Master of Divinity
A three-year graduate degree integrating rigorous academic training with a paid church internship — preparing men for a lifetime of pastoral ministry.
The Traditional Degree, Reimagined for the Church
The Master of Divinity is the standard graduate degree for those called to ordained pastoral ministry. At Faith Bible Seminary, the MDiv has been redesigned from the ground up to address the three most pressing problems in traditional seminary education: cost, family strain, and lack of practical experience.
Rather than spending three years in a classroom disconnected from the church, FBS MDiv students spend one to two days per week in academic training and three to four days per week working as paid interns in a local church. This is not a practicum add-on — it is the core of the program.
The result is a graduate who has not only studied pastoral ministry, but has practiced it — week in, week out — for three years under the mentorship of experienced pastors.
Academics + Ministry, Every Week
The MDiv's unique paradigm is built on a simple conviction: pastoral ministry is not merely an academic endeavor.
Academic Training
Students commute to FBS or participate through live-distance learning for academic coursework one to two days per week.
Church Internship
A student known well by a local church is hired there as an intern, working in practical ministry three to four days per week.
Mentored Ministry
The local church receives additional staff support and is actively involved in training the student for ministry.
Graduation Ready
Students graduate with both a degree and three years of real pastoral experience — ready to lead from day one.
Radically Affordable
Internship-track tuition is just $2,000/year (on-campus). FBS is heavily subsidized by Faith Church, making it among the most affordable accredited seminaries in the country.
Family Flourishes
The part-time academic model means students remain present husbands, fathers, and community members throughout their training. Your family doesn't pay the price for your education.
Practical from Day One
Students don't just study ministry — they do ministry. Every MDiv student is placed in a local church internship from the start, ensuring academic learning is immediately applied.
What You Will Study
The MDiv curriculum is organized into six core areas, totaling 90 credit hours over three years.
Biblical Languages
18 credits- Greek I & II
- Greek Exegesis
- Hebrew I & II
- Hebrew Exegesis
- Hermeneutics
Biblical Studies
18 credits- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Old Testament Theology
- New Testament Theology
- Old Testament Wisdom Literature
- Biblical Theology
Systematic Theology
15 credits- Theology I: Prolegomena & Bibliology
- Theology II: Theology Proper & Anthropology
- Theology III: Christology & Soteriology
- Theology IV: Pneumatology & Ecclesiology
- Theology V: Eschatology
Pastoral Ministry
12 credits- Preaching I & II
- Pastoral Counseling
- Evangelism & Missions
- Church Leadership
Church History
9 credits- Church History I (Early & Medieval)
- Church History II (Reformation to Present)
- Apologetics
Internship Program
18 credits- Year 1 Internship (6 credits)
- Year 2 Internship (6 credits)
- Year 3 Internship (6 credits)
- Ministry Mentoring & Evaluation
Note: The curriculum above is representative. Specific course offerings, sequencing, and credit hours are subject to change. Please consult the official FBS catalog for the most current requirements.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MDiv program is based on prior academic training, character, and a clear sense of calling to pastoral ministry. The following requirements apply:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Demonstrated commitment to a local church
- Two character references (one from a pastor)
- Personal statement of calling and ministry goals
- Interview with FBS admissions committee
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- For distance students: reliable internet and live-class participation
Application Process
Review the Program
Read through this page and the official FBS catalog to confirm the MDiv is the right fit for your calling.
Submit Your Application
Apply online through the FBS admissions portal. Include your personal statement and references.
Interview
Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview with the FBS admissions committee.
Begin Training
Upon acceptance, you’ll receive your course schedule and internship placement guidance.
Tuition & Fees
FBS is heavily subsidized by Faith Church. Veterans benefits accepted. See the FBS website for the current fee schedule.
Apply to the M.Div. ProgramAccreditation & Recognition
- Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
- VA-recognized institution for veterans’ benefits
- Approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Taught by Active Pastors
MDiv faculty are not merely academics — they are active pastors and ministry leaders at Faith Church who bring the classroom into direct contact with real church life.
Dr. Brent Aucoin
President
Rob Green
MDiv Faculty
Aaron Birk
MDiv Faculty
Matt Westhuis
MDiv Faculty
Take the First Step Toward Pastoral Ministry
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We'd love to talk with you about whether the FBS MDiv is the right fit for your calling.