The Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Capital Seminary & Graduate School is a uniquely balanced program designed to produce the competencies necessary to lead from a biblical worldview. The program prepares students for a leadership role in multiple ministry contexts by focusing on the development of the head, heart, and hands of the student. This program combines the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program, providing the biblical and theological core, with the Master of Arts in Ministry or Master of Arts in Christian Care program, providing the ministry praxis.
The Master of Divinity program equips students for ministry in the church and society by developing:
Application and Admission
Individuals seeking admission to Seminary programs must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
- Application Form: Complete the online application and submit the $40 application fee. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by an Admissions Representative who will guide you through the application process.
- Autobiographical Essay: Write an autobiographical essay. Guidelines for the essay are found here or from Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). This essay is designed to provide applicable life content as well as demonstrate the applicant's writing ability. Applicants will be evaluated on: confirmation of acceptance of Christ as personal Savior, developments in spiritual growth, statement of ministry goals, and rationale for desiring a master's degree. This autobiography has specific guidelines (please follow link above) and is designed for assessing the above content as well as writing ability.
- References: Ask two people who are qualified to evaluate your ministry/work experience and potential, to complete the reference form on your behalf. Reference forms are located online here.
- Request Official Transcripts: Contact all institutions through which degrees have been awarded to request official transcripts to be sent to Adult Learner Services (717-560-8282). These must be official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institution(s). There must be a transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Computer Proficiency Form: Please complete the online computer proficiency form.
- TOEFL Score: Non-native speakers of English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If the applicant has an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university, he/she is exempt from the TOEFL requirement. If required, the TOEFL test score must meet the following minimum for admission: paper score 550; computer score 213; or internet score 79. The applicant's skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision.
- Personal Interview: Following receipt of the above items, a personal interview will be arranged with a faculty member.
Advanced Standing
The following Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student's official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status at the admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
Application Response
Applicants will be notified within three weeks of the submission of all application materials with regards to their acceptance into a program. Five decisions are possible.
- Full Acceptance: The applicant is fully accepted with no deficiencies or leveling requirements.
- Accepted with Deficiencies: The applicant is accepted into the program with admission's academic deficiencies identified. The applicant will be informed as to the necessary steps required to achieve full acceptance.
- Accepted on Review Status: The applicant is admitted pending further review. This may be because a part of the application was incomplete (e.g. a score was not received in time) or because the applicant did not meet one of the admission's requirements.
- Delay: The applicant may receive an application delay. This may be due to the program being filled, a change in the applicant's life situation, or an event preventing the applicant from attending the first program session. Delayed status applicants will not have to reapply to the program but must pay the program down payment fee.
- Declined: The applicant who is declined will be notified by mail or email. Specific reasons for the decline are not provided.
Curricular Structure for Concentrations
Christian Care, Concentration (Washington DC)
The MDiv integrated with the MACC consists of 78 credits and a non-credit Orientation Seminar. MDiv students, who want to integrate the 48 credit MACC with the MABS, must complete an additional 6 credits (78 total) to fulfill all MDiv requirements. The curriculum is designed as follows:
| Orientation Seminar |
0 Credit |
| Biblical and Theological Studies |
12 Credits |
| Ministry Praxis |
9 Credits |
| Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies |
24 Credits |
| Advanced Ministry Praxis |
6 Credits |
| Advanced Christian Care Praxis |
21 Credits |
| Field-Based Experience |
6 Credits |
| Program Total |
78 Credits |
Biblical and Theological Studies (12 Credits)
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Ministry Praxis (9 Credits)
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies (24 Credits)
Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies Electives
12 credits of Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies electives are required from the list below.
| BIB 520 | Selected Topics in Old Testament Pentateuch | 3 |
| BIB 521 | Selected Topics in Old Testament History | 3 |
| BIB 523 | Selected Topics in Old Testament Poetic Books | 3 |
| BIB 525 | Selected Topics in Old Testament Prophetic Books | 3 |
| BIB 529 | Current Issues in Old Testament Studies | 3 |
| BIB 530 | Selected Topics in the Gospels | 3 |
| BIB 531 | Selected Topics in New Testament Epistles | 3 |
| BIB 539 | Current Issues in New Testament Studies | 3 |
| BIB 540 | The Land of Israel | 3 |
| BIB 541 | Biblical Archaeology | 3 |
BIB 542
| Cultural Environment of the Bible | 3 |
BIB 550
| Advanced Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BIB 551 | Applied Hermeneutics: Interpretation of Narrative | 3 |
| BIB 552 | Applied Hermeneutics: Interpretation of Poetry | 3 |
| BIB 553 | Applied Hermeneutics: Prophecy | 3 |
| BIB 561 | Seminar in Hebrew Exegesis | 3 |
| BIB 562 | Seminar in Greek Exegesis | 3 |
| BIB 563 | The Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament | 3 |
| BIB 590 | Independent Study | 3 |
| BIB 592 | Biblical Research | 3 |
BIB 597
| | |
| THE 510 | Old Testament Theology | 3 |
| THE 511 | New Testament Theology | 3 |
| THE 520 | Selected Topics in Systematic Theology | 3 |
THE 521
| Current Issues in Theological Study | 3 |
| THE 522 | Contemporary Theology | 3 |
| THE 523 | Theologies of Liberation | 3 |
THE 524
| | |
THE 530
| Selected Topics in Historical Theology | 3 |
| THE 531 | Theological Classics | 3 |
THE 540
| | |
| THE 541 | Foundations of Theology of Culture | 3 |
| THE 542 | Theological Interpretation of Media | 3 |
| THE 543 | Cultural Analysis and Engagement | 3 |
| THE 590 | Independent Study | 3 |
Advanced Ministry Praxis (6 Credits)
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
Advanced Christian Care Praxis (21 Credits)
| CHC 505 | Foundations for Christian Care | 3 |
| CHC 510 | Christian Care of Individuals | 3 |
| CHC 511 | Christian Care of Individuals Lab | 3 |
| CHC 515 | Christian Care of Families | 3 |
| CHC 516 | Christian Care of Families Lab | 3 |
| CHC 520 | Christian Care and Group Process | 3 |
| CHC 525 | Training Christian Care Givers | 3 |
Field Based Experience - (6 Credits)
| CHC 590 | Christian Care of Individuals and Families Practicum | 3 |
| CHC 595 | Training Christian Care Givers Practicum | 3 |
MDiv Ministry Concentrations
Curricular Structure (Offered in Lancaster, PA and Washington DC except as noted below)
| Orientation Seminar |
0 Credit |
| Biblical and Theological Studies |
12 Credits |
| Ministry Praxis |
9 Credits |
| Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies |
24 Credits |
| **Advanced Ministry Praxis - Concentrations |
21 Credits |
| Field-Based Experience |
6 Credits |
| Program Total |
72 Credits |
Biblical and Theological Studies (12 Credits)
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
Ministry Praxis (9 Credits)
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies (24 Credits)
Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies Electives
12 credits of Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies electives are required from the list below.
