650-Present (4 units)
3. HIST510 Historical Theology I (4 units)
4. THEO500 Theological Prolegomena (4 units)
5. THEO501 Systematic Theology I: Doctrine of God, Anthropology (4 units)
6. THEO502 Systematic Theology II: Christology, Soteriology (4 units)
7. THEO503 Systematic Theology III: Ecclesiology, Eschatology (4 units)
8. THEO600 Christian Apologetics (4 units)
9. THEO610 Christian Ethics (4 units)
10. THEO620 Biblical Hermeneutics (4 units)
11. THEO640 Special Topics in Theological Studies (4 units)

4. Ministry Studies Requirement (20 Units)

Students are required to take additional elective courses of their choice in any area of this OTCS’ graduate program.

5. Electives Requirement (12 Units)

As part of the OTCS’ graduate program, students should fulfill an elective course requirement of 12 units. They can select these elective courses from any area within M.Div. program that aligns with their interests and goals.

Course list below is exemplary only:

1. BIBL520 Studies in Romans I (4 units)
2. BIBL521 Studies in Romans II (4 units)
3. BIBL620 The Gospel of John (4 units)
4. BIBL655 The Letter to the Romans (4 units)
5. BIBL553 Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation I Practice (2 units)
6. BIBL554 Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation II Practice (2 units)
7. BIBL563 Greek for Biblical Interpretation I Practice (2 units)
8. BIBL564 Greek for Biblical Interpretation II Practice (2 units)
9. MINS624 Teaching the Transforming Word I (4 units)
10. MINS625 Teaching the Transforming Word II (4 units)
11. MINS650 Christian Family and Marriage (4 units)
12. MINS702-704 Homiletics Workshop I-III (2 units each)
13. MINS705-707 Homiletics Workshop IV-VI (3 units each)

Note: The listed courses should not be considered exhaustive, as there may be other courses that fulfill the category requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with your academic advisor for further guidance.

6. General Ministry Skills (0 Units)

M.Div. students must register for PRAC021 Graduate Chapel every quarter they are enrolled. To pass chapel, students must achieve a score of at least 70% on their chapel assignments. M.Div. students who fail chapel four times or more are ineligible to graduate. Failing chapel may result in disciplinary action by the campus chaplaincy. Potential consequences include a warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Please refer to the Chapel Program Handbook for more detailed information.

M.Div. students are required to pass 4 quarters of PRAC020 Graduate Christian Service to be eligible for graduation. To pass Christian service, students must achieve a score of at least 70% on their Christian service assignments. Please refer to the Christian Service Program Handbook for more detailed information.

7. Concentration Ministry Studies Distribution Requirement (36 Units)

Students can choose from the following concentration options:

• Mission & Church Concentration (36 Units)
• Children’s Ministry Concentration (36 Units)
• Christian Media Ministry Concentration (36 Units)
• Business as Mission Ministry Concentration (36 Units)

Each concentration consists of 24 units of concentration courses and twelve 1-quarter-unit Curricular Practical Experience (CPE) courses. The CPE internship courses are completed each quarter during full-time enrollment. OTCS awards one quarter credit for a minimum of 10 clock hours of internship experience per week over a 10-week period. For more information, please refer to the Ministry Practice Handbook.

M.DIV. CONCENTRATION POLICY

Declaring or Changing a Concentration

• Students must declare a concentration in one of the specialty areas upon admission to the program.
• To declare a concentration for the first time or to change an existing one, students must submit the M.Div. Concentration Declaration Form.
• If a concentration is not declared within the first half of the program, students will be automatically assigned to the Mission and Church Concentration.
• A declared concentration may be changed with approval from the academic advisor.
• When switching to a new concentration, students must complete 36 units of concentration courses, which may include coursework from both their previous and newly declared concentrations.
  

Campus-Specific Concentrations

• The Christian Media Ministry Concentration is available only at the Washington, D.C. Campus.
• The Business as Mission Ministry Concentration is not available at our California locations.
• eCampus students have only one concentration option: Mission & Church Concentration.
  

