1. To provide basic knowledge in biblical, theological, and ministry disciplines
2. To foster spiritual formation through the integration of faith and learning
3. To promote understanding of the cultural settings in which ministry occurs
4. To develop practical and relational skills for effective leadership in ministry.

Applicants for admission to the Master of Divinity degree program are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university. Admission to the program will be based upon a total evaluation of the following elements.

1. Prior Academic Performance. This includes consideration of a student’s grade point average (GPA) in all undergraduate coursework, GPA in major field, GPA in previous graduate study, adequacy of the liberal arts component of the undergraduate degree, and the dates of completion of previous academic work.
2. Letters of Recommendation. Three letters of recommendation are required student’s character, commitment, and readiness for a graduate/professional program of study in ministry preparation.
3. Church Endorsement. A student is required to have the Church Endorsement Form completed by a church of which a student has been a member.
4. Personal Interview. A student will have an interview with the Associate Dean of Logsdon Seminary or another Seminary representative.

When a student decides to apply for admission to the Master of Divinity program, he or she should request an application packet from the Office of the Dean of Logsdon. This packet includes all the information and forms necessary to complete the admissions process, and all required materials are returned to the Office of the Dean of Logsdon. The application procedure requires a student to do the following.

1. Submit the Statement of Intent form, which authorizes the opening of an application file for a student.
2. Complete the Application for Graduate Study in the university.
3. Complete the Application for Admission to the Master of Divinity program.
4. Request persons to complete the required letters of recommendation and secure the required church endorsement.
5. Request official transcripts of all prior academic work at the undergraduate and graduate level to be sent to the Office of the Dean of Logsdon.
6. Baptist applicants complete the Church-Related Vocations Students Profile.
7. Schedule a time for a personal interview with the Associate Dean.

1. The status of the application file. The applicant will be informed at appropriate times of materials necessary to consideration of the application which have not yet been received.
2. The admission decision. The applicant will receive an formal letter including approval of admission or other action.

77-HOUR AND 89-HOUR PROGRAMS

For most students who hold an accredited baccalaureate degree with a manor in theology, the Master of Divinity is a 77-hour degree which requires three years to complete. The MDiv curriculum is designed to build upon a student’s undergraduate experience in order to maximize the effectiveness of graduate theological study. Students who do not hold a baccalaureate degree in theology are required to complete a foundational curriculum. With the foundational curriculum the MDiv is an 89-hour degree.

To facilitate effective learning, the Master of Divinity curriculum for both the 77-hour and 89-hour programs begins with a series of courses in Preparing for Theological Study. Then the curriculum focuses on developing skills for performing three major tasks: Interpreting Christian Scripture, Understanding Christian Life and Thought, and Ministering to Persons. The Master of Divinity culminates with courses focused on Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry.

The curriculum of the Master of Divinity degree is designed to provide a general preparation for any area of vocational ministry. However, the Master of Divinity, in both the 77- hour and 89-hour programs, also has five tracks, each of which focuses on particular aspects of ministry leadership. The tracks are as follows:

1. Pastoral Ministry: Focusing on preparation for ministry leadership through proclamation, worship, and pastoral care
2. Educational Ministry: Focusing on preparation for ministry leadership through Christian formation, discipleship, and administration
3. Family Ministry: Focusing on preparation for ministry leadership through the enhancement of family wellness by means of program development, organization, and counseling
4. Spiritual Care Ministry: Focusing on preparation for ministry leadership through chaplaincy and pastoral care
5. Missions and Cross-Cultural Ministry: Focusing on preparation for ministry leadership in a missions or cross-cultural setting either in the United States or elsewhere in the world.

For a student who has an undergraduate degree in theology (or significant previous graduate study in theology), the MDiv may be a 77- hour program, requiring three years of study. In order to qualify for this program a student will have achieved baccalaureate credit with a minimum grade of “B” in the following prerequisite areas.

PREREQUISITES

Biblical Studies:
    Old Testament (6 hrs.)
    New Testament (6 hrs.)
    Elementary Greek (6 hrs.) (in some cases)
Historical/Theological Studies:
    Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
Ministry Studies:
    Preaching/Theological Communication (3 hrs.)
    Pastoral or Educational Ministry (3 hrs.)

If a student has deficiencies in any of these areas, foundational studies may be required which may lengthen the Master of Divinity program. An exception occurs with regard to a student who pursues an MDiv track which does not require biblical languages. In such a case Elementary Greek is not a required prerequisite. If a student has completed additional baccalaureate theological study beyond the curriculum listed above, she or he may qualify for more advanced courses in the MDiv.

The faculty also recommends that a student pursue a baccalaureate curriculum which is thoroughly grounded in the liberal arts. Some specific liberal arts courses which would be especially valuable to a student are Hebrew, Greek, English composition and literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, world history, and theological research and writing.

