The Master of Arts (Theological Studies) and Master of Divinity, Modular Format (SemPm)

Bethel Seminary’s modular approach to ministry preparation began in the fall of 1993, and has been very well-received by students in the program. Two degrees are available in this format: the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) and the Master of Divinity.

The class schedules and course calendars are designed for students who need maximum flexibility. Classes meet one night per week typically on Monday evenings. Approximately 20 hours of directed independent study are expected between class periods. This requires essentially the same amount of “involvement time” as a traditionally scheduled course. For most students, this will allow full‑time employment while pursuing the degree.

The program is designed to encourage on‑time completion. Approximately 25 students move through the sequence of courses together, providing the opportunity for interaction, shared insight, and mutual support. This model has been shown to have a powerful effect on student success. Students who remain continuously enrolled have full-time status throughout the program.

The M.A.(T.S.) degree will be awarded upon completion of 96 credits, participation in the self-assessment and evaluation program, the writing of a satisfactory personal statement of faith, achieving a grade point average of C (2.0) or above, financial clearance from the business office, and participation in graduation ceremonies. The M.A. program is completed in three years, and is considered to be a generalist degree.

Students wishing to pursue the M.Div. degree will take 48 credits beyond the prescribed M.A. track. All course work in the M.A. program contributes directly to the M.Div. degree (Greek track, applied generalist), but the M.A.(T.S.) will not be granted. Students who wish to pursue a specific concentration in the Master of Divinity program are advised to work with the registrar early in their programs to discuss appropriate elective courses. Students should also meet with the director of supervised ministry to develop a plan for completion of the required internships.

Students desiring to continue the M.Div. on the Monday evening only format can complete the degree in six quarters. However, other options are available for the additional courses. Students may take courses during the day or evening, in modular or quarter formats, in one-week intensives, or as independent studies. (Students are limited to a maximum of three independent studies in elective areas only.) Tuition for each course will be the standard rate at the time each class is taken.

Click to view degree requirements.

SemPM Program: Structure of an Average Year

Classes meet Monday evenings. New groups start in August.

Students enrolled continuously in the program are considered to be full time.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts (Theological Studies)—SemPM

BT501	Hermeneutics	4
DC501	Discipleship in Community	4
DC746	Small Groups in the Church	4
GC501	Intro. to Global & Contextual Ministries	4
GC505	Evangelism for Discipleship	4
HS503	Church History Survey	4
ML513	Transformational Leadership	4
ML610	Communication and Org. Leadership	4
ML705	Personal/Ministry Development	4
NT501	The Gospels	4
NT502	Acts and Pauline Letters	4
NT503	Hebrews through Revelation	4
OT501	Genesis - Ruth	4
OT502	I Samuel - Song of Songs	4
OT503	Isaiah - Malachi	4
PC501	Introduction to Pastoral Care	4
SP500	SPF: Foundations and Traditions	4
TL501	Culture and Ministry	4
TS501	Systematic Theology I	4
TS502	Systematic Theology II	4
TS503	Systematic Theology III	4
TS505	Christian Social Ethics	4
TS794	Integrative Seminar	4

Supervised Ministry Requirements

ML550	Theology and Christian Community	4
SP001	Formation Assessments	0
	Transformational Church Series	0
	Senior Statement of Faith	0

Master of Divinity—Greek Track (SemPM Completion)

BT501	Hermeneutics	4
CP501	Introduction to Preaching	4
CP551	Preaching Practicum A&B	4
DC501	Discipleship in Community	4
DC746	Small Groups in the Church	4
GC501	Intro. to Global & Contextual Ministries	4
GC505	Evangelism for Discipleship	4
HS503	Church History Survey	4
HS610	American Christianity	4
ML513	Transformational Leadership	4
ML610	Communication and Org. Leadership	4
ML705	Personal/Ministry Development	4
NT521	Elementary Greek I	4
NT522	Elementary Greek II	4
NT531	Intermediate Greek Grammar	4
NT501	The Gospels	4
NT502	Acts and Pauline Letters	4
NT503	Hebrews through Revelation	4
NT641	Greek Exegesis	4
OT501	Genesis - Ruth	4
OT502	I Samuel - Song of Songs	4
OT503	Prophetic Books	4
PC501	Introduction to Pastoral Care	4
SP500	SPF: Foundations and Traditions	4
SP600	SPF: Self in Community	4
SP700	SPF: Integration Seminar	4
TL501	Culture and Ministry	4
TS501	Systematic Theology I	4
TS502	Systematic Theology II	4
TS503	Systematic Theology III	4
TS505	Christian Social Ethics	4
TS794	Integrative Seminar	4
	CP Elective	4
	GC Elective	4

Supervised Ministry and Other Requirements

ML550	Theology and Christian Community	4
TL552	Professional Internship	4
SP001	Formation Assessments	0
TL001	Vocational Assessments	0
	Transformational Church Series	0
	Senior Statement of Faith	0

A minimum of 144 quarter credits is required for graduation in the M.Div. program.

The Bethel Seminary Catalog is provided online as a convenience for those who desire course information in electronic form. The printed version of the Bethel Seminary catalog is the official version, and it will be treated as the document of record in all seminary business.