CPE Requirement for Mission & Church Concentration Students

Students pursuing the Mission & Church Concentration may request a waiver for the CPE requirement, considering the diverse circumstances of local churches and mission fellowships worldwide. To seek approval, students must submit a CPE Waiver Request Form.

No Concentration Option

Students may request to opt out of a concentration with approval from both the academic advisor and the college director. To seek approval, students must participate in an interview with their academic advisor and the college director. If approved, the academic advisor will provide a degree roadmap to guide their coursework.
Detailed information about each Concentration is provided below.

CONCENTRATION DESCRIPTIONS

Mission & Church Concentration
The Olivet University Master of Divinity Mission & Church Concentration trains future ministers in advanced competencies in preaching, contextualization and utilization of social media in mission equipping them for the changing landscape of 21st century ministry to the network generation. Additionally graduates will have gained valuable practical experience in the field of front line missions to apply learned knowledge immediately and feedback questions and challenges arising in the field to the classrooms.

Concentration Goals
In the context of Olivet’s mission and the Master of Divinity degree program goals, completion of the Christian Media concentration will enable students to:

• Apply church planting and growth principles in diverse and cross-cultural situations for the purpose of planting a new church / fellowship chapter or reviving a struggling one.
• Support an intended church plant with visible evidence of ministry, evangelism, and discipleship that would enhance the proposed plant.
• Gain practical experience through various opportunities supporting a church planting project.

Olivet Core Learning Outcomes Addressed
The Mission & Church concentration additionally addresses the following core outcomes:

Mission and Church Concentration Curriculum
Students enrolled in Mission & Church Ministry concentration are required to complete twelve units of Church Planting Core, twelve units of Practical Theology Electives, and twelve units of internship courses, with one internship required each quarter of full-time enrollment. The internships necessitate employment in a church or mission setting, giving students work experience that complements their studies and connects classroom learning with real-world application.

1. Church Planting Core (12 Units)
Students are required to take no fewer than 12 units of church planting core courses selected from the following options:

• • MINS603 Social Media in Ministry (4 units)
  • MINS702-704 Homiletics Workshop I-III (2 units each)
  • MINS705-707 Homiletics Workshop IV-VI (3 units each)
  • MINS610 Intercultural Studies (4 units)
  • MINS720 Church Planting & Growth (4 units)

2. Internship Requirement (12 Units)
Students are required to enroll in the internship course below each quarter throughout the course of study. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure timely, relevant employment and to comply with all applicable regulatory and reporting requirements.:
PRAC501-803 Curricular Practical Experience 1-12* (1 unit each)
* Students taking a higher quarterly course load than required by the Master of Divinity program will need to register this course during the summer session(s) as well to ensure completing 12 quarters of internship by the time of graduation.
* Students who accelerate their studies beyond the standard program duration and have demonstrated consistent participation in CPE may be eligible to substitute CPE credits to fulfill graduation credit requirements, subject to prior approval.

3. Practical Theology Electives (12 Units)
Electives can be chosen freely from practical theology courses beginning with the course code MINS or ECCE in Olivet University’s OTCS as available at the location of your studies. It is recommended to choose the courses going deeper into your topics of interest in this field.

Children’s Ministry Concentration

The Children’s Ministry Concentration aims to equip aspiring ministers with fundamental skills and knowledge needed for effective children’s ministry in various settings such as Sunday schools, church schools, and Olivet Academy. Through core courses covering topics like growth and development, educational theory, curriculum design, and parents and community relations, students gain essential tools for success in their concurrent children’s ministry internships within Olivet Academy, which serve as a vital component of the program.

Concentration Goals

In the context of Olivet’s mission and the Master of Divinity degree program goals, the successful completion of the Children’s Ministry concentration will equip students to:

• Grow in likeness to Christ as master teacher.
• Attain advanced expertise in curriculum design, child development, and pedagogical approaches that are in harmony with the principles of Christian education.
• Proficiently educate and convey biblical knowledge to students.
• Develop professional competencies to serve children and families as proficient pedagogical practitioners committed to the highest standards of professional practice.

Olivet Core Learning Outcomes Addressed

The Children’s Ministry concentration additionally contributes to the fulfillment of following outcomes:

Children’s Ministry Concentration Curriculum

Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity Children’s Ministry concentration are required to engage in an internship at Olivet Academy, where they assume roles as teachers, teacher assistants, or teacher aides. This practical experience enables them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from their coursework in a real-world educational setting.

