Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity degree at Garrett-Evangelical can be tailor made for each individuals' calling. The MDiv degree provides the academic qualification for ordination as elder or deacon in The United Methodist Church and in most other denominations. In addition, the program prepares students with high academic achievement for doctoral studies in religion.
Admission
Admission Requirements:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university;
- A grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Proficiency in the English language. Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to give evidence of such competence (demonstrated by a TOEFL score).
A completed application consists of:
- Application Form
- Personal Statement
- 3 letters of reference
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- $75 application fee
- Background check (conducted by the seminary, may take up to two weeks to complete)
- Additional financial and church documents are required of international students in order to satisfy internal and federal requirements.
Applications will be reviewed upon completion. The admissions committee reserves the right to determine, in its sole judgment, whether an applicant is a suitable candidate for a specific degree program or for the vocation that the program represents. Applications are accepted on an ongoing, rolling-admission basis and are due six weeks before date of entry for domestic students. International student's applications are due by March 1 if consideration for a scholarship is requested, May 1 if scholarship assistance is not being requested.
Graduation
MDiv Degree - 87 semester hours
MDiv Degree Grid
| Designated Field Courses - 53 Semester Hrs | |
| Bible | 14 Hrs |
| Church History | 9 Hrs |
| Theology & Ethics | 15 Hrs |
| Theory & Practice of Ministry | 15 Hrs |
| Integrative Courses - 13 Semester Hrs | |
| 1st Year Vocational Formation & Church Leadership (VFCL) | 4 Hrs |
| 2nd Year VFCL and Field Education | 4 Hrs |
| 3rd Year VFCL and Field Education | 5 Hrs |
Open Electives - 21 Semester Hrs
Denominational Requirements
Students should plan to meet denominational requirements as part of their electives.
Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation is intrinsic to the degree. While it is part of coursework, students are also expected to devote time outside of class to significant formative experiences such as corporate worship, community meals, service, and spiritual direction. Students are introduced to designated spiritual practices (the historic "rule of life") within the Vocational Formation and Church Leadership course. Vocational Formation and Church Leadership (VFCL) and field education continues the covenantal community. The student's "rule of life" is reviewed regularly with faculty advisors.
Cross-Cultural Education
Students live in a world of differences, cross-cultural in terms of ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, religion, ideology, gender, and nationality. Cross-cultural dimensions are intrinsically part of the whole curriculum at Garrett-Evangelical. Students complete a cross-cultural requirement both to gain a deepened awareness of the cultural and religious world of ministry and a heightened awareness of their own cultural context and personal identity. Students may meet this requirement through a variety of means (courses, travel courses, field education, independent studies, and/or exchange programs).
Continuing Evaluations
In consultation with advisors, students develop, update, and review a portfolio that cumulatively expresses student development through the curriculum. It includes a variety of materials (e.g., written course materials, external evaluations, field education reports, interviews, examinations) appropriate to expected degree learning outcomes.
Dual Program
MDiv and MSW
Garrett-Evangelical and the School of Social Work of Loyola University of Chicago have a cooperative agreement for a dual degree program leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) at Loyola and the MDiv at Garrett-Evangelical.
To learn more about requirements for the MDiv/MSW degree, click here.
MDiv and MA
Enhance the MDiv by specializing with a Master of Artsdegree. The MDiv/MA allows students to become specialists in:
+ Christian Education (with an option in Youth Ministry)
+ Music Ministry (with an option in Organ)
+ Pastoral Care and Counseling
+ Spiritual Formation and Evangelism
To learn more about the MA degrees, click here.
Concentrations
Concentrations
As part of the MDiv,concentrations are available in one of the following fields:
- African American Church Leadership
- Christian Education
- Church History
- Church Leadership
- Ethics
- Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Peace Studies (in partnership with Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary)
- Spiritual Formation
- Theology
- Urban Ministry
- Worship
To learn more about requirements for concentrations, click here.
Plus And Coaching
The Plus Program, an executive education program specifically for religious leaders, is a distinct collaboration between Garrett-Evangelical and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Through academic rigor, professional relevance for religious leaders, and the flexibility you need to succeed, the Plus Program equips you to effectively lead your ministry for the 21st Century. This two-year program is taught by senior faculty and practitioners at Kellogg School of Management and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
To learn how you can be a part of this cutting-edge program visit the Plus Program webpage now.
GPSS (God, Person, Self, System) Leadership Coaching is a partnership between Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and the Samaritan Training and Resource Center that provides Garrett-Evangelical alumni/ea with personal Leadership Coaching. The coaching will be provided by experienced clergy or counselors who have been trained to apply action driven, results oriented and solution focused support as you address the specific, present-moment challenges of your new appointment or employment.
GPSS Leadership Coaches guide individuals and groups to maximize their impact through exploring and expanding vision, unlocking potential and reaching desired goals with increased confidence, competency and commitment.
Field Education
Field Education
Without exception, Garrett-Evangelical graduates point to their field education experience as key to their seminary education. Our field education program reflects the seminary’s philosophy that students mature into ministry by knowing, being and doing.
By combining hands-on experience with our academic course series, Vocational Formation & Church Leadership (VFCL), we offer students the finest opportunity to discern, test and refine their call to ministry.
Field Education is an academic requirement beginning in the fall of your 2nd year and is concurrent with the second year of VFCL. Master of Divinity students take two years of field education, serving at the field site 15 hours per week. You may remain at the same site for both years or chose a different field experience for the second year.
Our program offers:
- Field Site Discernment – We guide each student to a field site where your call, gifts and vocational goals will be supported, challenged, refined and affirmed.
- A Variety of Sites – Options include churches in urban, suburban and rural settings in the immediate area and surrounding states; chaplaincies in both health related and collegiate settings; a variety of social service and outreach agencies.
- Mentoring – Students meet weekly with the field site supervisor for theological reflection and support. (The VFCL course is structured to provide additional mentoring from ministry professionals and peers.)
- Compensation – Students receive a stipend for their work in field education.
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