The Associate of Divinity is a ministry-focused undergraduate degree designed for students who want a strong theological foundation with direct application to church leadership and discipleship.
The program is particularly well suited for individuals currently serving in ministry or preparing for ministry roles without pursuing a full bachelor’s degree.
Delivered in an online-first format, the ADiv provides practical ministry training that can be completed alongside work, family, and church responsibilities.
first format, the BAR allows students to pursue formal theological education while continuing to work, serve, and lead in their local ministry contexts.
Up to 30 semester hours may be transferred from an accredited institution
The Associate of Divinity is designed for students who want formal theological training that emphasizes ministry practice and discipleship.
Typical students include:
Bivocational pastors and ministry leaders
Individuals serving in churches without prior theological education
Students seeking a foundational ministry degree
Those exploring further theological study before pursuing a bachelor’s degree
The program is commonly completed on a part-time basis while students remain active in ministry and employment.
The ADiv curriculum is structured to provide a balanced introduction to biblical studies, theology, and ministry practice while remaining accessible to students early in their theological education.
Students develop a foundational understanding of Scripture through Old and New Testament survey courses and focused studies on the life and ministry of Christ and the Apostle Paul.
Coursework introduces students to core Christian doctrine and the historical development of the church, including Baptist history and broader Christian tradition.
This area emphasizes practical ministry preparation, including worship leadership, oral communication, missions, evangelism, disciple-making, and leadership development.
Courses focus on teaching, counseling awareness, and ministry-related learning skills that support effective service in church and ministry settings.
Students complete coursework in computer arts or approved alternatives in modern foreign language or science to support practical ministry and academic skills.
Electives allow students to explore areas of interest or strengthen preparation for specific ministry contexts.
Discipleship is a central component of the Associate of Divinity program. Through Disciple Way courses and ministry-focused assignments, students engage directly in disciple-making and evangelism while receiving guidance and feedback from faculty.
This applied approach ensures students are not only learning theological concepts but also practicing ministry in real-world settings.
The ADiv program is intentionally structured for students balancing multiple responsibilities:
Online course delivery
Typical enrollment of one to two classes per semester
A blend of live interaction and recorded content for flexibility
This allows students to pursue theological education without stepping away from their ministry or vocational commitments.
The Associate of Divinity does not require prior theological education. Students may transfer up to 30 semester hours from another accredited institution.
To maintain accessibility, no more than ten courses in the program may be taken at the upper (300–400) level. Remaining coursework is completed at the introductory level, making the program well-suited for students beginning formal theological study.
If you’re considering the Associate of Divinity and want to understand how the program fits your ministry goals and schedule, our admissions team is ready to help.