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Accelerated Master of Divinity

The Accelerated Master of Divinity (MDiv) program equips women and men with the skills and knowledge for impactful service in local churches and Christian organizations. This innovative and practical degree is tailored to meet the needs of today’s churches and pastors, blending a deep biblical and theological foundation with effective ministry strategies.

The Master of Divinity degree begins with an academic year of immersive education on IWU’s college campus, where students engage in graduate courses that build a strong foundation for pastoral leadership. Your second-year transitions into hands-on professional ministry through a church residency or staff position, during which you’ll complete the remainder of your MDiv coursework online. This unique structure integrates academic learning with real-world ministry experience.

Why pursue an Accelerated Master of Divinity at IWU?

The Accelerated Master of Divinity is a streamlined, cost-effective pathway that allows students to deepen their theological foundation and connect classroom learning with real-world ministry. Undergraduate students may apply up to 21 credits of advanced standing, making it possible to complete the MDiv in under two years, significantly reducing both time and cost.

We’re also committed to affordability. The program offers scholarships that increase in the second year, along with reduced tuition rates, making it one of the most cost-effective MDiv programs.

Grow alongside a community of Christlike ministry leaders, professors, and peers, while building a network of lasting relationships. You’ll gain leadership skills through hands-on opportunities, mentoring others, and serving in ministry roles, all while continuing your spiritual and professional development.

What will I learn in the Accelerated Master of Divinity Program?

Designed for students with an undergraduate in ministry, the Accelerated Master of Divinity program offers specific courses that move beyond the typical introductory curriculum found at other institutions. By earning advanced standing through high achievement in designated theological studies, MDiv students can bypass foundational classes and dive directly into deeper theological learning.

The accelerated MDiv curriculum emphasizes spiritual formation, advanced biblical studies, Christology, special topics in both the Old Testament and New Testament, and church leadership. Students engage in an intensive first year on campus, followed by a second year of online coursework integrated with practical ministry experience. Designed for those serving in diverse ministry contexts, the program equips students with deep theological understanding, leadership skills, and a heart for multi-ethnic ministry, all grounded in a commitment to biblical scholarship and Christian theology. This transformative program prepares you to make a lasting impact for Christ while pursuing your calling.

Tuition & Aid

75 Credit Hours

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$*/ Credit Hour

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.
What You'll Study

Students who complete the Master of Divinity program will be able to:

  • Integrate Christian history, scripture, and theology in the practice of ministry.
  • Contextualize the gospel for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom.
  • Personalize spiritual formation for sustainable ministry.
  • Lead the church in the practice of ministry.
  • Equip others for the work of ministry.

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog.

*Course Note: 

  • BIBL-588 -OR- HBR-523
  • BIBL-590 -OR- GRE-523

Click on a course below to view the description.

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Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

BIL-530,CONG-545,LEAD-549,PCRE-560,REL-539,SPIR-510,THE-535,CHST-563,WSHP-565,BIBL-580,BIBL-588,HBR-523,BIBL-590,GRE-523,CHST-587,MISS-585,PROC-589,SPIR-512,SPIR-514,THEO-581,THEO-590,WSEM-550,WSEM-555,SPIR-620,SPIR-622,SPIR-624,CONG-630,CONG-635,LEAD-680,MISS-650,PCRE-670,WSHP-665

Program Requirements
  • A baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a member agency of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE) or by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
    • Baccalaureate degree must have been conferred no more than 5 years prior to admission into the Accelerated MDiv program.
    • Completed baccalaureate degrees must meet all the educational standards for ordination for The Wesleyan Church or the Church of the Nazarene.
    • Students who do not meet the undergraduate admission standards may petition the program director for consideration of admission to the program.
    • A minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.75 overall and 3.0 in the discipline of ministry from the degree granting institution.
    • An official transcript from the degree granting institution must be sent to Wesley Seminary.
  • Two recommendations, including:
    • One from a pastor or denominational supervisor.
    • One from a professor from your undergraduate ministerial program.
  • A three-to-four-page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one’s sense of God’s direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.
  • A criminal history background check must be completed before acceptance into any Wesley Seminary degree program if a felony was disclosed by the student on the application form.
  • Completion of core requirements.
  • Minimum grade of "C" in each core and elective course.
  • Cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
  • Successful completion of the Bible Content exam with a 70% or higher.
  • All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten years.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.
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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

Wesley Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools and is approved to offer the following degrees: Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Practical Theology, Master of Divinity, and the Doctor of Ministry.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way ahead! Pursue your call to ministry with an Accelerated Master’s in Divinity at IWU!

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