Master of Divinity in
Pastoral Leadership
and Executive Ministry

The Master of Divinity degree offers concentrations in Pastoral Leadership and Executive Ministry. This program prepares men and women for excellence in congregational leadership, theological scholarship, and community service. Our university-based comprehensive approach to graduate theological education affords students multiple opportunities to receive advanced knowledge in the core areas of religion and theology. At the completion of the degree program, students are equipped to become leaders in the church, community, and academy. 

Seventy-two semester hours of academic course work and field-based experiences arranged in five 8-week sessions lead to the Master of Divinity degree. Both areas of specialization prepare students for general pastoral and congregational leadership and deeper theological studies and advanced degrees.  Traditional and module-based courses specifically selected from each concentration are customizable for leaders of faith organizations and churches for individuals who need a combination of both areas of specialization to meet individual vocational needs. The Master of Divinity degree prepares individuals for professions such pastor, executive leader, assistant pastor, doctoral level studies, non-profit, and denominational leadership.

Curriculum

CourseCourse TitleCredit Hours
RELV 611Advanced Studies in Old Testament3
RELV 612Advanced Studies in New Testament3
RELV 614Hebrew Language and Tools3
RELV 621Biblical Hermeneutics3
RELV 622Biblical Exegesis3
RELV 624Greek Language and Tools3
RELV 627The Phenomenon of Faith and Religion3
RELV 628World Religions in Christian Context3
RELV 631Systematic Theology I3
RELV 632Systematic Theology II3
RELV 633Christian Ethics and Theology3
RELV 635Homiletics I: Introduction to Preaching3
RELV 636Homiletics II: Advanced Preaching3
RELV 641Christian History I3
RELV 642Christian History II3
RELV 650Introduction to Pastoral Care3
RELV 651Congregational Care3
RELV 680Executive Formation Module I: Self-Care3
RELV 682Executive Formation Module II: Organization3
RELV 684Executive Formation Module III: Strategic Planning3
RELV 686Executive Formation Module IV: Infrastructure3
RELV 690-91Executive Leadership Internship6
RELV 697-98Executive Leadership Project & Final Assessment6

CourseCourse TitleCredit Hours
RELV 611Advanced Studies in Old Testament3
RELV 612Advanced Studies in New Testament3
RELV 614Hebrew Language and Tools3
RELV 621Biblical Hermeneutics3
RELV 622Biblical Exegesis3
RELV 624Greek Language and Tools3
RELV 627The Phenomenon of Faith and Religion3
RELV 628World Religions in Christian Context3
RELV 631Systematic Theology I3
RELV 632Systematic Theology II3
RELV 633Christian Ethics and Theology3
RELV 635Homiletics I: Introduction to Preaching3
RELV 636Homiletics II: Advanced Preaching3
RELV 641Christian History I3
RELV 642Christian History II3
RELV 650Introduction to Pastoral Care3
RELV 651Congregational Care3
RELV 680Executive Formation Module I: Self-Care3
RELV 682Executive Formation Module II: Organization3
RELV 684Executive Formation Module III: Strategic Planning3
RELV 686Executive Formation Module IV: Infrastructure3
RELV 690-91Executive Leadership Internship6
RELV 697-98Executive Leadership Project & Final Assessment6

Course Details

  • Cost Per Credit—$695
  • Course Length—8 weeks
  • Degree Credits—72 semester hours

Financial Aid

Admissions Requirements

  • Online application for admission
  • Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Personal statement
  • Writing sample
  • College/University transcripts from all Colleges/Universities attended
  • A copy of your State or Federal ID

Please forward all admissions packages and supplemental documentation to:

Hampton U Online
Attn:  HUO Graduate Admissions
PO Box 6227
Hampton, Virginia 23668

Official Transcripts sent through a transcript network may be sent to hutranscripts@hamptonu.edu
Unofficial/Opened/Scanned transcripts will not be accepted for graduate programs

Application Deadlines

The Religious Studies Program accepts and evaluates applications as they are received. Students may enroll for classes in the eight-week session after receiving an official acceptance letter from Hampton University Online.

Hampton University Online is recognized as one of Virginia’s Top Affordable Online Colleges by Affordable Colleges Online.