Class Notes

Master of Divinity >

M.Div. 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 M.Div. degree has been recommended for those preparing for ordination. It can also provide the academic basis for the D.Min., Th.M., or Ph.D. 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)

M.Div. Biblical Communication Core Requirements

CourseTitleHours (48)
BIBLICAL LITERATURE16
BC 499Graduate Writing WorkshopTranscripted
BL 501Principles for Biblical Interpretation4
BL 502Survey of the Pentateuch2
BL 503Survey of the Historical & Wisdom Literature2
BL 504Survey of the Prophets2
BL 505Survey of the Gospels2
BL 506Survey of Acts & the Pauline Epistles2
BL 507Survey of the General Epistles & Revelation2
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT4
CD 501Living in God’s Presence2
CD 504Foundations of Intimacy2
CD 53030-hour Faculty ReviewTranscripted
CD 56060-hour Faculty ReviewTranscripted
CHURCH HISTORY6
CH 501History of World Christianity I3
CH 502History of World Christianity II3
INTERCULTURAL STUDIES6
IS 501Cross-cultural & Diversity Competency2
IS 502Global Outreach2
IS 503Evangelism & Discipleship2
THEOLOGY16
TH 501God, Scripture, Revelation, and the Holy Spirit4
TH 502Humanity, Angels, and the Person & Work of Christ4
TH 503Salvation, the Church, and the Future4
TH 506Contemporary Moral Issues2
TH 510Biblical Sexuality2
TH 599Theological Oral ExaminationTranscripted

M.Div. Biblical Communication Concentration Requirements

CourseTitleHours (46)
HOMILETICS6
BC 501Methodology of Biblical Communication2
BC 502Advanced Expository Communication2
BC 591Biblical Communication Internship I*2
NEW TESTAMENT GREEK10
NT 501Learning New Testament Greek3
NT 502Reading New Testament Greek3
NT 503Using New Testament Greek2
NT 5##Greek Elective (NT 551 - NT 595)2
OLD TESTAMENT HEBREW10
OT 501Learning Old Testament Hebrew3
OT 502Reading Old Testament Hebrew3
OT 503Using Old Testament Hebrew2
OT 5##Hebrew Elective (OT 551 - OT 595)2
MINISTRY SKILLS8
MS 501Principles for Ministry Leadership2
MS 502Introduction to Pastoral Counseling2
MS 508Competencies in Pastoral Practice2
-- 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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