Degree Programs
The Bachelor’s Degree program is available to those who have completed the equivalent of an Associate’s Degree or have completed 51 general education credits as required for the conferral of a B.A. degree. It is possible to apply for an assessment to prove proficiency in a general education course and obtain either credit or a waiver of that course. These assessments are part of the “Life Credit” program in which someone has learned through their work or life study what is normally taught within the classroom of a particular course in English composition, history, natural sciences, mathematics, science, or social sciences. These life credits can also include proficiency in a second language or vocational skills. Please contact us if you believe you qualify.
It is possible to take graduate-level courses in order to simultaneously satisfy both major B.Th. credits and General Education credits. For example, a Christian History course taken at the 500 level can satisfy the general education requirement for history or an elective in history towards your major. However, one graduate course can only satisfy one three-credit course requirement in the B.Th. program (in other words, the history course in the previous example could only fill one three-credit slot in the Bachelor’s program).
Bachelor of Arts in Theology (B.Th.)
Type of Courses
General Education
Major (Theology Requirements)
Electives
Total
The Components of a Bachelor's Degree
Hildegard Major in Theology Requirements
Hebrew Bible 6 credits
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible I
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible II
New Testament 6 credits
Introduction to the New Testament I
Introduction to the New Testament II
Theology 9 credits
Three theology course electives (one elective in theology may be replaced by a scripture course)
Christian History 6 credits
Ancient Christian History 3
History elective 3
Total Major in Theology Credits 51 credits
Total General Education Credits 51 credits
Total Elective Credits 18 credits
Number of required credits
51
45
24
120
Number of required courses
17
15
8
40
Hildegard General Education Requirements
Mathematics 3 credits
English 6 credits
Composition 3 credits
Critical Reading/Literature 3 credits
History 6 credits
Natural Sciences 3 credits
Social Sciences/Psychology 6 credits
Additional Elective Credits 33 credits
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.)
Biblical Hermeneutics 3 credits
Hebrew Scriptures 6 credits
2 Courses
New Testament 6 credits
2 Courses
Theological Studies 6 credits
2 Courses
History 3 credits
1 Course
Electives 9 credits
3 Courses in area of MA concentration
Thesis Writing Seminar 2 credits
Student works with with their Academic Advisor to write and defend student thesis.
Total Degree Credit Hours 35 credits
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Biblical Hermeneutics 3 credits
New Testament 9 credits
Introduction to the Gospels & Acts
Pauline Literature elective
General New Testament elective
Old Testament 9 credits
The Torah
History of Israel elective
Prophets elective
Theology 12 credits
Christology and Soteriology
Sacramental Theology
Two theology electives
Church History 12 credits
Ancient Church History
Early Medieval Church
Reformation to pre-modern day
One history elective
Church and Society 12 credits
Psychology of Religion
One elective in social justice/minority studies
One ecumenism elective
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Modern Society
Pastoral Care 12 credits
Introduction to Pastoral Care
Pastoral Counseling
Two electives
Liturgical Practicum 6 credits
Liturgical Music
Homiletics
Independent studies are available for further liturgical study as different faith communities may have their own standards. Study with a person within one’s own jurisdiction can be obtained for credit in liturgy.
Ministry Tracks
Students may craft their remaining M.Div. program based on their intended ministry. While the following are suggestions for two common tracks, students seeking innovative and emerging trends in ministry may create a focus track with independent study or by incorporating courses at other seminaries/universities. Track Modules must contain a minimum of 15 graduate credit hours.
Parish Ministry Module 15 credits
Parish development and management
Stewardship, finance, and law for pastors
Organizational leadership and conflict resolution
Christian formation in the parish setting
Ministry in Diversity
Chaplaincy Module 15 credits
Introduction to Chaplaincy
Advanced Pastoral Counseling
Marriage & Family Dynamics
Death, Dying, & Grief
Ministry in Diversity
Electives/Independent Study 9 credits
Total Credits for MDiv 90