| BIB 520 | Selected Topics in Old Testament Pentateuch | 3 |
| BIB 521 | Selected Topics in Old Testament History | 3 |
| BIB 523 | Selected Topics in Old Testament Poetic Books | 3 |
| BIB 525 | Selected Topics in Old Testament Prophetic Books | 3 |
| BIB 529 | Current Issues in Old Testament Studies | 3 |
| BIB 530 | Selected Topics in the Gospels | 3 |
| BIB 531 | Selected Topics in New Testament Epistles | 3 |
| BIB 539 | Current Issues in New Testament Studies | 3 |
| BIB 540 | The Land of Israel | 3 |
| BIB 541 | Biblical Archaeology | 3 |
BIB 542
| Cultural Environment of the Bible | 3 |
BIB 550
| Advanced Hermeneutics | 3 |
| BIB 551 | Applied Hermeneutics: Interpretation of Narrative | 3 |
| BIB 552 | Applied Hermeneutics: Interpretation of Poetry | 3 |
| BIB 553 | Applied Hermeneutics: Prophecy | 3 |
| BIB 561 | Seminar in Hebrew Exegesis | 3 |
| BIB 562 | Seminar in Greek Exegesis | 3 |
| BIB 563 | The Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament | 3 |
| BIB 590 | Independent Study | 3 |
| BIB 592 | Biblical Research | 3 |
BIB 597
| | |
| THE 510 | Old Testament Theology | 3 |
| THE 511 | New Testament Theology | 3 |
| THE 520 | Selected Topics in Systematic Theology | 3 |
THE 521
| Current Issues in Theological Study | 3 |
| THE 522 | Contemporary Theology | 3 |
| THE 523 | Theologies of Liberation | 3 |
THE 524
| | |
THE 530
| Selected Topics in Historical Theology | 3 |
| THE 531 | Theological Classics | 3 |
THE 540
| | |
| THE 541 | Foundations of Theology of Culture | 3 |
| THE 542 | Theological Interpretation of Media | 3 |
| THE 543 | Cultural Analysis and Engagement | 3 |
| THE 590 | Independent Study | 3 |
**Concentrations Advanced Ministry Praxis
Church Planting (12 Credits)
(CPL Courses offered in Boca Raton, FL)
| CPL 501 | Theology, History & Models of Church Planting Movements | 3 |
| CPL 502 | Exegeting Culture for Church Planting | 3 |
| CPL 504 | Church Planting I | 3 |
| CPL 505 | Church Planting II | 3 |
Formational Children and Family Ministry (12 Credits)
Four of the following courses are required to complete the Formational Children and Family Ministry concentration.
| CFM 501 | Foundations of Children and Family Ministry | 3 |
| CFM 502 | Spiritual Formation of Children and Families | 3 |
| CFM 503 | Missional Families in a Global World | 3 |
| CFM 504 | Global Children’s Ministry | 3 |
| CFM 590 | Independent Study | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Leadership Studies (12 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| LSP 501 | Leadership Theory & Practice | 3 |
| LSP 502 | Development of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 503 | Psychology of Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 509 | Leadership Style Analysis | 3 |
Pastoral Studies (12 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| PAS 502 | Local Church Revitalization | 3 |
| PAS 503 | Theology, History, & Practice of Worship | 3 |
| PAS 513 | Advanced Homiletics | 3 |
| PAS 520 | Designing Strategic Models of Adult Discipleship | 3 |
Youth and Young Adult Ministry (12 Credits)
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
| YMN 501 | Student Development, Culture & Contextualization | 3 |
| YMN 502 | Student & Family Systems Counseling | 3 |
| YMN 503 | Thinking Theologically in Student Ministry | 3 |
| YMN 504 | Spiritual Formation of Students | 3 |
Field-based Experience (6 Credits)
The field-based study experience is an integral part of the total degree that is designed to develop greater competence in ministry. In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will select among the first two options below to fulfill the 6 credits of program requirements.
Ministry Internships or Mentorships
Students are provided an opportunity to gain practical ministry knowledge by serving in an approved church, church organization, non-profit organization, governmental organization, school, or under the mentorship of a Christian leader. Students invest a total of 120 documented hours, per 3-credit internship course, in observation and activities under the mentoring of a qualified organizational leader. Internship sites and supervisors must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty mentor. Mentorships are offered to students already serving in a paid ministry position. Details of the mentorship will be developed with the assistance of the student’s faculty mentor. Ministry Internships or Mentorships are charged tuition at the same rate as other 3 credit courses.