Master of Divinity
75 Credit hours
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree prepares our graduates for diverse ministry and community leadership settings, including congregational ministry, chaplaincy, non-profit organizations, and corporate environments. We understand you can’t put your life on pause to complete your degree. Our MDiv program offers remote learning options for classes without eliminating the traditional in-person classroom experience so that you can earn your degree your way. Students complete the required credit hours at their own pace with minimal on-site intensive days.
Program Highlights
- Low residency, high quality design
- Equitable experience from anywhere with an internet connection… remote learning is just as valuable and viable as in person attendance thanks to classroom technology
- Individualized degree mapping and consistent course offerings allow students to complete required credit hours at their own pace
- Formation component provides theological reflection and vocational discernment
- Diverse course topics like trauma-informed leadership, teaching and learning in community, interfaith collaboration, and theological social ethics
- Variety of learning formats with emphasis on community life, peer learning, and supervised leadership experiences
- One year of field experience and practical skill-building through supervised ministry
Pre-Requisites
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited school
This degree can be paired with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, or a Master of Theological Studies. Speak with your admissions counselor for more information.
Supervised Ministry
At CTS, your Master of Divinity degree includes one year of practical preparation service in the field through Supervised Ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the CTS MDiv sufficiently prepare me to meet the requirements of ordination in my denomination/church?
Yes, CTS is committed to helping students meet the requirements for ordination established by their denominations and churches. If you have specific questions about the requirements, we encourage you to talk with the Dean.
For those seeking United Methodist ordination, please consult with the Director of United Methodist Studies for in-person requirement: Dr. Lane Davis, Assistant Professor of Church History and United Methodist Studies, Director of United Methodist Studies, ldavis@cts.edu.
Will I be expected to do reading and assignments before the start of an intensive course?
The weekend intensive format limits course work to six weeks, plus one additional week to finish final assignments as needed. The week-long intensive format typically involves some reading and writing assignments prior to the face-to-face week-long meeting. The professor teaching the course determines the syllabus.
How much time should I expect to spend on a three-credit hour course?
You should expect to spend approximately 135 hours per three-credit hour course. This includes class time, reading, writing, research, off-site or immersion experiences, study groups, face-to-face meetings with the professor, etc.
What support does CTS provide for technology assistance?
In addition to orientation and training for faculty and students, we have created two new teaching assistant positions for online learning. Online Teaching Assistants are available to help you with new technologies.
How can Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) fit into the CTS MDiv?
Students may use a second year of Field Education / Supervised Ministry to participate in Clinical Pastoral Education. See the Director of Supervised Ministry for more information.
What counseling resources are available for MDiv students?
All students can take advantage of our extensive counseling program and center by taking classes, applying for a dual degree MDiv/counseling, and/or availing themselves to low-cost counseling services.
Where do I go to get my additional questions answered?
Contact our Admissions Team for assistance.
What courses are online and what courses must be completed in-person?
All MDiv students are required to attend three August intensive courses in-person at our Indianapolis campus: Formation I (THEO M501A), Trauma-Informed Leadership (THEO M670), and Preaching and Public Witness 2 (THEO M522). All other courses can be completed online synchronously.
100
MTS degree can be completed fully online
The
PhD in African American Preaching
and Sacred Rhetoric
is the
1st and only
PhD program of its kind in the world
Over
83
persistence to graduation rate for DMin students
(more than twice the average for ATS-accredited programs)
10
Student to Faculty ratio
85
of CTS students receive financial aid
Over
1000000
in financial aid dispersed annually
