Program purpose
Preparation for thoughtful, accountable service.
A full seminary-style sequence combining graduate foundations, Scripture, theology, pastoral formation, field education, and a defended synthesis.
What you will study
A coherent academic pathway.
The complete program requires 90 semester credits.
- Graduate core — 12 credits
- Biblical studies — 18 credits
- Theology and history — 18 credits
- Pastoral ministry — 24 credits
- Supervised ministry — 12 credits
- Integrative capstone — 6 credits
Courses and requirements
Your complete course map.
Select a course to read its scope, prerequisites, learning hours, and assessment requirements. Follow prerequisite order; the course list does not promise a delivery date.
Required courses 90 credits
GRA501 Graduate Theological Research and Writing3 credits
Develop a graduate research question and theological argument using credible primary and secondary sources. Evaluate literature, distinguish evidence from assertion, use accurate citations, and prepare a defensible proposal. Assessment includes a literature review, research design, and oral explanation of the proposed inquiry.
Prerequisites: Graduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
GRA502 Advanced Biblical Interpretation and Exegesis3 credits
Apply advanced methods of contextual biblical interpretation and exegesis. Examine genre, literary structure, historical setting, theological coherence, and interpretive alternatives. Produce a sustained exegetical study that supports its conclusions and acknowledges methodological and evidentiary limits.
Prerequisites: Graduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
GRA503 Advanced Biblical Theology of the Kingdom of God3 credits
Investigate the Kingdom of God across Scripture and theological scholarship. Evaluate relationships among Christ’s work, the Church, discipleship, mission, justice, and Christian hope. Develop a supported theological argument with a responsible ministry implication.
Prerequisites: Graduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
GRA504 Christian Leadership Ethics and Accountability3 credits
Evaluate Christian leadership through biblical ethics, stewardship, authority, truthfulness, boundaries, and accountability. Analyze difficult ministry cases and develop a reasoned governance or accountability response that protects people and permits fair review.
Prerequisites: Graduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV601 Pentateuch and Covenant Exegesis3 credits
Develop a sustained interpretation of selected Pentateuch texts using literary, historical, and theological evidence. Evaluate covenant themes and responsible Christian application.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV602 Prophets Wisdom and Worship3 credits
Investigate prophetic and wisdom texts through genre, historical context, and theological argument. Present a scholarly interpretation relevant to preaching or teaching.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV603 Gospels and the Ministry of Jesus3 credits
Compare Gospel presentations of Jesus and discipleship. Defend an exegetical argument that addresses scholarly alternatives and ministry implications.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV604 Acts Epistles and Church Formation3 credits
Examine apostolic witness and Christian community through Acts and selected letters. Distinguish textual description from prescriptive application.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV605 Biblical Hebrew for Exegesis3 credits
Develop introductory Hebrew reading and grammatical skills for guided Old Testament exegesis. Evaluate lexical tools and their limits; this course does not establish advanced fluency.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV606 Biblical Greek for Exegesis3 credits
Develop introductory Greek reading and grammatical skills for guided New Testament exegesis. Explain how linguistic evidence contributes to interpretation without overstating competence.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV611 Doctrine of God and Creation3 credits
Analyze Christian teaching on God, creation, providence, and human dignity using biblical and historical sources. Defend a theological position while engaging alternatives.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV612 Christ Salvation and Christian Hope3 credits
Examine Christology, salvation, resurrection, and Christian hope in Scripture and theological scholarship. Construct a sustained argument with responsible pastoral application.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV613 Holy Spirit and Christian Formation3 credits
Investigate the Holy Spirit, gifts, sanctification, worship, and mission. Evaluate Pentecostal and other Christian interpretations with careful source use.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV614 Church History and Historical Theology3 credits
Interpret major developments in Christian history and doctrine through primary and scholarly sources. Explain the relationship between historical setting and theological judgment.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV615 Christian Apologetics and Public Witness3 credits
Develop well-supported responses to questions about Christian belief. Evaluate objections and communicate theological reasoning with intellectual honesty and respect.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV616 Apostolic and Prophetic Theology3 credits
Evaluate apostolic and prophetic claims through Scripture, historical theology, and accountable ecclesiology. Distinguish theological conclusions from unverified personal claims.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV621 Advanced Expository Preaching3 credits
Develop and deliver sustained expository sermons grounded in careful exegesis. Evaluate theological coherence, structure, audience understanding, and responsible application.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV622 Christian Worship and Ordinances3 credits
Construct a scholarly theology of worship and ordinances. Design a congregational teaching and worship plan with clear doctrinal rationale.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV623 Pastoral Theology and Christian Care3 credits
Analyze pastoral responsibility through Scripture, ethics, presence, boundaries, and referral. Develop church-care responses without claiming clinical treatment competence.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV624 Christian Education and Discipleship3 credits
Design and evaluate a church teaching ministry through biblical outcomes, curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Develop a coherent discipleship sequence.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV625 Global Mission and Church Planting3 credits
Evaluate Christian mission, contextualization, partnership, church planting, and congregational renewal. Prepare a realistic proposal with accountable leadership and evaluation.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
APM601 Apostolic Ecclesiology and Church Order3 credits
Examine apostolic ecclesiology, church order, leadership functions, and shared ministry in biblical and theological sources. Evaluate competing models accurately and construct a context-sensitive church-order proposal grounded in GDICU’s Christian mission and accountable practice.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
APM603 Christian Leadership Formation and Mentoring3 credits
Investigate Christian leadership formation, mentoring relationships, discipleship, and succession through theological study and ministry evaluation. Design a mentoring plan with clear learning outcomes, ethical boundaries, appropriate feedback, and a method for evaluating progress.
