Master of Divinity - Specialization in Intercultural Studies

The MDiv with a specialization in Intercultural Studies is a practical and context-driven program. The curriculum is specifically designed to equip those who are called to intercultural ministry whether globally or among diaspora populations in the North American context. The coursework enables Christian leaders to demonstrate cultural competency and appreciation for the other and to engage other cultures in meaningful ways. The coursework also equips students to develop and lead Christian ministries in ways appropriate for their culture and ministry context. Through the problem-based learning approach, students immediately use skills learned in class to address issues in their ministry context. Peer-learning discussions allow students to benefit from each other’s varied global experiences as they learn together.

The Intercultural Studies specialization consists of 12-hours of coursework, with at least 6 hours in Intercultural Theory and at least 6 hours in Intercultural Ministry.

In addition to the Master of Divinity learning outcomes, students with a specialization in Intercultural Studies should, with graduate-level competency, be able to:

Minister effectively in contexts of diversity exhibiting sensitivity to other religions and cultures.
Integrate leadership and intercultural theories learned in class with experiential learning for successful contextual ministry.

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting body, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, or international theological accrediting associations affiliated with the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education.
A minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 from the degree granting institution.
An official transcript from the degree granting institution.
Two recommendations including
- One from a pastor or denominational supervisor.
- A general recommendation.
A three to four page autobiography and statement of ministry purpose. The statement of purpose should reflect one’s sense of God’s direction in relation to Christian ministry or service.
A signed Ministry Context form.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 27 hours may be transferred from another accredited master's program, provided it falls within seven years prior to admission.
Students who have taken equivalent courses in their undergraduate program to BIBL-500 The Bible as Christian Scripture, THEO-500 Introduction to Christian Theology, and CHST-500 Global Christian History will be allowed/encouraged to substitute an advanced Bible, theology, or church history elective.

Program Requirements

Students must have completed all required courses before enrolling in the Capstone Course MIN-695. Registration in the Capstone MIN-695 will be cancelled for any students who fail to satisfactorily complete all required courses.
All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten years of enrollment.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of core requirements.

Minimum grade of "C" in each core and elective course.
Cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
Successful completion of the Bible Content exam with a 70% or higher.
All requirements for the degree must be completed within ten years.
Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

M.Div. Program of Study (75 credits)

First Year Experience (15 credits)

WSEM-501	Pastor, Church, and World	3
BIBL-500	The Bible as Christian Scripture	3
CHST-500	Global Christian History	3
-	or
CHST-510	History of Christian Missions	3
THEO-500	Introduction to Christian Theology	3
MISS-500	Cultural Contexts of Ministry	3
-	or
MISS-510	Cultural Anthropology	3

MDiv Core (39 credits)

BIBL-620	Missional Hermeneutics	3
MISS-620	Missional Church	3
CHST-621	The Story of Christian Worship	3
WSHP-621	Christian Worship	3
THEO-630	Soteriology for Christian Formation	3
CONG-630	Christian Formation in Communities and Congregations	3
BIBL-631	Exegesis Christian Proclamation	3
PROC-631	Christian Proclamation	3
THEO-640	Pastoral Theology	3
PCRE-640	Pastoral Care & Relationships	3
CHST-641	Historical Perspectives on Christian Leadership	3
LEAD-641	Christian Leadership	3
MIN-695	Integration Capstone	3

Spiritual Formation (6 credits)

SPIR-500	Spiritual Formation: Change & Transformation	1
SPIR-520	Spiritual Formation: Self Awareness & Appraisal	1
SPIR-540	Spiritual Formation: Goal Setting & Accountability	1
SPIR-560	Spiritual Formation: Mentoring & Spiritual Direction	1
SPIR-570	Spiritual Formation: Personal & Corporate Disciplines	1
SPIR-590	Spiritual Formation: Recovery & Deliverance	1

Electives (15 credits)

(Students may elect to take one of Wesley Seminary's specializations as part of the MDiv)

Specialization in Intercultural Studies (15 credits)

Intercultural Theory

Must take at least 6 hours.

INST-560	Missiology	3
INST-605	Intercultural Biblical Hermeneutics	3

Intercultural Ministry

Must take at least 6 hours.

LEAD-530	Change Agent	3
INST-580	Cross-Cultural Discipleship	3
PCNS-620	Cross-Cultural Counseling for Ministry	3
MISS-540	Evangelism in Context	3

Electives

-	Elective	3
Total Credit Hours:		75