More Accessibility and Greater Flexibility
The Faculty of Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS) recently called for an historic vote, the outcome of which will allow Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree students to complete their degree program more quickly, more economically and with greater flexibility. Over the course of the next several months, Seminary Faculty and Administration plan to adopt a new curriculum for the (M.Div.) Degree which requires 76 semester hours of coursework (the current requirement is 90 semester hours). Actual changes to the degree’s course of study are still in process; in addition, approval must be received by the Seminary’s accrediting agency (Association of Theological Schools) and Board of Trustees. NTS will announce more information, and how it might impact current and future students, as these important steps are finalized. Changes in the curriculum could be approved and implemented as early as the 2010-2011 academic year.
According to NTS President Dr. Ron Benefiel, “The flexibility of the new curriculum will continue to provide our students a solid theological education while offering students greater options in the selection of their courses.”
The Master of Divinity Degree is the central degree program of NTS. Its purpose is to prepare persons for pastoral and spiritual leadership in congregations and other settings. It is the normative degree for those preparing for ordained ministry. The M.Div. Program provides both breadth of exposure and depth of understanding for theological disciplines and ministry skills. It prepares persons for pastoral responsibilities by providing opportunities for the integration of theological study, personal and professional formation, and the practice of ministry in congregational, community, and cross-cultural contexts.
For more information on NTS and its degree programs, visit www.nts.edu, or contact the NTS Office of Admissions at 800.831.3011, 5452 or at enroll@nts.edu.
Posted on
Thursday, November 12, 2009
by NTS News