Online Master of Divinity Degree

Online Master of Divinity Degree Information:What is a Master of Divinity Degree?

There are a number of misconceptions people may have about getting a Master of Divinity degree. Now that higher level degrees have become more and more accessible to a greater number of potential students online, more people have become interested in graduate level work. But a Master of Divinity is significantly different than most of the other “Master” programs you read about. Before you apply to an online Master of Divinity degree program, there are some things you should know.

How is it different from other Master’s degree programs?

The Master of Divinity degree can require 30-50% more credits than a “regular” Master’s degree, because although it shares the word “Master,” it’s not designed to parallel typical graduate programs. Rather, an online Master of Divinity degree is specifically designed to give candidates the opportunity to learn about the history of the Christian faith, the Bible, and theories and methods of ministry in depth-in order to prepare themselves for a career as a member of the clergy.

Also, while a Master of Divinity degree is certainly an academic challenge and receiving one is a considerable academic achievement, the degree is intended, primarily, to be a practical one. An online Master of Divinity degree is not the same as getting a Master’s degree in philosophy, or in religion, or even in something like Christian studies. Those types of degrees, while they involve study of similar topics, don’t make assumptions about the religion of the candidate him- or herself. An MDiv is primarily intended for candidates who are themselves Christians and seeking a career within the church.

An online Master of Divinity degree will include in depth courses on the Old and New Testaments, Biblical languages, theology, ministry, and evangelism.