Master of Divinity

Graduate
Hybrid
75 hours
3 years

Master of Divinity at Harding

This degree lays a solid foundation for a lifetime of ministry through a focus on spiritual growth, research tools and methodology, and practical skills. It provides opportunities and encouragement for personal spiritual growth, understanding of Scripture and theology, and an introduction to the historical and cultural contexts of churches. Additionally, students will gain understanding of and supervised experience in major aspects of ministry.

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Why earn your Master of Divinity from Harding?

Faculty

Our faculty are leaders in their disciplines who contribute to their areas of study through research, presentations, and writings. Each received education and training from leading institutions and brings a variety and wealth of experience to the classroom. As members of local congregations, they use their talents in preaching, teaching, and writing to build up the church.

 

Library

Harding has one of the most extensive theological libraries affiliated with churches of Christ. Its impressive collection includes more than 150,000 books, 25,000 volume-bound periodicals, 300+ current periodicals and an ever-expanding collection of digital resources.The library provides resources and research assistance to online students as well as those on campus.

 

Flexibility and Affordability

Our synchronous online courses and one-week on-campus intensive classes allow full-time ministers and missionaries to pursue advanced education from anywhere.  Through generous funding provided by donors committed to Christian education, scholarships are available to all HST students to help reduce the cost of tuition.

 

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Chapel

Chapel is an important part of life at HST.  We meet two times a week during the semester and daily during intensive courses.  Students and professors both lead the community in worship and Bible study.  Distance students and alumni participate in chapel via Zoom.

 

Center for Church and City Engagement

Opportunities for cross-cultural experiences in urban contexts are available for students through internships, apprenticeships and other ministry settings.

 

Spiritual Formation Retreat

New students participate in a spiritual formation retreat in connection with one of the first courses they take.

 

Intensives

All HST degrees have a residency requirement (a number of courses that must be taken on our Searcy campus). For the MA and MACM, the residency requirement is two courses. For the M.Div., it is three courses. Many distance students choose to attend one-week intensive courses on campus in Searcy over the course of their degree to meet their residency requirement.  The standard intensive course meets for one week, Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. Intensives are usually offered for one week in the fall, one week in the spring, and two weeks in the summer.  


Need to reserve a room for intensive classes? A block of rooms are set aside for HST students at the Heritage Inn on campus in Searcy.  HST students receive a 20% discount.  For more information on room types, cost, and making reservations, please call the front desk at 501-279-4700 or visit www.harding.edu/heritage.  

 

Online Classes

Students who want to take HST classes but do not live in Searcy can attend weekly classes via Zoom.  You will participate in class discussions in real time along with students who are meeting in the physical classroom. You can see them, and they can see you. You and your virtual classmates are on a screen at the front of the class visible to the local students and professor in the classroom.

During class time, you will see the physical classroom and other distance students on one of your monitors, and the professor’s slides on the other monitor. When you speak in class, the camera is situated so that the local students are looking right at you, making virtual eye contact. This allows for more nuanced communication as both you and your classmates can see facial expressions and other body language. Responding to a professor’s questions and illustrations or asking your own questions about classroom material is essentially like being in the room.  You are present and engaged for the entire class period.

Typically, classes meet for a three-hour block of time one day each week on our regular HST schedule. Standard meeting times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at 8 am, 1 pm, or 6 pm central time.

Students in online classes are required to have the following equipment:

  • Laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone
  • Internet access 
  • A web browser such as FireFox, Chrome, or Edge
  • A second monitor

 

What can you do with a Master of Divinity?

Chaplain

The Master of Divinity program can help prepare students who wish to serve as chaplains in a variety of areas, such as the military, hospitals, and hospice care.  This program focuses on spiritual growth, and gives the practical preparation needed for chaplaincy work, including classes in Biblical languages, theology, and ministerial leadership.

Preachers

For preachers, the Master of Divinity program enhances preaching effectiveness by refining theological insights and sermon preparation techniques. This program focuses on deepening biblical knowledge, honing communication skills and addressing contemporary challenges in ministry. By engaging in rigorous study and practical application, graduates are equipped to deliver compelling sermons that resonate with congregations and effectively communicate the transformative power of the gospel.

Missionaries

The Master of Divinity program prepares missionaries for effective cross-cultural ministry through specialized training in missional theology and strategic planning. This program equips missionaries with the theological depth and leadership skills necessary to navigate diverse cultural contexts and engage effectively in global mission work.

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Contact Information



Mailing address:
Harding University
Harding School of Theology
HU 12280
Searcy, AR 72149-5615