The Master of Divinity course of study is a 78-unit program that may be completed in as little as three to four (3-4) years of full-time study (9 units per semester) including summer terms.
Student learning outcomes are:
- To interpret the Scriptures from a historical, grammatical, and literal perspective using biblical languages (biblical studies major).
- To interpret the Scriptures from a historical, grammatical, and literal perspective being able to confront ancient and modern ideologies that threaten the doctrinal and moral welfare of the church (apologetics major).
- To serve the church with skill and faithfulness by accurately teaching biblical and theological studies to the church.
- To apply biblical content and theology as expressed in VIU’s doctrinal statement to teaching, preaching, discipleship, missions, apologetics, and evangelism.
The following courses comprise the courses required to graduate with the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with the biblical studies major:
| Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies (MDiv) | |
| Core Requirements – 27 units | |
| OT510 Old Testament Survey (3) | TH560 Anthropology, Hamartiology, and Soteriology (3) |
| NT515 New Testament Survey (3) | TH570 Ecclesiology and Eschatology (3) |
| TH520 Biblical Hermeneutics (3) | AP501 Christian Apologetics (3) |
| TH530 Prolegomena and Bibliology (3) | RW499 Research Methods and Technology (P/F) |
| TH540 Theology Proper and Creation (3) | CM501 Church/Mission Experience I (P/F) |
| TH550 Christology and Pneumatology (3) | CM502 Church/Mission Experience II (P/F) |
| Major Requirements – 18 units | |
| Languages Track | Non-Languages Track |
| BLH501 Biblical Hebrew I (3) | NT501 Gospel Literature (3) |
| BLH502 Biblical Hebrew II (3) | NT504 Revelation (3) |
| BLH503 Exegesis in the Old Testament (3) | NT530 NT Research & Methodology (3) |
| BLG501 Biblical Greek I (3) | OT505 Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls (3) |
| BLG502 Biblical Greek II (3) | OT506 Daniel (3) or OT519 Ruth & Esther (3) |
| BLG503 Exegesis in the New Testament (3) | AR621B Archaeology and the Bible: Historical & Cultural Synchronisms (3) |
| Choose one elective in AR, OT, NT, TH, BLG/BLH category (3) | |
| Divinity Requirements (18 units) | |
| CH580 History of the Church (3) | Choose one: PH500 Philosophy of Christian Education (3) or PM550 Principles & Theology of Missions (3) or PM530 Pastoral Care (3) or PM560 Chaplaincy Principles (3) |
| PM560 Teaching Scripture (3) | |
| FC510 Gospel and Culture (3) | |
| PM510 Christian Leadership Principles (3) | CM503 Church/Mission Experience III (P/F) |
| PM520 Biblical Counseling (3) | CM504 Church/Mission Experience IV (P/F) |
| Electives (12 units) | |
| Complete Comprehensive Exam – Pass/Fail | |
| Total Semester Hours: 78 | |
| Chaplaincy Option: Students may substitute two courses for those listed under the ‘Divinity Requirements’ section with PM560 Chaplaincy Principles and one of the following courses: PM560M Military Chaplaincy, PM560H Hospital/Hospice Chaplaincy, PM560F First Responders Chaplaincy (law enforcement and fire). | |