Master of Divinity

Description and Purpose

The Master of Divinity is a three-year (143 credits) graduate degree programme for bachelor degree holders. It is designed to develop and equip evangelists, missionaries, teachers, pastors and Christian leaders for ministry especially in the Asian context. The programme may serve as a foundation for further graduate study.

Specific Objectives

  1. To foster growth in Christian character and commitment to the Great Commission.
  2. To provide a working knowledge and understanding of the essential content of each book of the Bible including the key themes, issues and theological contributions.
  3. To equip the student with the skills (including basic Greek & Hebrew language skills), tools and methods needed for a lifelong study of the Word of God.
  4. To develop an understanding of the essential doctrines of the Bible and God's working through the history of Christianity.
  5. To develop skills for effective ministry in evangelism, discipleship, teaching, preaching, writing, counselling, cross-cultural ministry and Christian leadership.

Programme Emphasis

The Master of Divinity programme allows students to select an emphasis based on their specific vocational needs. Each student will choose one of the following areas of emphasis:

  1. Teaching and Exposition Emphasis

    The objective is to equip students with skills in biblical exegesis, expository preaching, and teaching in the local church, parachurch organizations or Bible schools.

  2. Intercultural Studies Emphasis

    The objective is to prepare students for ministry in cross-cultural settings, including urban and multicultural settings or ministry with other people groups.

  3. General Studies Emphasis

    The objective is to allow students to select a variety of classes for a wider exposure and develop their special concentration by taking classes that will meet their ministry needs.

Admissions Requirements

EAST considers each applicant's qualifications in these five areas:

  1. Maturity (personal, social, and spiritual)
  2. Ministry experience
  3. Leadership ability
  4. Academic ability
  5. Academic entry requirement: A bachelor's degree from an accredited or recognized university or college

Note: EAST reserves the right to make exceptions to the above policy.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Completion of the 143 credits as listed under distribution requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  2. Completion of the cross-cultural internship.
  3. File application for graduation with the Registrar at the beginning of the last year of the programme.
  4. Approval of the candidate for the degree by an EAST faculty evaluation committee.
  5. All tuition and fees paid in full.
  6. Attendance at commencement exercises (unless special permission for absence is obtained).

Syllabus

  1st Quarter CR 2nd Quarter CR 3rd Quarter CR
1st Year BLS500 Biblical Interpretation 4 BLS551 New Testament 1 - Gospels & Acts 4 BLS552 New Testament 2 - Epistles & Revelation 4
BLS511 Greek 1 4 BLS512 Greek 2 4 BLS513 Greek Exegesis 4
LMC521 Advanced Evangelism & Discipleship 4 THS500 Spiritual Transformation & Warfare 4 ICS501 World Missions 4
LMC551 Effective Written Communication 2 LMC552 Public Speaking & Preaching 2 LMC501 Christian Leadership 2
    LMC522 Church & Ministry Growth 2 LMC571 Teaching 2
Total 14 Total 16 Total 16
2nd Year ICS502 Intercultural Communication 2 BLS521 Old Testament 1 4 BLS522 Old Testament 2 4
Emphasis class 1 4 Emphasis class 2 4 Emphasis class 3 4
THS501 Church History 4 THS502 Theology 1 4 THS503 Theology 2 4
Additional core class 4 Elective class 2 Elective class 2
LMC530 Field Practicum 1A 2 LMC531 Field Practicum 1B 2 LMC532 Field Practicum 1C 2
Total 16 Total 16 Total 16
3rd Year THS504 Apologetics, OR
THS551 Ethical Issues		 4 Additional core class 4 BLS Elective class 4
Additional core class 4 Emphasis class 4 Emphasis class 4
Elective class 2 Elective class 4 Elective class 2
BLS Elective class 4 ICS503 Religions of Asia 2 Elective class 2
LMC533 Field Practicum 2A 2 LMC534 Field Practicum 2B 2 LMC535 Field Practicum 2C 2
Total 16 Total 16 Total 14
Core classes:
Total 82 credits
  • BLS = 40 credits
  • THS = 20 credits
  • ICS = 8 credits
  • LMC = 14 credits
Additional core classes
Select 12 credits
  • LMC572 Christian Education, 4 credits
  • LMC573 Advanced Teaching, OR
    LMC574 Teaching Practicum, 4 credits
  • PCM510 Christian Marriage & Family, OR
    PCM502 Basic Pastoral Counselling, 2 credits
  • LMC502 Christian Management, OR
    LMC503 Human Resource Development, 2 credits
  • LMC553 Biblical Preaching, 4 credits
 Summary
Core classes : 82
Additional core classes : 12
Emphasis classes : 20
Elective classes : 14
Field practicum : 12
Cross cultural internship : 3
Total : 143

Note:

  • Elective and emphasis classes are listed in suggested order.
  • Cross cultural internship may be completed during the vacation.
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Emphasis Classes for MDiv (20 credits)

Teaching and Exposition

  • Emphasis Class 1: BLS501 Hebrew 1 (4 credits)
  • Emphasis Class 2: BLS502 Hebrew 2 (4 credits)
  • Emphasis Class 3: BLS503 Hebrew Exegesis (4 credits)
  • Select 8 other credits from any BLS or THS or Christian Education classes or seminars.

Intercultural Studies

  • Emphasis Class 1: BLS504 Using Hebrew Resources (4 credits)
  • Select 16 other credits from any of the following subjects:
    • ICS504 Cross Cultural Adjustment (4 credits)
    • ICS505 Cultural Anthropology (4 credits)
    • ICS506 Church Planting and Growth (2 credits)
    • ICS507 Contextualization (4 credits)
    • ICS508 Tent-making (4 credits)
    • ICS509 Missionary Care (4 credits)
    • ICS510 Urban Ministry (2 credits)
    • ICS520-549 Intercultural Studies Seminars (2 or 4 credits)

General Studies

  • Emphasis Class 1: BLS504 Using Hebrew Resources (4 credits)
  • Select 16 other credits from any of the categories BLS, THS, LMC, ICS, or PCM.
Back to top 		Description & Purpose Objectives Programme Emphasis Admissions Requirements Graduation Requirements Syllabus Emphasis classes