The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is BMATS’s flagship graduate degree, designed to prepare students for pastoral leadership and vocational ministry through comprehensive theological education and practical ministry formation.
The program is well suited for those called to senior leadership roles in the local church, as well as for students seeking a strong foundation for doctoral or other advanced graduate study.
Delivered in an online-first format, the MDiv allows students to pursue rigorous graduate-level theological education while continuing to serve in ministry and maintain vocational and family responsibilities.
The Master of Divinity is designed for students pursuing comprehensive preparation for Christian ministry and leadership.
This includes:
Aspiring pastors preparing for senior leadership roles
Bivocational ministers seeking formal theological training
Church leaders pursuing advanced ministry formation
Students planning for doctoral or post-graduate theological study
Most students complete the program on a part-time basis while remaining actively engaged in ministry and employment.
The MDiv curriculum is organized to provide academic depth, theological breadth, and practical ministry readiness. Students complete coursework across the following areas:
Students engage deeply with the Old and New Testaments, developing strong interpretive skills and theological understanding. Coursework includes biblical languages and advanced textual study.
Students study Christian doctrine and church history, forming a coherent theological framework grounded in historic, orthodox Christianity.
This area emphasizes practical ministry preparation, including preaching, leadership, pastoral care, evangelism, missions, and church administration. Students are trained not only to understand ministry, but to practice it faithfully and effectively.
Discipleship is a defining emphasis of the MDiv program. Through Disciple Way courses and ministry-integrated learning, students develop habits of disciple-making and spiritual leadership that shape long-term ministry faithfulness.
A defining feature of the Master of Divinity program is its emphasis on discipleship and applied ministry learning. Students are encouraged to integrate theological study with real-world ministry experience throughout the program.
Through structured assignments, guided reflection, and faculty mentorship, students apply what they are learning in their ministry contexts—ensuring that formation extends beyond academic study alone.
The MDiv program is structured with working and bivocational students in mind:
Courses are delivered in an online format
Most part-time students take one to two classes per semester
Live interaction is supported by recorded content for flexibility
This format allows students to pursue graduate theological education without stepping away from ministry or vocational responsibilities.
Admission to the Master of Divinity requires a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants are evaluated based on academic preparation, ministry involvement, and readiness for graduate-level theological study.
Specific admission requirements and prerequisite coursework are outlined in the academic catalog.
If you’re considering the Master of Divinity and want to understand how the program fits your calling and schedule, our admissions team is ready to help.