by Michaela Carpenter, Public Relations Writer
In March 2016 Cedarville University was approved to offer both a traditional three-year Master of Divinity program and an accelerated B.A. in biblical studies and Master of Divinity program.
Cedarville’s accelerated B.A. in biblical studies and M. Div. program allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies plus a Master of Divinity in five years rather than the typical six to seven years. This will save students the cost of an additional two years of tuition and room and board, and means that they can complete both degrees for only $5,000 more than the cost of a Cedarville undergraduate degree.
The new accelerated program includes three years of undergraduate studies and two years of graduate studies.
Dr. Jason Lee, dean of the department of biblical and theological studies, said that since typical M.Div. programs assume students have not earned an undergraduate degree in biblical studies, Cedarville is able to accelerate the process for students who are currently earning their B.A. in biblical studies.
With 24 students currently participating in the accelerated program, Lee is eager to see enrollment increase so more students can benefit from the affordable program and enter into full-time ministry earlier.
“To get students into ministry sooner with less debt will be key,” Lee said. “I can’t wait to see that happen.”
The traditional three-year M.Div. program includes standard courses in preaching, ministry and biblical languages, and Lee said there are two factors that make the program unique. One is its core of Bible and theology, with two years of classes in theology, Old Testament and New Testament. The other factor is the yearlong internship required for all M.Div. students, providing exposure to ministry in a local church and training under a team of experienced pastors.
As M.Div. program enrollment continues to grow, Lee hopes Cedarville will be able to offer more concentrations for students.
The current programs are available to students with any type of ministry focus, but the course work focuses on pastoral preparation. By offering additional concentrations, such as an emphasis in youth ministry, family ministry or missions, Cedarville would be able to prepare an even greater number of students for various areas of ministry.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.
Cedarville’s accelerated B.A. in biblical studies and M. Div. program allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies plus a Master of Divinity in five years rather than the typical six to seven years. This will save students the cost of an additional two years of tuition and room and board, and means that they can complete both degrees for only $5,000 more than the cost of a Cedarville undergraduate degree.
The new accelerated program includes three years of undergraduate studies and two years of graduate studies.
Dr. Jason Lee, dean of the department of biblical and theological studies, said that since typical M.Div. programs assume students have not earned an undergraduate degree in biblical studies, Cedarville is able to accelerate the process for students who are currently earning their B.A. in biblical studies.
With 24 students currently participating in the accelerated program, Lee is eager to see enrollment increase so more students can benefit from the affordable program and enter into full-time ministry earlier.
“To get students into ministry sooner with less debt will be key,” Lee said. “I can’t wait to see that happen.”
The traditional three-year M.Div. program includes standard courses in preaching, ministry and biblical languages, and Lee said there are two factors that make the program unique. One is its core of Bible and theology, with two years of classes in theology, Old Testament and New Testament. The other factor is the yearlong internship required for all M.Div. students, providing exposure to ministry in a local church and training under a team of experienced pastors.
As M.Div. program enrollment continues to grow, Lee hopes Cedarville will be able to offer more concentrations for students.
The current programs are available to students with any type of ministry focus, but the course work focuses on pastoral preparation. By offering additional concentrations, such as an emphasis in youth ministry, family ministry or missions, Cedarville would be able to prepare an even greater number of students for various areas of ministry.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,760 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.