The Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) prepares students for congregational ministry, chaplaincy, and other forms of Church and non-profit leadership. Educating the mind, heart, and spirit, the MDiv curriculum integrates intellectual and experiential learning that readies students for vocations in religious and public spheres. Columbia’s MDiv challenges students to look anew at Christian traditions, reflect upon their contemporary significance, and transform that reflection into service with the people of God.

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Curriculum Highlights

Beyond core courses in biblical studies, theology, ethics, Christian history, world Christianities, worship, preaching, educational ministries, pastoral care, and church leadership, MDiv students engage in a range of experiences that focus on intersectionality, community building, and the practice of ministry. 

• Colloquy: cohort groups that meet one hour weekly during fall and spring terms to engage modules about matters related to flourishing in seminary and ministry, e.g., spiritual formation, Scripture reading, administrative skills, financial health and money management, creating and nurturing partnerships in communities, mindfulness, mental health, and conflict transformation.
• Intercultural Intelligence: seeks to develop the dialogical and leadership skills and capacities needed to co-create understanding between people of different religious identities, social locations, cultures, and religious traditions.
• Contextual Immersions: in which students take part in academic and experiential explorations of a significantly different cultural and church context. Locations include Cuba, South Korea, India, Kenya, the US-Mexico Borderlands, and Atlanta.
• Supervised Ministry: where students explore different forms of ministry in the Decatur/Atlanta area before gaining experience in a congregational setting. Students may also opt to take additional supervised ministry (e.g., in a hospital, non-profit, medical, carceral, academic, or additional congregational setting) as elective credit.

Three Pathways to the MDiv

Two-Year Pathway

This pathway enables students to complete the MDiv in two years of intensive study. The 2-year pathway is ideal for students who are excited to fully immerse themselves in the seminary experience. Students on the 2-year pathway are encouraged to live on campus or be within commuting distance of the Seminary so that they may enjoy the full benefits of the resources and community life of Columbia.

Three-Year Pathway

This pathway allows students to complete the MDiv degree in three years of full-time study. This more moderately paced pathway is ideal for students who are balancing their theological studies with part-time work or other responsibilities.

Five-Year Pathway

Columbia now offers a five-year pathway for students who want to complete their degree program part-time. This pathway is ideal for students who are working full-time or have other significant commitments beyond the Seminary.

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Be a Part of Something New

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Discerning whether the MDiv is for you?

Get in touch with our Enrollment Management and Vocational Outreach Team for more information. You can reach us at admissions@ctsnet.edu.