THe master of divinity track

The 97-credit Divinity program features a “traditional theological curriculum designed for men who are preparing to serve as pastors, Bible teachers, church-planters, or foreign missionaries” and provides “the student with a thorough theological education,” including “training in exegetical, historical, systematic, and practical theology.” Moreover, RBS has designed our Divinity curriculum so that those wishing to pursue advanced degrees (Th.M., D.Min., Th.D., Ph.D.) can increase the minimum 97 credit requirement to as much as 106 credits.

Program Outcomes

PLO 1: Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation – Graduates will demonstrate the ability to interpret Scripture accurately through the use of sound hermeneutical principles and careful exegesis of the biblical text, including responsible use of the original languages and engagement with relevant scholarly resources.

PLO 2: Theological and Historical Understanding – Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive and coherent understanding of biblical, systematic, and historical theology consistent with the Reformed Baptist tradition and capable of articulating and defending core Christian doctrines.

PLO 3: Pastoral and Ministry Skills – Graduates will demonstrate the practical skills necessary for faithful pastoral ministry, including preaching, teaching, shepherding, and leadership within the local church.

PLO 4: Spiritual Maturity and Ministerial Character – Graduates will exhibit growing Christlike character, spiritual maturity, and ministerial integrity as evidenced through ongoing pastoral mentoring, self-evaluation, and demonstrated faithfulness in personal and ministry life.

PLO 5: Mission and Church Service – Graduates will demonstrate readiness to serve Christ’s church and advance the Great Commission through faithful gospel ministry in local and global contexts.

Click here for a fuller explanation of the program learning outcomes and how they are assessed.

Requirements

Normally, applicants need an earned bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) to enroll in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree program. Applicants without an earned bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue the divinity program will work towards the Bachelor of Divinity (B.Div.) degree. The curricula and course requirements for the B.Div. and M.Div. degrees at RBS are exactly the same. The student must complete the Divinity program within 8 years from the time of his enrollment.

Thesis-Based Divinity Track

In addition to its standard Divinity program, RBS offers the option of a thesis-based Divinity track. The thesis-based track is designed for students who wish to develop a ministry of writing or pursue further graduate studies.

Only students who demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and academic writing will be permitted into the thesis-based divinity track. Normally, all students will first be accepted into the standard divinity program. They must complete RW101 and at least two other courses that requires a term paper. If they show proficiency in the writing projects (i.e., final scores of 84% or higher), they may apply for the thesis-based track.

To apply for the thesis-based track the student must submit a two-page thesis proposal in which he highlights the importance of the topic the thesis will address, the basic argument of the thesis, and the tentative methodology the thesis will employ. The academic dean will then bring this initial proposal to select members of the faculty for consideration. If the dean and professors approve the thesis, the dean will inform the student and invite him to register for the 3-credit Divinity Thesis requirement.* Further details for the thesis-based track are outlined on the seminary website, in the student handbook, or in the Divinity Thesis syllabus.

Core Seminary Prep (3 credits)

  • SP401 Research & Writing (2)

  • SP402 Logos Academic Training (1)

Core Biblical Languages (18 credits)

  • BL501 Hebrew 1 (3)

  • BL502 Hebrew 2 (3)

  • BL503 Hebrew 3 (3)

  • BL511 Greek 1 (3)

  • BL512 Greek 2 (3)

  • BL513 Greek 3 (3)

Core Exegetical Theology (15 credits)

  • ET500 Hermeneutics (3)

  • ET510 OT Introduction (3)

  • ET515 NT Introduction (3)

  • ET631 OT Theology (4)

  • ET632 NT Theology (2)

Core Systematic Theology (29 credits)

  • ST501 Apologetics (3)

  • ST502 The Word (3)

  • ST503 God & Decree (3)

  • ST504 Man & Sin (3)

  • ST505 Christ & Covenants (3)

  • ST506 Salvation (3)

  • ST507 Holy Spirit (3)

  • ST508 Church (3)

  • ST509 Last Things (2)

  • ST510 Ethics (3)

Core Historical Theology (14 credits)

  • HT500 Baptist Symbolics (2)

  • HT611 Early Church (3)

  • HT612 Medieval Church (3)

  • HT613 Reformation Church (3)

  • HT614 Modern Church (3)

Core Practical Theology (16 credits)

  • PT601 Call & Cultivation (2)

  • PT602 Expository Preaching (3)

  • PT608 Preaching Practicum (2)

  • PT610 Pastoral Theology (2)

  • PT612 Church Ministry (2)

  • PT619 Ministerial Practicum (3)

  • PT650 Missions (2)

Core Biblical Counseling (2 credits)

  • BC610 Pastoral Counseling (2)

Electives

  • ET663 Message of Isaiah (2)

  • ET675 Message of Acts (2)

  • HT521 Particular Baptists (2)

  • MT700 Divinity Thesis (3)

Total Required "Core" Divinity Credits - 97
Total Possible Divinity Credits - 108

 

Apply for the Divinity Program

*There are no tuition fees for the Divinity Thesis. There is, however, a one-time thesis advisory fee of $600. This fee shall be used to remunerate the student’s advisor for his guidance and grading services and to cover any administrative expenses. Additionally, the student must pay the semester enrollment fee as long as it takes him to complete the thesis.