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Master of Divinity

School of Mission and Theology

Fuller’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) offers definitive training for agile, effective church leaders in an ever-changing world.

The MDiv is also available as a Spanish bilingual degree

Indispensable education

for church leaders and chaplains

Practical training

learn to integrate theology in everyday life

Customizable

choose a concentration for your calling

120 Quarter Units

graduate in as little as 3 years
Daneil Lee

New MDiv Concentrations Designed for Your Unique Calling

Students may choose from eight optional concentrations to focus their studies within Fuller's MDiv curriculum. To learn more about how you can customize your degree with one of these concentrations, email us at admissions@fuller.edu.

Vince Bantu

Earn Your MDiv in Pasadena or Houston

For Master of Divinity students who desire comprehensive theological training that includes in-person community, two new cohorts, the Pasadena MDiv Cohort and the Fuller Texas MDiv/MATM Cohort, will offer unique study opportunities starting in Fall 2024. 

Students will move together through a thoughtfully curated sequence of courses that includes in-depth biblical studies, theology from diverse voices, practical ministry preparation, and relevant resources from the fields of psychology and marriage and family therapy. Each cohort will foster a tight-knit community that shares the seminary experience.

Please note: International students requiring a visa to study on campus and seeking admission to the Fall 2024 Pasadena MDiv Cohort must submit all application materials by May 1, 2024. If admitted, you must submit a request for an I-20 form to Fuller's International Services Office (iso@fuller.edu) by June 15. Please email admissions@fuller.edu to learn more about how students admitted to this cohort are eligible for residential visas.

reading bible

Finish Your MDiv at a Faster Pace with the New In-Service Pathway

Are you already working in a church or ministry? Your practical experience is a valuable asset to your education. The new In-Service Pathway allows MDiv students serving in ministry at least 20 hours per week to earn credit through Apprenticeship courses.* Integrate your studies in the learning laboratory of your current ministry and finish your MDiv at a faster pace with this degree pathway. Each Apprenticeship course is enhanced by FULLER Equip modules, which are created by Fuller experts to help you hone your skills in your ministry context. Apprenticeship group leaders guide thoughtful theological reflection, so you have the chance to share what you are learning with other ministry leaders in your program. To learn more, email us at admissions@fuller.edu.

Students who choose to take additional field education coursework for elective credit will not be able to complete a concentration.

*Earn up to 24 quarter units through 6 Apprenticeship courses (one per quarter), making up 20 percent of the MDiv degree units.

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"I was drawn to the MDiv program because of it's holistic and robust nature. On a deeper level, the MDiv continues to broaden my understanding of the breadth of the Bible and the character of God, in turn, stirring my passion for social justice."
Gabriella Bontrager (Current Student)

Marianne Meye Thompson

Unmatched Academic Preparation

Taught by renowned scholar-practitioners, Fuller’s rigorous MDiv program integrates theological reflection, interdisciplinary perspectives, spiritual formation, and practical skills to equip graduates for holistic leadership. The Master of Divinity is the gold standard in preparation for those seeking ordination, a career in chaplaincy, or doctoral-level theological study.

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What to Expect in Your First Year

Take a closer look at the first six courses in your MDiv program and how they address the most pressing needs you’ll face as a church leader in today’s world.

Vince Bantu

Curriculum Overview

The MDiv program can take as little as 2.5 years, but is normally completed in 3–5 years. Fuller’s new MDiv curriculum builds a strong and comprehensive foundation for students who are leading or plan to lead congregations and nonprofit organizations, covering a wide range of subjects including biblical studies, communication, systematic theology, pastoral care, church history, and spiritual formation. At the same time, the degree allows students to tailor their MDiv experience to their specific context with specialized course offerings, providing focused preparation for their individual calling and career.

Coursework includes:

Foundational Courses (24 units): The first 24 units of the MDiv program introduce students to the keystone concepts and reasoning skills needed to engage in advanced courses

Bible, Theology, Ministry, and Mission (72 units): Building on the foundational reasoning developed at the beginning of the program, MDiv students engage in a variety of courses that develop essential knowledge and habits for pastoral and other ministry professions

Advanced Electives (24 units): Students have the opportunity to customize their MDiv degree by choosing elective courses that provide practical and context-determined training for their own calling and life

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A Beautiful Tension

After living life her way for 40 years, MDiv alum Ines Franklin found Christ—and a calling that had been there all along

Kara Powell

Admission Requirements

Prospective MDiv students should have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution and submit an application for admission with the required documentation. Find out more with the Admission Requirements button below.

Fully Online

Fuller is leading the way in online learning modalities, with experience delivering rigorous, engaging, and relational degree programs to students all over the globe. Complete your MDiv degree from anywhere in the world with online courses.

On Campus

In-person and hybrid instruction will be available on our campuses in Pasadena, California, or Houston, Texas. Contact admissions for more information about on campus options at admissions@fuller.edu.

Oscar Garcia Johnson

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Almost all Fuller students are eligible for some kind of financial aid. New Student Scholarships vary by program and quarter. Contact your Admissions Counselor for more information about scholarships you may qualify for. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may also apply for U.S. federal aid and work-study.

Study with faculty like these:

Alexia Salvatierra

Associate Professor of Mission and Global Transformation and Academic Dean for Centro Latino

Soong-Chan Rah

Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism

Trey Clark

Assistant Professor of Preaching

Explore other members of our world-class faculty

Presidential Leadership Scholarship

President's Leadership Scholarship

The President’s Leadership Scholarship is a competitive scholarship offering recipients $2,700 in scholarship support per term. In concert with a program-specific scholarship, the President’s Leadership Scholarship provides approximately 75 percent tuition support or more for select Master of Divinity (MDiv) and MA in Theology and Ministry (MATM) students who take at least two courses per quarter.

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You May Also Be Interested In

MA in Theology and Ministry (MATM)

This program combines practical learning with biblical studies to prepare students to serve in a church, nonprofit, or other setting with theological and cultural competence.

MA in Theological Studies
(MTS)

One of our most flexible degrees, allowing students to dive deeper into a specific area of interest as well as preparing them for advanced theological study if they wish.

Master of Theology
(ThM)

Enables theology graduates to broaden and deepen their theological knowledge and competencies, and to focus on an area of specialization.

Contact Us

Get to know your admissions counselors

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Julia Rodriguez

I started at Fuller in 2016 as a student, and began working as an Admissions Counselor in 2019. I am encouraged and energized by the passion shared by my applicants! I love and am humbled by getting to be a small part of an applicants journey into seminary to further their education and goals! I love being active in the sun! Fitness activities I enjoy include running to the beach, playing beach volleyball, movement/lifting classes, of course, at the beach, swimming class…in a pool. Can you tell I love the beach?

Susan Farrer

susan farrar

I have been at Fuller for eight years now and I believe we have great programs and wonderful, diverse people who are potential students. I love sharing the things that make Fuller unique as we lean into culture while maintaining strong scholarship and biblical values. When there is a connection between this and the goals of a potential student it is such a fun conversation! Also, I love being outside and one of my favorite walks is to take my granddaughter to a farm in my neighborhood to see the chickens, roosters, and two very large pigs!

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