The Southeastern University Master of Divinity degree provides a comprehensive level of understanding of the theological commitments and praxis of the church for the purpose of preparing students for ministry in professional settings. This includes, but is not limited to, pastoral work, missionary work, and chaplaincy in various fields. Students will receive a strong foundation in the various theological disciplines from a Pentecostal perspective, will learn to interact critically with affirming and opposing theoretical constructs, and will participate in engaged practice and reflection upon those commitments within various ministerial areas. The degree will also provide foundational preparation for students desiring to pursue doctoral education in a certain disciplines.
Through this program students will:
- Demonstrate collaborative problem-solving skills using multidisciplinary approaches, which deal with conflict management, building bonds, & facilitating teamwork & collaboration.
- Apply acquired multidisciplinary concepts, skills, & principles to actual leadership situations, which include accurate self-assessment, self-confidence, & the spiritual and emotional development of others.
- Gain comprehensive understanding of the systematic, historical, biblical, ethical, and practical theologies, preparing students for further doctoral level theological reflection and articulation and/or teaching.
- Demonstrate the ability to draw from various theologies from a Pentecostal perspective and to interact critically with affirming and opposing theoretical constructs.
- Study the development and expression of biblical exegesis and hermeneutics in relation to the social, cultural, family, and faith issues confronting Christians and the Church in the 21st century. Understand both Old Testament and New Testament theology in light of major themes found in biblical texts relevant to their historical backgrounds and social environments.
Career Options
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership, career opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Bible Teacher
- Military Chaplain
- Church Administrator
- Professor
- Pastor
- Parachurch Leader
- Overseas Missionary
- Church Planter
- Campus Pastor
- Pastoral Counselor
Program Sequence
Total Credits - 72 credit hours with seven components:
- Biblical Studies Courses (21 hours)
- Theological Studies Courses (12 hours)
- Church History Courses (6 hours)
- Philosophy and Ethics Courses (6 hours)
- Practical Theology/Ministry Courses (18 hours)
- Pastoral Counseling Courses (6 hours)
- Applied Focus (3 hours)
Program Length: 2-4 years
Full-time students (6 credit hours per term)
Part-time students (3 credit hours per term)
Program Delivery
- Fully Online
- Traditional Evening Courses - Courses meet on either Monday or Friday
Entrance Requirements
All of the components listed below are required and will be utilized by the Graduate Program Coordinator and School of Divinity Chair in making an admittance decision. However, failure to meet one of these standards may not immediately disqualify a candidate depending upon the strength of their other components. Applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis, and the decision of the School of Divinity Chair is final.
- Regionally accredited undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA
- One Academic or Professional Reference
- One Christian Character Reference
- Academic writing sample of at least five (5) pages indicative of writing and research ability to interact with scholarly sources in a critical manner.
Transfer Credit
Graduate level credits may be accepted if they were earned from an accredited university (Regional and/or Association of Theological Schools Accreditation), less than 8 years old, and relevant to coursework at SEU.
The School of Divinity Chair will evaluate and award transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. No transient credit (future courses taken at another university) will be allowed without prior approval.
Residency Requirement
- Online - No residency requirement
- Evening - Classes meet on Monday and Thursday evenings on Lakeland Campus
Satisfactory Progress
Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to successfully complete the program.
Thesis Option
Students enrolled in the Master of Divinity program have the option of writing a thesis that provides valuable experience engaging in an extended, rigorous writing project for those students who desire to pursue further doctoral studies.
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