Program Overview
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at PLTS equips leaders for ministry in today's world, preparing them to serve as rostered leaders in the ELCA and other Christian denominations. The program emphasizes the connection between cultivating a life-giving relationship with God and faithful social transformation, teaching students to interpret Scripture and faith traditions through the lens of race, class, gender, and earth.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Name:
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Objectives:
- To equip leaders for ministry in today's world.
- To prepare students to serve as rostered leaders in the ELCA and other Christian denominations.
- To cultivate a life-giving relationship with God and engage in faithful social transformation.
- To teach students how to interpret Scripture, faith traditions, and contexts through the lens of race, class, gender, and earth.
Description:
The MDiv program is a four-year program of theological, biblical, ministerial, and contextual studies. The curriculum focuses on the connection between cultivating a life-giving relationship with God and faithful social transformation. Students will learn how to interpret Scripture, faith traditions, and contexts in order to relate the good news of Jesus Christ to society's most pressing challenges.
Other:
- The MDiv program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
- The program is offered in both residential and distributed learning formats.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Theological studies: These courses focus on the history, doctrines, and practices of the Christian faith.
- Biblical studies: These courses focus on the interpretation and application of the Bible.
- Ministerial studies: These courses focus on the skills and practices of ministry, such as preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.
- Contextual studies: These courses focus on the social, cultural, and political contexts of ministry.
Program Structure:
The MDiv program is a four-year program that is divided into three years of coursework and one year of full-time internship. The program is offered in both residential and distributed learning formats.
Residential Format:
- Includes on-campus and some online courses.
- Includes contextual course placements in congregations and community organizations.
- Students participate in Life and Learning Together Weeks two to three times a year.
Distributed Learning Format:
- Includes online courses, on-campus course sessions, and contextual course placements.
- Students participate in one week of in-person courses at the beginning of their studies.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
- Theology: This module explores the history, doctrines, and practices of the Christian faith.
- Biblical Studies: This module explores the interpretation and application of the Bible.
- Ministerial Studies: This module explores the skills and practices of ministry.
- Contextual Studies: This module explores the social, cultural, and political contexts of ministry.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Essays
- Exams
- Presentations
- Projects
- Fieldwork
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge: Students will demonstrate a deep understanding of the theological, biblical, ministerial, and contextual content of the program.
- Skills: Students will develop the skills necessary to be effective leaders in ministry.
- Values: Students will live out the values of the Christian faith in their personal and professional lives.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group discussions
- Case studies
- Fieldwork
Faculty:
The PLTS faculty is composed of leading scholars and practitioners in the field of theology and ministry.
Unique Approaches:
- The MDiv program is grounded in a commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability.
- The program emphasizes the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
- The program is designed to prepare students for ministry in a variety of settings, including churches, schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Pastor
- Chaplain
- Teacher
- Social worker
- Nonprofit administrator
- Mission worker
Career Opportunities:
- Churches
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates of the MDiv program are employed in a variety of settings, including churches, schools, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.
- Many graduates go on to serve as pastors, chaplains, teachers, social workers, nonprofit administrators, and mission workers.
Other:
- The PLTS MDiv program is a member of the Association of Theological Schools.
- The program is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
- The program is committed to diversity and inclusion.
- The program offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options.
