Earn Your Master of Divinity
As you respond to God鈥檚 call to vocational ministry, a master of divinity (MDiv) is the foundation you need to seek ordination to Christian service. While historically the degree is focused on training individuals for congregational ministry, North Park鈥檚 MDiv is also excellent preparation for leadership in specialized ministries, including parachurch and nonprofit organizations. The flexibility within the degree, the Seminary鈥檚 centrality in the Evangelical Covenant Church community, and the academic and community resources at North Park allow you to explore topics unique to your current and future ministries while you develop the theological and formational foundation you need for your vocational life.
Community Life
At North Park Theological Seminary, our community extends beyond the classroom to support you and provide formational learning opportunities on campus and across Chicago. Our on-campus housing options, community events, and worship services will help you connect with your faculty, peers, and neighborhood.
Field Education
Field Education complements your academic work at North Park Theological Seminary. Eleven credits earned from classes and internship will give further context to your studies, help you learn to navigate interpersonal relationships from a pastoral perspective, and give you insights into ministry organization.
Vocational Development
From the moment you enter Seminary, you will be immersed in a community that places vocational development front and center alongside academic preparation. Identity and spiritual formation coursework, vocational testing, and supervised practical experience are all crucial elements of your development as a minister.
Faculty Spotlight:
Dr. James Bruckner
Dr. James Bruckner鈥檚 Old Testament classes are diverse in methodology, focus, and intent, seeking to form whole people for healthy ministries. 鈥淭raining pastors in reading the Bible as God鈥檚 word is the most challenging and rewarding work that I know,鈥� he says.
Where Our Alumni Serve
- Local churches in diverse pastoral roles
- Denominational leadership
- Chaplaincy and care ministry
- InterVarsity
- Nonprofit and para-church organizations
- Faculty at various seminaries and universities
- Covenant churches and communities around the world
Credentialing in the Covenant Church
Ordination in the ECC is a multi-step process, and requires advanced theological training. Our master of divinity covers all the educational requirements for Ordination to Word and Sacrament. As the only ECC seminary, North Park is uniquely equipped to walk alongside you through your degree and into ministry and credentialing, starting with our Call to Ministry experience specifically for individuals wanting to serve in Covenant churches.
Study On Campus or Virtually
An MDiv can be completed in three years of full-time study and internship or in five years of part-time study. Distance students join their classmates on campus twice a year for in-person intensive classes and participate in fall and spring semester classes virtually.