Prerequisites: GRA501 through GRA504.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
APM605 Christian Peacemaking and Pastoral Leadership3 credits
Apply advanced biblical and theological reasoning to conflict, reconciliation, pastoral responsibility, and the exercise of authority. Evaluate fictional or appropriately protected cases and defend a peacemaking response that includes safeguarding and referral where needed.
Prerequisites: M.A.: graduate core and APM601–APM604. M.Div.: graduate core, APM601, APM603 and MDV623.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV701 Supervised Pastoral Ministry I3 credits
Complete a faculty-approved learning agreement focused on congregational service and theological reflection. Submit distinct evidence and supervisor feedback.
Prerequisites: Graduate core, MDV621–MDV625, APM601, APM603, APM605; approved supervision.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV702 Supervised Pastoral Ministry II3 credits
Extend pastoral responsibility through a new approved placement plan. Evaluate teaching, care, or leadership learning with faculty and supervisor feedback.
Prerequisites: MDV701.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV703 Supervised Pastoral Ministry III3 credits
Undertake advanced ministry responsibility with explicit learning outcomes and ethical oversight. Demonstrate improvement through documented assessment.
Prerequisites: MDV702.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV704 Supervised Pastoral Ministry IV3 credits
Integrate pastoral learning across approved responsibilities and critically evaluate ministry effectiveness. Submit distinct evidence and a final supervised-learning review.
Prerequisites: MDV703.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MDV790 Integrative Divinity Capstone6 credits
Complete a substantial theological and pastoral synthesis with supported biblical interpretation, research, ministry application, limitations, and oral defense. Distinguish the capstone product from supervised ministry work.
Prerequisites: 78 earned M.Div. credits, all non-field taught requirements, and accepted proposal.
Workload: At least 270 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
Academic standards and transfer requirements
Each semester credit requires at least 45 documented learning hours: approximately 15 hours of instruction or equivalent faculty-guided engagement and 30 hours of independent work. A 3-credit course requires 135 hours; a 6-credit course requires 270. Shorter terms do not reduce workload.
Undergraduate and certificate courses require C or higher and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00; graduate and doctoral courses require B or higher and at least 3.00. Grades: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F below 60. Complete at least 67% of attempted credits within 150% of the published program credits. Existing repeat and appeal procedures continue.
Each syllabus specifies measurable outcomes, readings, learning activities, workload, prerequisites, assessment weights, accessibility, and integrity rules before teaching. Assess Scripture and theology, evidence and method, ministry application, and ethics and communication. Final projects require at least 3 on the four-level rubric in every dimension, the minimum course grade, and accepted revisions.
Bachelor students complete at least 30 credits through GDICU, including all 12 advanced field and capstone credits. At least half of each certificate and master degree, and every required culminating project and GDICU-supervised practice component, must be completed through GDICU. All doctoral credits are completed through GDICU. Transfer requires documented content, level, workload, and outcome equivalence; C minimum undergraduate, B minimum graduate.
Count each course once within a credential. Approved certificate courses may apply once to a bachelor degree after admission and a course-by-course equivalency review. Undergraduate work cannot become graduate credit. Previously awarded graduate-degree work cannot be reused in another graduate award. Experience, attendance, ordination, or office alone earns no academic credit.
No recruitment, intervention, or data collection begins before proposal approval and documented institutional ethics review, consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, and site permissions where required. A theological text or archival study also requires source integrity and any access permissions. Existing examination, one-revision, and appeal policies continue.
Academic requirements do not open applications or enrollment. Faculty assignments, complete teaching packages, library access, supervision, accessibility, student support, systems, financial terms, and applicable authorization must be verified before program release. Existing student catalog rights and written transition plans remain in force.
Read the complete academic catalog for the governing program and student policies.
Who may apply
Admission begins with verified preparation.
A verified earned bachelor’s with at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA or documented equivalent, prior transcripts, a Christian ministry-purpose statement, a theological writing sample, and suitable biblical and theological preparation. Conditional admission below 3.00 requires faculty approval.
Completion standard
Progress must be demonstrated.
Complete all 90 required graduate credits, earn B or higher in applied courses, maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA, and complete every required research, defense, and supervised-learning component.