Preparing for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18-24 hrs.)
    Courses in Biblical Languages (for Pastoral Track) (12 hrs.)
    Courses in Old Testament (6-9 hrs.)
    Courses in New Testament (6-9 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life and Thought (20 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)*
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (19-24 hrs.)
    Courses in Leadership in Ministry (Pastoral, Spiritual Care, Educational,
         Missions and Cross-Cultural, or Family Ministry) (11-16 hrs.)
    A course in Education, Leadership, or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    An elective course (0- 3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
    Ministry Formation Activities**
Free Electives (3-6 hrs.)
*Another course in Christian History may be substituted for students who are not Baptist.
**While a student receives credit for Ministry Formation Activities, that credit is not calculated in terms of hours of coursework. The requirement for Ministry Formation Activities is discussed below.

CURRICULUM FOR THE MINISTRY TRACKS OF THE 77-HOUR PROGRAM

Preparing for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (24 hrs.)
    Greek Readings (6 hrs.)*
    Biblical Hebrew (6 hrs.)
    Courses in Old Testament (6 hrs.)
    Courses in New Testament (6 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life & Thought (20 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (19 hrs.)
    Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Preaching (3 hrs.)
    A course in Worship (2 hrs.)
    A course in Family Ministry or Health Care Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Educational, Leadership, or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory & Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
    Ministry Formation Activities
Free Elective (3 hrs.)
*Greek Readings is a second-year Greek course. If a student has not had Elementary Greek, it must be taken at the undergraduate level and its hours will not be credited toward the MDiv.

Preparing for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Courses in Old Testament (9 hrs.)
    Courses in New Testament (9 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life and Thought (20 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (22 hrs.)
    Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Family Ministry or Health Care Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Preaching (3 hrs.)
    A course in Worship (2 hrs.)
    A course in Education, Leadership, or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in MNST, FMIN, or MISS (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
    Ministry Formation Activities
Free Electives (6 hrs.)

Preparing for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Courses in Old Testament (9 hrs.)
    Courses in New Testament (9 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life and Thought (20 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (24 hrs.)
    The Minister as Educator (3 hrs.)
    The Teaching Ministry of the Church (3 hrs.)
    Instructional Theory and Practice in the Church (3 hrs.)
    A course in Developmental Psychology or Advanced Educational Psychology (3 hrs.)
    A course in Leadership or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Pastoral Care (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    Educational Ministry Practicum (1hr.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
    Ministry Formation Activities
Free Electives (4 hrs.)

Preparing for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Courses in Old Testament (9 hrs.)
    Courses in New Testament (9 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life and Thought (20 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (24 hrs.)
    History of Missions (3 hrs.)
    Mission Theologies (2 hrs.)
    Christian Approaches to Other Faiths (3 hrs.)
    Cross-Cultural Missions (3 hrs.)
    Missionary Life and Work (2 hrs.)
    A course in Pastoral Care (3 hrs.)
    A course in Education, Leadership, or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    An elective course in MISS, MNST, or FMIN (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.) (At least 3 hrs. in a Missions Immersion Experience)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
    Ministry Formation Activities
Free Electives (4 hrs.)

Preparing for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Courses in Old Testament (9 hrs.)
    Courses in New Testament (9 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life and Thought (20 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (23 hrs.)
    Marital and Family Systems (3 hrs.)
    Developmental Family Psychology (3 hrs.)
    Family Ministry in the Church (3 hrs.)
    Principles of Counseling Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Education or Leadership or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in MNST, PSYC, or MISS (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
    Ministry Formation Activities
Free Electives (5 hrs.)

Students who do not hold a baccalaureate degree with a major in theology enroll in an 89-hour Master of Divinity program which involves a foundational curriculum that is added to the course of study described in the 77- hour program. The foundational curriculum involves 21 hours of graduate work that introduces students to broad areas of theological study. Since the foundational curriculum satisfies some requirements of the 77-hour degree, the total program with the foundational curriculum is 89 hours in length. Logsdon welcomes students who are called into bi- vocational ministry and recognizes that such persons may best prepare themselves for ministry by pursuing baccalaureate degrees which are not focused in theological study. The foundational curriculum described below is designed to aid such students in making the transition from other disciplines into preparation for ministry.

The foundational curriculum for students who do not hold a baccalaureate degree with a major in theology involves the following.

Biblical Foundations (12 hrs.)
    Interpreting the Old Testament (6 hrs.)
    Interpreting the New Testament (6 hrs.)
Theological Foundations (6 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
Ministry Foundations (3 hrs.)
    Communication in Ministry (3 hrs.)

