MDiv in Biblical Communication

Degree Purpose

What is the purpose of the Master of Divinity degree?
The Master of Divinity degree is the central degree program at Phoenix Seminary. It provides comprehensive graduate education utilizing the various theological and ministry resources of Phoenix Seminary.

The Master of Divinity degree is designed to equip students for professional, vocational ministry in church and para-church settings. This may include a broad range of occupations, including the pastorate, intercultural service, Christian leadership, pastoral counseling, chaplaincy, evangelism, and youth ministry. In many churches and denominations, the MDiv degree has been recommended for those preparing for ordination. It can also provide the academic basis for the DMin, ThM, or PhD degrees.

Students will engage in the systematic study of the Scriptures and theology while being exposed to current theological issues and positions with the goal of equipping the student to think biblically, independently, and constructively in vital areas of ministry. The student will also be directed by a Seminary mentor or local church mentor during his or her training for personal development of character.

What is the purpose of the Biblical Communication concentration?
The Biblical Communication concentration equips students for life-changing expository preaching and teaching of the Old and New Testaments. It also provides the basis for further academic study.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Divinity in Biblical Communication degree program should be able to:

1. Know and interpret Scripture according to proper hermeneutical principles;
2. Apply Scripture according to proper hermeneutical principles;
3. Articulate sound doctrine consistent with the Phoenix Seminary Statement of Faith and the historic doctrines of the Christian church;
4. Shepherd God’s people with biblical wisdom, compassion, and justice;
5. Communicate biblical and theological truths effectively;
6. Demonstrate mature Christian character and purity of life;
7. Demonstrate healthy personal relationships with God and neighbor, particularly those marginalized by race, gender, or socio-economic status;
8. Demonstrate the ability to use the original languages for interpreting and applying Scripture;
9. Communicate Scripture clearly according to proper homiletical principles. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Divinity program must have earned an accredited baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) that includes exposure to a breadth of liberal arts. Phoenix Seminary encourages undergraduate course work in philosophy and the history of western civilization. An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required. Those who do not meet these academic requirements may petition the Admissions Committee for special consideration. Applicants must have vocational goals consistent with the design of the Master of Divinity. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of mature Christian character and ministry potential.

Degree Requirements (94 Hours)

MDiv Biblical Communication Core Requirements

Course	Title	Hours (48)
BIBLICAL LITERATURE		16
BC 499	Graduate Writing Workshop	Transcripted
BL 501	Principles for Biblical Interpretation	4
BL 502	Survey of the Pentateuch	2
BL 503	Survey of the Historical and Wisdom Literature	2
BL 504	Survey of the Prophets	2
BL 505	Survey of the Gospels	2
BL 506	Survey of Acts and the Pauline Epistles	2
BL 507	Survey of the General Epistles and Revelation	2
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT		4
CD 501	Living in God’s Presence	2
CD 504	Foundations of Intimacy	2
CD 530	30-hour Faculty Review	Transcripted
CD 560	60-hour Faculty Review	Transcripted
CHURCH HISTORY		6
CH 501	History of World Christianity I	3
CH 502	History of World Christianity II	3
INTERCULTURAL STUDIES		6
IS 501	Cross-cultural and Diversity Competency	2
IS 502	Global Outreach	2
IS 503	Evangelism and Discipleship	2
THEOLOGY		16
TH 501	God, Scripture, Revelation, and the Holy Spirit	4
TH 502	Humanity, Angels, and the Person and Work of Christ	4
TH 503	Salvation, the Church, and the Future	4
TH 506	Contemporary Moral Issues	2
TH 510	Biblical Sexuality	2
TH 599	Theological Oral Examination	Transcripted

 

MDiv Biblical Communication Concentration Requirements

Course	Title	Hours (46)
HOMILETICS		6
BC 501	Methodology of Biblical Communication	2
BC 502	Advanced Expository Communication	2
BC 591	Biblical Communication Internship I*	2
NEW TESTAMENT GREEK		10
NT 501	Learning New Testament Greek	3
NT 502	Reading New Testament Greek	3
NT 503	Using New Testament Greek	2
NT 5##	Greek Elective (NT 551 – NT 595)	2
OLD TESTAMENT HEBREW		10
OT 501	Learning Old Testament Hebrew	3
OT 502	Reading Old Testament Hebrew	3
OT 503	Using Old Testament Hebrew	2
OT 5##	Hebrew Elective (OT 551 – OT 595)	2
MINISTRY SKILLS		8
MS 501	Principles for Ministry Leadership	2
MS 502	Introduction to Pastoral Counseling	2
MS 508	Competencies in Pastoral Practice	2
– 5##	Apologetics Elective: Choose from TH 504, TH 505, IS 509, or IS 510	2
GENERAL ELECTIVES*		12

* Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) may in some cases be undertaken to fulfill requirements for BC 591 and / or general elective credit. 

Note: Courses which list “Transcripted” are recorded on the transcript as S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). No tuition or fees are charged except in the case of BC 499.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 50 percent (47 semester hours) of the course work required for the Master of Divinity may be transferred from another seminary or graduate school when the transfer credits fit the nature of the program and other requirements are met. 

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Divinity requires the completion of 94 semester hours within six years with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

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