1. Children’s Ministry Concentration Requirements (No less than 24 Units required):

Choose one (1) or more courses in each of the three categories below:
(1) Philosophical & Pedagogical Studies
ECCE501 Theoretical Foundations of Educational Approaches (5 units)
ECCE502 Designing Curriculum and the Learning Environment (5 units)
ECCE503 Christian Philosophy of Education (5 units)
ECCE504 Survey of Educational Theories and Practices of Charlotte Mason (5 units)
ECCE510 Investigations into Habit Formation and Character Cultivation (5 units)
ECCE511 Exploring Art and Movement (4 units)
ECCE512 Fostering Literacy Development (5 units)
ECCE513 Method of Lessons as Instruments of Education (5 units)
ECCE514-517 Educator Tutorials I-VI (4 units each)
ECCE520 The Method of Lessons: Inspirational Subjects (4 units)
ECCE521 Developing Mathematical Thinking (4 units)
ECCE522 The Method of Lessons: Disciplinary Subjects (4 units)
ECCE535 Learning and Motivation in Classroom Contexts (5 units)
ECCE640 Theory and Practice of Christian Education (4 units)

(2) Culminating Studies
ECCE600 Classroom and Behavior Management (5 units)
ECCE610 Applying Theories of Child Development and Learning (5 units)
ECCE620 Partnering with Families and Communities (5 units)
ECCE630 Facilitating Language Acquisition and Learning (4 units)
ECCE670 Theory and Practice of Counseling (5 units)
ECCE680 Data and Research (5 units)
ECCE690 Differentiating Instruction for Developmental Variations (4 units)
THEO600 Christian Apologetics (4 units)
THEO610 Christian Ethics (4 units)
MINS610 Intercultural Studies (4 units)
MINS710 Pastoral Counseling (4 units)
MINS760 Christian Leadership Development (4 units)

(3) Biblical Studies
Course list below is exemplary only.
BIBL520 Studies in Romans I (4 units)
BIBL521 Studies in Romans II (4 units)
BIBL630 The Primeval History ((4 units)
BIBL650 First Epistle to the Corinthians (4 units)
MINS624 Teaching the Transforming Word I (4 units)
MINS625 Teaching the Transforming Word II (4 units)
BIBL551-552 Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation I-II (2 units each)
BIBL553-554 Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation I-II Practice (2 units each)
BIBL561-562 Greek for Biblical Interpretation I-II (2 units each)
BIBL563-564 Greek for Biblical Interpretation I-II Practice (2 units each)
THEO640 Special Topics in Theological Studies (4 units)
MINS702-704 Homiletics Workshop I-III (2 units each)
MINS705-707 Homiletics Workshop IV-VI (3 units each)
MINS708 Homiletics Master Workshop (8 units)

Note: The listed Biblical Studies courses should not be considered exhaustive, as there may be other courses that fulfill the category requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with your academic advisor for further guidance.

2. Internship Requirement (12 Units)

Students are required to enroll in the internship course below each quarter throughout the course of study. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure timely relevant employment and to comply with all applicable regulatory and reporting requirements.:

• • PRAC501-803 Curricular Practical Experience 1-12* (1 unit each)
    * Students taking a higher quarterly course load than required by the Master of Divinity program will need to register for this course during the summer session(s) as well to ensure completion of 12 quarters of internship by the time of graduation.
    * Students who accelerate their studies beyond the standard program duration and have demonstrated consistent participation in CPE may be eligible to substitute CPE credits to fulfill graduation credit requirements, subject to prior approval.

Christian Media Concentration
The Olivet University Master of Divinity Christian Media concentration teaches the core elements in journalism. The theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news are emphasized preparing individuals to bring their theological training to bear as professional online journalists, news editors, and news managers. Additionally, graduates will have gained valuable practical experience in the publishing and communications industry to minister to working professionals much more effectively than would be possible in a traditional seminary degree. Please note that the Christian Media Ministry Concentration is available at the Washington, D.C. Campus Only.

