The Southwestern M.Div. prepares students for the broadest range of Christian ministries. Students receive training in classical theological disciplines such as Old Testament, New Testament, church history and historical theology, systematic theology, ethics, and philosophy, as well as applied disciplines such as pastoral ministry, preaching, evangelism, and missions. In addition, students may use elective hours to pursue concentrations in any school at Southwestern in accordance with their ministry goals and academic interests. The M.Div. is the only approved first master's degree for a student preparing for a pastoral or preaching ministry, as well as any other ministry largely comprised of biblical teaching.
The Advanced Master of Divinity allows students to build upon undergraduate theological training by taking elective courses in place of the introductory courses in the regular Master of Divinity curriculum.
The Master of Arts in Theology is a graduate level degree offering advanced work in the classical theological disciplines.
The Master of Arts in Archaeology and Biblical Studies is a graduate level degree offering advanced work in classical archaeological disciplines: Archaeological Methods; Fieldwork; Archaeology, History and Backgrounds of Bible lands; Ancient Biblical and Cognate Languages.
The Master of Arts in Lay Ministry provides theological education for lay people, equipping them for competent lay ministry to the church and community.
The Master of Theology allows students to gain a high level of competency in one major area of study after completion of the Master of Divinity. The Th.M. enhances ministerial practice, preparation for doctoral studies, and further mastery of a specialized discipline.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed to enhance the practice of ministry for those who are currently engaged in positions of ministerial leadership.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree prepares persons of exceptional ability and promise to serve as teachers in specialized areas of theology; pastors; chaplains; or denominational leaders in positions such as administrators, editors, authors, in the United States or abroad.