Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The 87-hour Master of Divinity degree at Truett Seminary intends to provide graduate theological education that is centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ and consistent with historic Baptist commitments to prepare persons to carry this gospel to the churches and the world.

Program Vision

The M.Div. program seeks to achieve holistic student development by equipping students through theological, biblical reflection, spiritual formation, lifelong learning, ministry service, and cross-cultural sensitivity. The curriculum is competency-based and thus strives to produce students who achieve competency in seven basic areas:

Preaching & Worship

Students will be able to plan and lead in, thoughtful and well-crafted worship of God and communicate God’s Word in a clear and understandable manner informed by careful biblical exegesis and attentive to the contemporary context.

Christian Scriptures & Theology

Students will be able to draw and reflect upon Scripture and the classical and contemporary literature of the Church to articulate an informed Christian world view for life and ministry.

Leadership & Administration

Students will understand and demonstrate effective, Christian leadership skills for ministry.

Nurture & Care of Souls

Students will be able to nurture individuals using an integrated set of pastoral skills and spiritual disciplines.

Lifelong Learning

Students will participate in lifelong learning events outside of classroom responsibilities and will value lifelong learning as a means for discovering resources for ongoing ministry enhancement.

Spiritual Formation

Students will nurture personal and communal spiritual formation as a foundation for a life of ministry.

Evangelism & Global Missions

Students will think critically regarding the worldwide mission of the church, demonstrate skills for leading persons to faith in Jesus Christ through holistic ministries and verbal and lifestyle witness, and understand the need to catalyze congregations for local and international witnesses.

Graduate Certificates

The Master of Divinity degree requires a 72-hour core curriculum and 15 hours of electives. MDiv students have the option to pursue a Graduate Certificate, which allows them to take 12 of their 15 elective hours in a specialized area. Truett Seminary offers the following Graduate Certificates:

• Biblical Studies and Languages (BSTL)
• Chaplaincy Ministry
• Family Ministries (FAMI)
• Music Leadership in Worship (WSHP)
• Spiritual Formation (SPFD)
• Sports Ministry (SPMI)
• World Christianity and Witness (WOCW)

Information for International Students

It is strongly suggested that international students submit their application 1-2 years prior to the term in which they plan to enroll. In addition to the application for admission, required international documents (which are provided following admission) need to be completed and approved by the following dates in order to allow appropriate time for visa processing:

• Summer - March 15
• Fall - June 1
• Spring - October 15

Given the many adjustments for new students arriving in the U.S. and Truett Seminary, it is mandatory that international students come alone for their first semester at Truett. It is in the best interest of the student and their family that this is in place, as it (1)allows for the student to adjust to challenges of their move and seminary life, (2) allows the student to determine the financial implications of family living here and better discern if and when the family will arrive, and (3) allows the student to become familiar with the Waco community and investigate any school/educational options for young children. Additional financial resources are needed for living expenses and required health insurance for each family member. As with the student, documentation of resources to cover family expenses is required by the US CIS and is extremely costly.

Exam Requirements* - TOEFL or IELTS:

International applicants must provide a test score from one of these tests.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)- Applicants must attain a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based exam, 213 on the computer-based exam, or 80 on the internet-based exam.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- Applicants must attain a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS exam.

*TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required (1) if the applicant has a degree conferred by the U.S. accredited higher education institution, or (2) if the official language of their country, or region of their country, is English. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years. After that time, the applicant must retake the test and submit the new scores to Truett Seminary.

Next Steps with Baylor University

If offered acceptance, international student admission will be processed following receipt of an enrollment deposit, at which time Baylor University’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office will send communication regarding the next steps. For questions about visa processing and immigration requirements, please contact ISSS directly at [email protected] or 254-710-1461.