Concentration Goals
In the context of Olivet’s mission and the Master of Divinity degree program goals, completion of the Christian Media concentration will enable students to:

• Develop basic writing and reporting skills to enter the field of professional journalism.
• Reflect critically on the relationship between mass media and Christian mission.
• Assess the role and impact of mass media in society.
• Benefit ministry areas with messages that seek to improve the lives of the audiences they reach by applying Gospel values.

Olivet Core Learning Outcomes Addressed
The Christian Media concentration additionally addresses the following core outcomes:

Curriculum
Students enrolled in Christian Media concentration are required to complete sixteen units of Journalism and Communication Core, eight units of Journalism and Communication Electives, and twelve units of internship courses, with one internship required each quarter of full-time enrollment. The internships necessitate employment in a journalistic or communications position. setting, giving students work experience that complements their studies and connects classroom learning with real-world application.

1. Journalism and Communication Core (16 units)

• • JOUR500 News Writing and Reporting (4 units)
  • JOUR510 Editing and News Judgment (4 units)
  • JOUR530 Media and Society (4 units)
  • JOUR606 Social Media and Audience Development (4 units)

2. Internship Requirement (12 Units)
Students are required to enroll in the roll the internship course below each quarter throughout the course of study. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure timely, relevant employment and to comply with all applicable regulatory and reporting requirements.:

• • PRAC501-803 Curricular Practical Experience 1-12* (1 unit each)

* Students taking a higher quarterly course load than required by the Master of Divinity program will need to register this course during the summer session(s) as well to ensure completing 12 quarters of internship by the time of graduation.

* Students who accelerate their studies beyond the standard program duration and have demonstrated consistent participation in CPE may be eligible to substitute CPE credits to fulfill graduation credit requirements, subject to prior approval.

3. Journalism and Communication Electives (8 Units)
Electives can be chosen freely from course offerings in Olivet University’s OSMC as available at the location of your studies. It is recommended to choose the courses going deeper into your topics of interest in this field.

Business as Mission Concentration Curriculum

The Olivet University Master of Divinity Business as Mission Concentration trains future ministers in foundational competencies necessary to engage in founding small to medium scale businesses that support church planting and growth. Graduates will gain valuable practical experience in Business as Mission ministries that enable them to minister effectively as working professionals, as compared to graduates of a traditional seminary program.

Concentration Goals

In the context of Olivet’s mission and the Master of Divinity degree program goals, completion of the Business as Mission concentration will enable students to:

• Understand the core concepts of business including financial, legal, management, and be able to apply these concepts in a business context.
• Develop the ability to create new business ventures utilizing various available resources within the context of a “Business as Mission” mindset.
• Articulate and defend the relationship between business skills and techniques with the Christian faith.

Olivet Core Learning Outcomes Addressed

The Business as Mission concentration additionally addresses the following core outcomes:

Curriculum

Students enrolled in Business as Mission Concentration are required to complete sixteen units of Business as Mission Core, eight units of Business Electives, and twelve units of internship courses, with one internship required each quarter of full-time enrollment. The internships necessitate employment in a small business or start-up company setting, giving students work experience that complements their studies and connects classroom learning with real-world application. Please note that the Business as Mission Ministry Concentration is not available at our California locations.

1. Business as Mission Core (16 units)

• • MINS640 Business as Mission
  • MGMT650 Human Resource Management
  • MGMT610 Operations Management (4 units)
  • MKTG600 Marketing Management (4 units)

2. Internship Requirement (12 Units)

Students are required to register for the internship course each quarter throughout the course of study. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure timely, relevant employment and to comply with all applicable regulatory and reporting requirements.:

• • PRAC501-803 Curricular Practical Experience 1-12* (1 unit each)

* Students may need to register for this course during the summer session(s)to ensure completing 12 quarters of internship by the time of graduation.

* Students who accelerate their studies beyond the standard program duration and have demonstrated consistent participation in CPE may be eligible to substitute CPE credits to fulfill graduation credit requirements, subject to prior approval.

3. Business Electives (8 Units)

Electives can be chosen freely from course offerings in Olivet University’s Business School as available at the location of your studies. Students should choose courses that delve deeper into topics of interest in business.