The Southern M.Div.
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY AVAILABLE TODAY
and apply God’s Word
Mission
The purpose of the Master of Divinity program is to give the student comprehensive knowledge in biblical and theological studies and to help the student develop the specific skills needed for effective ministry.
Our Master of Divinity is 88 hours and has been engineered to equip you with the core knowledge you need for ministry. Every M.Div. student takes foundational courses in Bible, theology, counseling, history, ministry practice, and more. Students can also choose from over 300 elective courses.
Whether you choose one of the 19 ministry-specific concentrations or the more flexible Christian Ministry or Great Commission Studies, you can be confident that you will graduate prepared to serve with faithfulness.
Available Concentrations
- Christian Ministry*
- Great Commission Studies*
- Apologetics and Philosophy*
- Biblical and Theological Studies*
- Biblical Counseling*
- Biblical Spirituality
- Ethics and Public Theology
- Evangelism and Missions
- Islamic Studies*
- Leadership and Discipleship
- Missions and Bible Translation
- Missions and Biblical Counseling
- Missions and Church Planting
- Pastoral Studies
- Worship Leadership*
*Available fully online
Fully Online Concentrations
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate a growing, Christlike character and a sense of God’s calling to ministry.
- Students will be able to understand the Christian worldview and have a global vision for fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Students will be able to demonstrate significant knowledge of the Bible, interpret Scripture’s original meaning, and apply Scripture to contemporary situations.
- Students will be able to integrate systematic and historical theology into a larger biblical framework.
- Students will be able to display a biblical vision for ministry and lead with humble authority.
- Students will be able to preach/ teach Scripture clearly and passionately so as to engage the mind and move the heart.
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“If we are to be mighty in God’s work, we must be mighty in God’s word.”– Basil Manly Jr. –Southern Seminary Founder |
Studying at Southern not only gives you the chance to read good books, it gives you the opportunity to study with the authors.
Southern’s world-renowned faculty are brilliant scholars, experienced pastors, and seasoned theologians eager to invest in students, ensuring that an indelible mark is left on their entire lives. Among all the considerations when choosing a path for ministry training, one stands above the rest: Choose a faculty.
Where you train for ministry matters. The Southern M.Div. won’t merely help you gather information, it will instruct you to treasure and love “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
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“There isn’t going to be any Christianity where theology isn’t central to the entire enterprise of the church.”– R. ALBERT MOHLER Jr. –Southern Seminary President |
Recovering a vision
Studying at Southern is about more than taking classes — it’s about learning in community, experiencing the gospel lived out, and making lifelong friends and ministry partners. Your time at Southern will connect you with a lifelong network of colaborers.
Students can live on campus, attend biweekly chapel services and conferences, join a professor-led mentoring group, and enjoy campus amenities and resources that make Southern much more than just a place to complete a degree.
Campus Life
- Discipleship
- Fall Festival
- Intramural sports
- Faculty mentoring
Ministry Opportunities
- Short-term mission trips
- Deep involvement in local churches
- The refugee population in Louisville lets students reach the nations
Campus Amenities
- Full gym with pool, exercise classes, and more
- Dining hall and café
- Cookouts, movies, and holiday celebrations
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“I valued the training I received during the Ph.D. and I’m thankful for it… But my entire Christian worldview, my entire theology and approach to the bible, just everything I am today was shaped and formed in the M.Div. at Southern.”– Aubrey Sequeira –Southern Seminary alumnus |
Discover how Southern is right for your family.
than $6,000 each year
Cost per Credit Hour
Members of SBC churches receive this discounted tuition rate.
Tuition Discount
The Convention’s Cooperative Program helps fund SBC students’ tuition.
Southern is committed to offering excellent training for an affordable price. With a 42 percent discount for members of churches affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, Southern’s tuition makes seminary training accessible for anyone. The cost of living in Louisville is 11 percent lower than the national average and apartments and houses can be rented inexpensively.
Housing Costs
Lower Than National Average
Employment
Jobs Available in Louisville
| 2022-23 Estimated costs for SBC students (on campus) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $286 x 9 (hours) | = $2,574 |
| Fees | $450 | = $450 |
| Books | $100 x 3 (classes) | = $300 |
| SBTS scholarship | ($500)* | = ($500) |
| Total per semester | = $2,824 | |
| Total per year | = $5,648 | |
View the 2022-2023 fee chart for all Southern Seminary programs here.
All costs are reflective of the SBC rate of tuition and are to be understood as estimates only. Taking winter and summer courses will increase the overall yearly estimated from what is posted above. Tuition charges will vary based on the amount of courses taken per semester and book costs will vary by course.
*SBTS Scholarships are based on financial need and are subject to approval.
Join the largest community of M.Div. students assembled at one time in one institution in the history of theological education.
Take classes two nights a week and earn your M.Div. in four years, entirely in the evenings.
Complete your M.Div. without leaving your current place of ministry.