Potential Careers

The MDiv in Christian Care and Counseling prepares you for counseling positions within the church and many civil contexts including, but not limited to: hospital and military chaplaincy; marriage, family, substance abuse, and grief counseling; campus or prison ministries; and a variety of other positions.

The MDiv with a concentration in Christian Ministries allows you to prepare for a variety of ministry positions by providing educational opportunities in each of the ministry concentrations. The curriculum emphasizes the Christian Ministries area by redistributing one elective from each of the other five areas of study to give the student 12 additional hours of study in the areas of Christian Care and Counseling, Church Administration, Preaching, Christian Spiritual Formation, World Mission or Christian Worship.

The MDiv in Christian Spiritual Formation offers you a professional course of study that is strongly grounded in the Bible and theology, contemporary knowledge of human development, and the history and practice of Christian spirituality.

The MDiv with a concentration in Christian Theology is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field of Christian theology. The Area of Christian Theology is most concerned with contemporary Christian theology as a discipline that attends to all aspects of Christian life under the triune God. The area draws upon the rich theological resources of the Christian tradition across cultures to respond to life’s persistent questions and spiritual conditions in ways that aspire to salvation, hope, and justice in the world. All disciplines of human understanding may be brought to bear on its questions.

The MDiv with a concentration in Church History is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field of church history. Church history is the study of the formation of Christian identity and ecclesial life in the light of the apostolic witness of the New Testament and the shaping influences of twenty centuries of history. It embraces both the story of the Christian faith as it has taken root in diverse historical and cultural settings and the actual development of the corporate life of the Church in both its particular and global manifestations. Thus church history is by nature a contextual and ecumenical theological discipline, with the constructive task of evaluating critically the Church’s ongoing quest to embody Jesus Christ in the world through its community, its ministry, its theology, its worship and sacraments, and its spirituality and ethics.

The MDiv with a concentration in Historical Theology is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in historical theology. Electives for this concentration can be courses in either Christian Theology or Church History. The Area of Christian Theology and the Area of Church history are dedicated to the study of theology as central to Christian tradition while deeply engaging its historical and cultural contexts and implications for contemporary Christian life.

The MDiv with a concentration in New Testament is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field of New Testament. The New Testament area offers advanced study of the writings of the New Testament, their language, social-historical background, literary features, and theology. Courses in this area give attention to the Judaic and Graeco-Roman matrix of these writings, their religious teachings within their original contexts, and their theological unity and variety. Exegesis of the text provides a foundation for the larger task of theological interpretation of the New Testament as Sacred Scripture. Courses in the Area emphasize the importance of both understanding and appreciating the use of these documents throughout the history of the church and reading them afresh as Spirit-filled writings that continue to shape the Christian life corporately and individually.

The MDiv with a concentration in Old Testament is traditionally pursued by those planning further graduate studies in the field of Old Testament. The Old Testament area offers advanced study of the books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, including their text and language, social-historical background, literary character, and theology. The Deuterocanonical/ Apocryphal books, Dead Sea Scrolls, and other important Jewish writings of the Second Temple period are also studied. Courses give attention to the ancient Near Eastern and later Hellenistic settings of the biblical books, their religious ideas and teachings within their original contexts, and their theological significance for Christian faith. Exegesis is emphasized as the foundation for the larger task of theological interpretation of the Hebrew Bible as Christian Sacred Scripture. Accordingly, courses in Hebrew language and in exegesis are central, and courses in Aramaic, Ugaritic, and Akkadian are offered on a cyclical basis to complement the Old Testament area’s curriculum.

Yes, Emmanuel’s Master of Divinity program offers hybrid learning options with a concentration in Christian Ministries that combine online classes with in-person hybrid weeks, making it an ideal choice for distance students. These options provide the flexibility many students need while maintaining the strong sense of community where they live and with fellow seminary students. This format allows students to engage in rigorous theological education without sacrificing personal responsibilities or the relational aspects of their education. Students start in the Hybrid format and transition into the residential format or vice versa. Contact us to discuss these options further!

The Master of Divinity program at Emmanuel is designed to meet the biblical and theological educational requirements for ordination in many Christian denominations. Its comprehensive curriculum includes theological and historical study, biblical exegesis, pastoral care, personal formation, and field education—prerequisites for most ordination processes.

However, ordination requirements can vary significantly between denominations. Emmanuel encourages students to work closely with their denominational leaders to understand specific expectations and tailor their coursework accordingly. Faculty advisors at Emmanuel are well-versed in these differences and can guide students in selecting courses and fieldwork experiences that align with their vocational goals.

In addition to meeting educational standards, the program emphasizes spiritual formation, a vital component of ministry preparation. Students are encouraged to deepen their faith and develop the character traits essential for leadership, such as humility, compassion, and resilience. Emmanuel’s Christ-centered community provides ample opportunities for worship, fellowship, and mentoring, all of which contribute to the spiritual growth of its students in their seminary journey.

The program also offers practical training through internships and field education for those preparing for ordination. These experiences help students apply their learning in real-world ministry settings, whether in a local church, a hospital chaplaincy program, or a nonprofit organization. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are academically prepared and spiritually and practically ready to serve in their chosen ministry contexts.

Emmanuel’s Master of Divinity program includes robust field education opportunities that allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world ministry settings. These experiences are a cornerstone of the program, offering students the chance to develop practical skills and gain valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of ministry.

Students can intern with local churches, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and community ministries. These placements are tailored to each student’s interests and career goals, ensuring a meaningful and personalized experience. For example, a student preparing for pastoral ministry might intern at a church, where they can lead worship services, teach Bible studies, and engage in pastoral care, all part of their MDiv program. Another student interested in chaplaincy might work in a hospital, providing spiritual support to patients and their families while focusing their MDiv in Christian Care and Counseling.

These internships are not only about gaining experience but also opportunities for reflection and growth. Emmanuel encourages students to think critically about their work, evaluate their strengths, and identify areas for improvement. Faculty mentors and field supervisors provide regular feedback, helping students refine their skills in the MDiv program and build confidence in their abilities.

In addition to local opportunities, Emmanuel’s connections to the broader Christian community offer students access to internships in diverse settings, including cross-cultural and international ministries. These experiences prepare graduates to serve effectively in various contexts, equipping them for impactful careers in ministry, leadership, and beyond.

Yes, Emmanuel offers a range of financial aid options to support students pursuing the Master of Divinity program. Scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities help make this transformative education more affordable.

The seminary offers specific scholarships for Master of Divinity students based on academic merit, financial need, and ministry aspirations. Many of these awards are designed to support students who demonstrate a commitment to serving in Christian ministry or pursuing ordination. Milligan’s financial aid office works closely with students to identify opportunities that align with their individual circumstances and goals.

In addition to institutional aid, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as denominational scholarships or grants offered by church organizations to support their enrollment. Emmanuel provides guidance on applying for these resources and can connect students with denominational partners that offer financial support for theological education.

Emmanuel is committed to making its programs accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation. Prospective students are encouraged to start the financial assistance process early by completing the FAFSA and speaking with an advisor in the financial aid office. With careful planning and the resources available, students can pursue their Master of Divinity with confidence, knowing they have the support needed to succeed academically and financially.