Purpose & Program Distinctives
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is the premier professional graduate degree offered by Timothy Training International, specifically designed to equip men and women for pastoral ministry and church leadership. It also serves as the standard prerequisite for advanced theological degrees including Master of Theology (ThM), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Four Key Distinctives of the TTi MDiv:
- Practical Ministry Foundation: Only students with at least two years of consistent ministry experience are admitted, ensuring classroom learning directly enriches local church practice.
- Seamless Degree Transfer: Students may build their MDiv upon TTi's Master of Arts degrees (MACS, MABS, MAWS); all completed credits are fully transferable toward the MDiv.
- World-Renowned Faculty: Lectures are delivered directly by globally acclaimed evangelical scholars with deep pastoral hearts and rigorous scholarship.
- Church-Centered Standard: Committed to an uncompromised standard of "Bible-based, Christ-centered, and Church-oriented" theological training.
Completing the TTi MDiv represents a demanding yet immensely rewarding journey of academic rigor, spiritual formation, and pastoral maturity.
Target Audience & Admission Prerequisites
Designed for full-time pastors or active bi-vocational ministry leaders holding an associate, bachelor's, or equivalent theological degree.
Applicants must have at least two years of preaching or teaching experience, including pulpit preaching, Bible institute instruction, small group leadership, or Sunday school teaching.
Delivery Format: Flexible modular intensive seminars paired with digital online courses, allowing church leaders to pursue rigorous graduate studies without relocating from their local ministries.
Curriculum Framework & Degree Requirements (92 Credits)
Students complete 92 semester credits across six foundational modules within a maximum 10-year period.
| Curriculum Module & Course Details |
Credits |
| 1. Foundational Courses (3 Credits) |
| Theological Reading & Critical Reflection (ID5110) |
1 |
| Theological Research & Academic Writing (ID5120) |
1 |
| Sermon Preparation (ID5130) or Teaching Preparation (ID5140) |
1 |
| 2. Biblical Foundations (15 Credits) |
| Old Testament Survey (OT5000) |
4 |
| New Testament Survey (NT5000) |
4 |
| Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation (HBL5000) |
4 |
| Inductive Bible Study Method & Practice (HBL5090) |
2 |
| Introduction to Lectio Divina (HBL5001) |
1 |
| 3. Biblical Languages & Book Studies (38 Credits) |
| Biblical Greek Grammar I & II (3+3 cr) + Greek Exegesis (3 cr) |
9 |
| Biblical Hebrew Grammar I & II (3+3 cr) + Hebrew Exegesis (3 cr) |
9 |
| New Testament Book Studies (At least 2 book courses) |
8 |
| Old Testament Book Studies (At least 2 book courses) |
8 |
| Expository Preaching (PM6200) |
4 |
| 4. Theology & Church History (20 Credits) |
| Systematic Theology Modules (3 comprehensive courses) |
12 |
| Church History: New Testament to Modern Era (CH5020) |
4 |
| World Religions & Cultural Engagement (MI6702) |
4 |
| 5. Practical Theology & Leadership (12 Credits) |
| Missions, Biblical Counseling & Educational Ministry Electives |
8 |
| Pastoral Core: Spiritual Formation (PM5010) & Intentional Discipleship (PM6100) |
4 |
| 6. Supervised Ministry Practicum (4 Credits) |
| Supervised Ministry Practicum I (PM6901) |
2 |
| Supervised Ministry Practicum II (PM6902) |
2 |
| Total Credits Required for Graduation |
92 Credits |
8 Key Academic Guidelines & Policies
All registered Master of Divinity candidates must adhere to the official institutional academic regulations:
1. Non-Bachelor Applicant Evaluation & Prerequisite Credits
Applicants without an accredited bachelor's degree will undergo rigorous academic assessment and be required to complete preparatory credits beyond the standard 92 credits (see policy #7 below; contact admissions at ruxuezu@timotai.org).
2. Returning Student Credit Transfer
Students who have previously completed TTi graduate courses can view their transcripts in the LMS. To formalize degree candidacy, email the registrar for an evaluation (jiaowuzu@timotai.org).
3. Mandatory Foundational Evaluation Courses
The three 1-credit introductory courses (Theological Reading, Academic Writing, Sermon/Teaching Prep) are mandatory prerequisites designed to objectively assess the student's academic capacity and time commitment before full matriculation.
4. Standard Bible Contents Test Waiver
Students who pass the Standard Bible Contents Test may substitute Old and New Testament Surveys with advanced OT/NT book studies.
5. Practicum Eligibility Requirements
Practicum I (PM6901) must be undertaken between 40 and 60 credits. The prerequisite 40 credits must include: 3 foundational credits, 15 biblical credits, and 22 degree course credits. Practicum II (PM6902) requires completion of 60 credits.
6. Program Time Limit
All coursework for the Master of Divinity degree must be completed within 10 years of matriculation.
7. Minimum Graduation GPA Standards
- Bachelor's degree admits: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Associate degree admits: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3; otherwise, 20 additional OT/NT credits must be completed with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
8. Practical Theology Elective Policy
Students may select 8 elective credits in Missions, Counseling, or Education aligned with their ministry calling. Spiritual Formation (PM5010) and Intentional Discipleship (PM6100) are core requirements.