Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity is our fullest preparation for ministry.  This degree balances academic rigor and the application of the practical skills needed for effective ministry. It is important to note that a Master of Divinity is required for ordination and/or promotion in many denominations and churches. Some chaplaincy programs may also require this degree.

Why pursue an MDiv at NBTS?

• Adaptive: Courses are offered days, evenings, and weekends as hybrid courses, or completely online.
• Welcoming: Affirming of all persons desiring to study theology.
• Academic, Practical, and Spiritual: We believe students need all three to develop the needed skills for a future in ministry.
• Innovative: Study with a faculty who offer innovative opportunities for learning and appreciate adult learners.
• Justice Oriented: Attend a school with a heart for God’s people who believe justice is the demand of the Gospel.
• Diverse: Learn with a diverse faculty and student body who will offer a variety of perspectives.
• Vocational Focus: Students use the degree for ordained ministry, advocacy, or non-profit management.

The Master of Divinity Program Curriculum

Credits Required: 81

81 total credit hours required The program is divided into 3 modules. Students would complete module 1 before moving on to module 2 and complete module 2 before moving on to module 3. (Each module is one year)

Still unsure about the best path for you?

• Contact admissions to schedule a visit, or make an appointment with a faculty member to discuss your call and your goals: admissions@nbts.edu or 848-237-1717

Admission Requirements

Application deadlines:
Spring semester – November 30
Fall Semester – May 31
Please click here for detailed deadline information.

Applications received after the deadline will be considered for admission in the following semester.
Each applicant must:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher (4.0 scale).
• Official transcript(s)^* of all undergraduate and graduate work pursued to date are required;
• Complete a statement of purpose following the instructions on the application.
• Three letters of recommendation including one from the student’s pastor.
• Complete Application Form with $75 non-refundable application/background check fee;
• Students with additional master’s credits may receive transfer credits (see the transfer credit policy).
• Photo ID (state issued driver’s license, state identification card, or Passport) to verify identity
• Additionally, International Students
  • • must submit transcripts of undergraduate degree programs that originate from an institution outside the United States or Canada be sent to a professional transcript service for a course-by-course evaluation.
    • Demonstrate their proficiency in English (see English Proficiency Requirements);

• A select number of students can be admitted without a baccalaureate degree, please contact our admissions team to explore the requirements for non-traditional students.

*The Admissions Committee requires that all transcripts that originate from an institution outside the United States or Canada be sent to a professional transcript service for a course-by-course evaluation.

What is Field Education?

Field Education provides students an opportunity, with the assistance of experienced supervisors and lay committees, to integrate classroom learning with actual practice of ministry in context. A student is eligible to begin Field Education during Module 2 of the program [after 30 academic credits]. Once placed, students must spend 8-12 hours per week or 120-180 hours for the semester engaged at the field site. Included in the onsite hours is one hour of theological reflection with the field supervisor.

In conjunction with an approved field education placement, students must attend a class, which is designed to guide in the practice of theological reflection by examining the field placement experience.  The course provides peer group support and requires assigned readings, reflection papers and journaling. Successful completion of a unit of Field Education and the class earns one academic credit. The grading system is Pass (P)/Fail (F).

Both supervisor and student evaluations are completed at the end of each unit.

Remuneration is suggested, generally btween $150 – 175 /week.

Students register for FE510, FE511, FE512, and FE513 to receive the required 3 academic credits. 

Students may use CPE for two of the field education requirements. Students in CPE do not receive remuneration. All students are urged to check their own denominational requirements. Some require students to engage in CPE.

What is Clinical Pastoral Education?

According to the ACPE, “Clinical Pastoral Education is interfaith professional education for ministry. It brings theological students and ministers of all faiths (pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and others) into supervised encounter with persons in crisis. Out of an intense involvement with persons in need, and the feedback from peers and teachers, students develop new awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those to whom they minister. From theological reflection on specific human situations, they gain a new understanding of ministry. Within the interdisciplinary team process of helping persons, they develop skills in interpersonal and interprofessional relationships.” 

CPE is normally set in an institutional environment such as a hospital or nursing home. CPE is done in units and one unit (400 hours) is required for this degree. A unit of CPE can be completed full-time in an intensive format of 10 to 12 weeks. Others are completed over a full academic year (14 hours per week). There are a limited number of online CPE programs, please contact the Office of Field Education for more information.

Learning Outcomes

Click here to see the learning outcomes for this program.