Master of Divinity

The master of divinity (MDiv) is the basic ministerial degree for those seeking ordination in the Evangelical Covenant Church and many other denominations. While the degree program is primarily designed to train individuals for parish ministry, it is also excellent preparation for other specialized ministries, including in some parachurch and nonprofit organizations. North Park's flexibility within the degree allows room for course substitutions and other specializations for those who are not seeking a call to congregational ministry.

Learning Goals

North Park's MDiv is designed to equip women and men to be competent and spiritually sensitive ministers in the Christian church at home and abroad. View the full list of degree outcomes in the NPTS catalog.

This degree can be completed in three years of full-time study, plus one year of full-time internship. Some students may choose to extend the program based on their family needs and community involvement.

Curriculum Requirements

The MDiv can prepare you for Ordination to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church, as well as for calls to various specialized ministries including teaching, counseling, and chaplaincy. The curriculum is designed to provide expert knowledge in Bible, Christian history, theology, and ancient languages, while also preparing students to be preaching, teaching, leading, and caring pastors. The following items are designed to help you plan your studies:

• MDiv curriculum requirements
• MDiv suggested course sequence
• MDiv core sheet (PDF download)
• Field Education requirements

Non-Academic Requirements

North Park Theological Seminary prepares women and men for ministry in its many forms, through both academic training and spiritual formation. The evaluative processes throughout your program aid in assessing your progress both academically and spiritually, as well you in your ongoing vocational discernment. You will participate in the following as a student in the MDiv program:

First Year

• First Week: New students are invited to campus during the week prior to the start of classes to become familiarized with the Seminary community and available resources.
• Vocational Excellence: The Seminary is committed to preparing you both academically and formationally for a call to ministry. All students will participate in the Vocational Excellence field education experience, which includes several assessment pieces. On-campus students should register for this in the first semester.
• Field Education Planning: During your first year, you should meet with the field education faculty to devise a plan to complete your field education requirements throughout your Seminary program. A plan should be in place before you go through the Degree Candidacy evaluation.

Midway

• Degree Candidacy: Following the completion of one-third of your degree program, typically  in the spring of the first year, you will apply for degree candidacy, helping make sure you are on track in your program.
• Field Education Credits: You should be well under way in your required field education experiences. MDiv students should complete their Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) requirements after their first or second years of the program, and have a plan in place to fulfill the Internship Residency component. Contact the Field Education Office if you have any questions about completing your requirements.

Final Year

• End of Studies: At the completion of two-thirds of their degree program, you will begin this evaluation program which will aid in determining your readiness for ministry.
• Call to Ministry: Students anticipating ministry in the Evangelical Covenant Church should begin this process in the fall of their final year, which will connect them with superintendents and churches in the ECC.
• Graduation: The Seminary Commencement and Consecration Service is a chance for the whole NPTS community to celebrate graduating students and wish them well on their journeys in ministry.