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Growing Through Theological Understanding
Focused on expanding your understanding of contemporary culture, history, leadership, care for others, and personal character, this program will advance your current skills and knowledge on critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making for ministerial effectiveness.
On-Campus Option
Interested in completing your coursework in Abilene? With our on-campus Master of Divinity, you can get the same flexible degree program with face-to-face instruction.
About the Program
Our online Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is the most comprehensive formational degree for ministry that ACU’s Graduate School of Theology offers. The program emphasizes learning in context – you will explore case studies and ministry scenarios. The program also provides an informal setting for prayer and discussion with a local mentor.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
This graduate degree, which offers a missions or ministry concentration, will prepare you to enter into ministry or expand your current vocation. This accredited online M.Div. program also provides a solid foundation for further study in Ph.D., Th.D. and D.Min degree programs. The Master of Divinity is also available as a on-campus program in Abilene.
Jump Start Your Master’s Degree
If you plan to pursue a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry or Master of Divinity degree, save money by first enrolling in our Graduate Certificate in Practical Ministry. Simply complete the certificate program, and ACU will seamlessly apply your 18 credit hours toward your master’s.
Required Hours
72 hours
36 month time frame
Cost: $798/Hour with $200 resource fee per term
Example Coursework
Foundations of the Theology of Ministry
Critical Interpretation of the New Testament
Introduction to Hebrew I
Christian Mission in Global Context
Department
Upcoming Start Dates
May 5, 2025
August 25, 2025
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Tera Harmon, Master of Divinity
Dr. Tera Harmon is an assistant professor in Abilene Christian University’s Graduate School of Theology. After receiving a BA in Biblical Text and an MDiv from ACU, she went to the Catholic University of America to study patristics, completing a Ph.D. in Church History in 2016. Her major field of study is Greek patristics and has done work on Gregory of Nyssa. She teaches courses on the history of Christianity and is the Director of Distance Learning for the Graduate School of Theology. She has lived in Washington D.C.; Charlotte, North Carolina; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and now lives in Abilene, Texas with her husband, David Todd, and their three children.
Spotlight
We’re proud to announce we’ve officially launched a Certificate in Practical Ministry for ministers seeking theological and ministerial training. Aimed at meeting the fluctuating needs of ministry today, ACU’s Graduate School of Theology designed this stackable certificate to equip newly appointed ministers and church leaders with the skills, strategies, and knowledge necessary to become effective church leaders while simultaneously guiding them through one of six key concentrations, including youth and family, children’s, worship, preaching, spiritual formation and church leadership.
Purpose Behind Earning a Master of Divinity
As the number of pastors and congregation members diminishes, the need for qualified and trained ministers becomes more prevalent than ever before. Honing in on the various aspects of Christian identity and biblical knowledge, ACU’s online Master of Divinity degree is perfect for those seeking to expand their understanding while seeking to serve in their vocation.
ACU GST Offering Scholarship for Military Chaplains
Several high-profile military chaplains matriculated from the Master of Divinity program in the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, and now ACU is offering a 50% scholarship for future military chaplains.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Tera Harmon
At ACU, we believe in not only informing students through their studies, but also forming them into the people God intends them to be. That belief motivates Dr. Tera Harmon’s mindset as assistant professor and director of distance learning for the Graduate School of Theology at ACU.
Why Study Theology?
There are four benefits to studying in ACU’s Graduate School of Theology. Learn what they are now, in our latest blog post!
Student Spotlight: Dre Taybore
Dre Taybore, online Master of Divinity student, is bringing together ministers across various denominations for important conversations about racial injustice. “As I reflect on the role of the minister I am reminded by Eric Mason in his book, Woke Church, that we must be aware, be accountable, and be active when it comes to racial reconciliation and justice.” Read more about Dre’s efforts on the Graduate School of Theology Blog.
Upon completion, graduates will be able to:
- Integrate theology in contemporary cultural contexts.
- Gain awareness of the historical and contemporary beliefs and practices of the worldwide church, and the Stone-Campbell heritage in particular.
- Lead and equip the church for its various ministries.
- Exercise care of souls in fitting and compassionate ways.
- Demonstrate growth in Christian character essential for ministerial faithfulness and effectiveness.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Submit an official transcript of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate approximate B average or above in the area of focus or related area and evidence of an overall productive GPA.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- A reflective essay 3-5 pages typed, double spaced
- Complete an academic writing assessment
The Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools, an organization of more than 250 graduate schools that conduct post-baccalaureate professional and academic degree programs to educate persons for the practice of ministry and for teaching and research in theological disciplines.