Master of Divinity Program
Purpose
Andover Newton Theological School is committed to educating leaders who can foster Christian formation and congregational renewal, drawing on the resources of the whole church across time and contemporary cultures. The purpose of the Master of Divinity degree is to prepare women and men for ordained ministry in local congregations and other specialized settings.
In classroom, worship, and common activity we seek to enkindle lively and disciplined faith, preparing called and gifted persons to be:
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Firmly grounded in the broad theological, biblical, historical, ethical, and practical foundations of the Christian faith, as experienced in its breadth of ecumenical and cultural expression;
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Capable of living realization and faithful interpretation of those foundations, as well as critical reflection on them, in their own faith communities, in the wider church, and among people of other faiths and of no faith;
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Able to relate the foundations of the faith to the practice of transformational ministry and mission;
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Skilled and creative practitioners of the tasks of pastoral ministry and the formation and nurturing of community;
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Savvy and courageous communicators and leaders, in both communities of faith and in the public arena;
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Mature persons of faith, aware of their own strengths and weaknesses for ministry and able to articulate their vocational call in the context of their own traditions.
Requirements
The Master of Divinity program requires a minimum of six semesters of study with the satisfactory completion of 90 credit hours as described below and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C). Students must complete these requirements within seven years of entry. Those who, by permission of the M.Div. Director, extend their studies beyond seven years, will incur an annual extension fee. During November of their last year, students must review their programs with the Registrar to ensure that they will meet all degree requirements for graduation.
General Curriculum Design for M. Div. Degree
The M.Div. degree students must complete academic work in three areas:
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Theological Foundations includes courses in Old Testament, New Testament, History of Christianity, Ethics, and Theology.
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Ministerial Practice includes courses in Preaching, Christian Education, Worship, Ministerial Leadership, Field Education, Clinical Pastoral Education, and Psychology and Pastoral Theology.
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Congregational Renewal includes courses in Christian Spiritual Resources; Congregational Life; World Christianity; Justice Matters: Theology/Ministry and Race, Class, Sex, and Gender in the U.S.; and four Renewal Areas designed to prepare students to help renew churches for the sake of transforming the communities of which they are part.
Updated May 10, 2007