CURRICULUM SUMMARY FOR THE 89-HOUR PROGRAM

Preparing for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18-24 hrs.)
    Courses in Biblical Languages (for Pastoral Track) (12 hrs.)
    Courses in Old Testament (6-9 hrs.)
    Courses in New Testament (6-9 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life and Thought (26 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)*
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (19-24 hrs.)
    Communication in Ministry (3 hrs.)
    Courses in Leadership in Ministry (Pastoral, Spiritual Care, Educational,
         Missions and Cross-Cultural, or Family Ministry) (8-16 hrs.)
    A course in Education, Leadership, or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    An elective course (0-3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
    Ministry Formation Activities**
Free Electives (6-12 hrs.)
*Another course in Christian History may be substituted for students who are not Baptist.
**While a student receives credit for Ministry Formation Activities, that credit is not calculated in terms of hours of coursework. The requirement for Ministry Formation Activities is discussed below.

CURRICULUM FOR THE MINISTRY TRACKS OF THE 89-HOUR PROGRAM

Preparation for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (24 hrs.)
    Greek Readings (6 hrs.)*
    Biblical Hebrew (6 hrs.)
    Interpreting the OT I & II (6 hrs.)
    Interpreting the OT I & II (6 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life & Thought (26 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (22 hrs.)
    Communication in Ministry (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Worship (2 hrs.)
    A course in Family Ministry or Health Care Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Education, Leadership, or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in FMIN, MISS, or MNST (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
Free Electives (6 hrs.)
*Greek Readings is a second- year Greek course If a student has not already had Elementary Greek, it must be taken at the undergraduate level and its hours will not be credited toward the MDiv.

Preparation for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Interpreting the OT I & II (6 hrs.)
    Interpreting the NT I & II (6 hrs.)
    An elective course in OT (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in NT (3 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life & Thought (26 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (22 hrs.)
    Communication in Ministry (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Worship (2 hrs.)
    A course in Family Ministry or Health Care Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Education, Leadership, or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in FMIN, MISS, or MNST (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
Free Electives (12 hrs.)

Educational Ministry Track (89 hrs.)

Preparation for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Interpreting the OT I & II (6 hrs.)
    Interpreting the NT I & II (6 hrs.)
    An elective course in OT (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in NT (3 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life & Thought (26 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (27 hrs.)
    Communication in Ministry (3 hrs.)
    The Minister as Educator (3 hrs.)
    The Teaching Ministry of the Church (3 hrs.)
    Instructional Theory and Practice in the Church (3 hrs.)
    A course in Developmental Psychology or Advanced Educational Psychology (3 hrs.)
    A course in Leadership or Administration (3 hrs.)
    Educational Ministry Practicum (1 hr.)
    A course in Pastoral Care (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
Free Electives (7 hrs.)

Preparation for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Interpreting the OT I & II (6 hrs.)
    Interpreting the NT I & II (6 hrs.)
    An elective course in OT (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in NT (3 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life & Thought (26 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (27 hrs.)
    Communication in Ministry (3 hrs.)
    History of Missions (3 hrs.)
    Christian Approaches to Other Faiths (3 hrs.)
    Cross-Cultural Missions (3 hrs.)
    Mission Theologies (2 hrs.)
    Missionary Life and Work (2 hrs.)
    A course in Pastoral Care (3 hrs.)
    A course in Education or Leadership or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    An elective course in MISS, MNST, or FMIN (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.) (At least 3 hrs. in a Missions Immersion Experience)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
Free Electives (7 hrs.)

Preparation for Theological Study (3 hrs.)
    Preparation for Ministry in the Church (2 hrs.)
    Graduate Theological Research (1 hr.)
Interpreting Christian Scripture (18 hrs.)
    Interpreting the OT I & II (6 hrs.)
    Interpreting the NT I & II (6 hrs.)
    An elective course in OT (3 hrs.)
    An elective course in NT (3 hrs.)
Understanding Christian Life & Thought (26 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian History (3 hrs.)
    Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
    Theological Thought in Historical Context (6 hrs.)
    A course in Christian Ethics (3 hrs.)
    Christian Philosophy (2 hrs.)
    Baptist Heritage and Thought (2 hrs.)
    Spiritual Formation (2 hrs.)
    Elective courses in THEO or CHST (5 hrs.)
Ministering to Persons (26 hrs.)
    Communication in Ministry (3 hrs.)
    Marital and Family Systems (3 hrs.)
    Developmental Family Psychology (3 hrs.)
    Family Ministry in the Church (3 hrs.)
    Principles of Counseling Ministry (3 hrs.)
    A course in Education or Leadership or Administration (3 hrs.)
    A course in Evangelism (2 hrs.)
    A course in Missions (3 hrs.)
    Elective courses in MNST, MISS, or PSYC (3 hrs.)
Integrating the Theory and Practice of Ministry (8 hrs.)
    Supervision in Ministry (6 hrs.)
    Capstone Seminar (2 hrs.)
Free Electives (8 hrs.)

