The Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Sustainability dual degree acknowledges the growing demand for professionals in religious leadership venues who have the knowledge and the skills to lead communities to respond to critical ecological and other social issues. Congregations and other religiously affiliated organizations are increasingly interested in sustainability concerns and seek leaders who can guide their efforts to respond to these concerns. Knowledge from the biological, physical, chemical, and earth sciences are critical to any working professional who designs and implements sustainability practices. The humanities and social sciences incorporate information about spirituality, religious beliefs, and an understanding and appreciation of our relationship to the natural world. The MDiv/MA is designed to be completed in seven semesters and one summer of study.
The degree is designed to be 93 credit hours completed in seven semesters plus one full summer session (based on full-time enrollment).
Students are required to complete 48 hours toward the Master of Divinity Degree.
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
BIB 521 | Old Testament Interpretation I | 3 |
BIB 522 | Old Testament Interpretation II | 3 |
BIB 541 | Introduction to New Testament | 3 |
BIB 542 | Interpreting New Testament Letters | 3 |
or BIB 543 | Interpreting New Testament Gospels |
| 3 |
HIS 501 | History of Christianity | 3 |
HIS 502 | History of Christianity II | 3 |
THS 501 | Christian Theology | 3 |
| 3 |
THS 521 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 3 |
or THS 522 | History of Theological Ethics |
MIN 501 | Art of Ministry I: Introduction to the Life and Work of Ministry | 2 |
| 16 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Faith, Food, Health, and Community | |
| |
SUS 701 | Global Human Systems | 3 |
SUS 702 | Sustainable Organizational Mgt | 3 |
SUS 703 | Natural Science for Sustainability | 3 |
SUS 704 | Environmental Law & Policy | 3 |
SUS 706 | Applied Sustainability: Creativity and Impact | 2 |
| 3 |
MIN 602A & MIN 602B | Internship Reflection Seminar and Internship Reflection Seminar 2 | 3 |
SUS 706 & MIN 706 | Applied Sustainability: Creativity and Impact and Directed Reflection in Applied Sustainability 3 | 3 |
4 | 4 |
| 18 |
| |
Advising
Students will be assigned a primary faculty adviser from each of the degree programs. The Sustainability Program director and the associate dean of academic affairs for the School of Divinity will consult on appropriate advising for dual degree students. During the semester preceding the thesis or capstone project, the primary adviser from each degree program will meet with the student to discuss appropriate program and course options. If a student chooses to complete the degree program with a capstone project (extended practicum), the Sustainability Program director and the Art of Ministry director will work together to determine a placement and placement activities. If a student elects the thesis option, one of the student’s primary advisers or a faculty mentor with experience in the student’s area of research will oversee thesis development.
Continuing Eligibility
Continuing eligibility requirements prior to the student’s enrollment in the thesis or capstone project during the final summer term will be based on the School of Divinity continuing eligibility policy. Prior to beginning the thesis or capstone project, a committee composed of student faculty advisers from both programs, the Sustainability Program director, and the associate dean of academic affairs for the School of Divinity will consider a student’s overall performance to that point and determine by consensus if the student is suited to continued candidacy. Once a student enters the final phase of the dual degree program, the academic committee will evaluate the thesis or project and determine whether to award the degree. If the committee requests revisions, the student will return a satisfactory thesis or deliverable within the following semester in order to graduate.