A student is encouraged to enroll in at least one Logsdon course that is conducted off-campus in the form of participation in a missions immersion experience (required for the Missions and Cross-Cultural Ministry track) or participation in Logsdon’s archaeological dig or another approved study- abroad course. In the case of the last option, prior approval is required from the Associate Dean of Logsdon Seminary. One of a student’s free electives (2 or 3 hours in length) may be taken in the university’s graduate curriculum outside of Logsdon, such as a course in business, education, the liberal arts, or music.

Spiritual formation is an integral part of the Master of Divinity. Four courses in particular have significant spiritual formation components: Preparation for Ministry in the Church (normally taken in the first year), Spiritual Formation (recommended for the second year), Supervision in Ministry (in the third year), and Capstone (normally taken in the last semester). In addition to curriculum focused on spiritual formation, students are also required to participate in Ministry Formation Activities designed to aid in spiritual development for ministry.

Ministry Formation Activities are required for all MDiv students. They provide opportunities of spiritual and ministerial formation outside the coursework of the MDiv.

1. Chapel and Spiritual Formations Colloquium Chapel services are conducted in Logsdon Chapel on Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters. The services are followed by a community lunch and the Spiritual Formations Colloquium. The Colloquium involves guided theological reflection and dialogue within the graduate theological community. A student will participate in at least twelve Chapel and Colloquium sessions per semester for four Fall or Spring semesters.
2. Ministry Formation Retreat Participation in the Ministry Formation Retreat occurs during the second year of the Master of Divinity program. The purpose of the Retreat is to provide a student with an opportunity for reflection on spiritual and ministry formation at the mid-point of the MDiv. When a student has completed between 25 and 58 semester hours of curriculum, he or she is required to participate. The retreat is normally held in the Spring semester.
3. Ministry Formation Conferences Logsdon recognizes that participation in ministry conferences outside the structured curriculum is an important part of the MDiv experience. Consequently, a student is required to participate in at least six Ministry Formation Conferences in the course of the program – preferably one per semester.

   Logsdon offers regular conferences addressing biblical, theological, and ministerial issues. Most of these events qualify as Ministry Formation Conferences. Numerous conferences offered at other venues may also meet this requirement; however, a student must obtain approval by the Associate Dean prior to participation in order for the conference to meet this requirement.

   Promptly after participation in a Ministry Formation Conference, a student provides evidence of involvement (normally in the form of a conference agenda) to the Office of the Dean of Logsdon.

   A student is not required to pay tuition for Ministry Formation Activities; however, other fees may be charged. Some scholarship monies may be available to assist with certain fees. Transcript credit is assigned for completion of some of these activities; however, that credit is not computed in a student’s grade point average (GPA).

A student may qualify for advanced standing examinations which, if completed successfully, allow a student to (1) enroll in more advanced courses and/or (2) gain up to 12 hours of transcript credit. For example, a student who has already completed the first year of Hebrew or the second year of Greek may elect to take advanced standing examinations to demonstrate proficiency in those languages.

Graduate students in the Master of Divinity program must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) in all graduate work. If the GPA falls below 2.0, a student will be placed on academic probation. When placed on academic probation, the faculty will evaluate a student’s potential for successful completion of the program. To return to good academic standing, a student must possess a GPA of 2.0 or better and satisfy any faculty requirements for continuance.

A student must complete the Master of Divinity degree within a period of ten years from date of admission.

A student may transfer graduate coursework to the Master of Divinity degree. However, not more than one-half of the MDiv can be satisfied by transfer work and not more than one-half of the credits earned in the completion of another graduate degree can be transferred into the MDiv. Work accepted for transfer credit must (1) have been completed in an institution accredited by a regional accreditation association and/or the Association of Theological Schools, (2) be recorded on an official transcript which must be on file in the Office of Graduate Studies, (3) be completed within 10 years of entry into the MDiv, and (3) be approved by Logsdon’s Associate Dean for Seminary Programs.

In order to graduate, a student must complete the curriculum in one of the tracks of the Master of Divinity degree. The curriculum in each track requires a minimum of 77 hours and may involve up to 89 hours, depending upon the accomplishment of specified prerequisites at the baccalaureate level. In order to graduate, a student must also fulfill the requirements specified in the Ministry Formations Activities section.

For more information about the Master of Divinity, contact:

Dr. Robert R. Ellis

Logsdon School of Theology

Hardin-Simmons University

Box 16110

Abilene, Texas 79698-6110

TEL: 915-670-5841 or call toll free at 1-800-996-MDIV

E-mail: rellis@hsutx.edu