Advanced Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Take Your Ministry Further with the Advanced Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Liberty University’s Advanced Master of Divinity (MDiv) is designed for students with a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies who seek a streamlined path to advanced ministry training. This 72-credit-hour program builds upon prior theological education, allowing you to deepen your biblical knowledge, enhance your leadership skills, and gain hands-on ministry experience without repeating foundational coursework.
Through a Christ-centered curriculum, you will explore systematic theology, church history, pastoral leadership, and intercultural ministry, which can help equip you to shepherd congregations, engage in global missions, and disciple future generations. The program integrates academic excellence with practical ministry training to help you prepare to serve in a variety of ministry contexts.
The Advanced MDiv aims to provide a biblically sound, ministry-focused education that meets the growing demand for pastors, missionaries, chaplains, and church leaders. Take the next step in your calling – apply today and prepare for a lifetime of impactful ministry.
Note: This program is limited to Liberty University graduates with a bachelor’s degree who have completed at least 30 credit hours of 300-400 level Bible or Biblical Language courses with a grade of B or higher.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
ATS Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our Advanced MDiv Degree Program
State-of-the-Art Facilities
We have a state-of-the-art homiletics/teaching lab in our School of Divinity building. This space is designed to help you refine your preaching and teaching skills through practice, video feedback, and faculty guidance in a professional environment.
Utilize Our Resources
Our Scriptorium houses the Rawlings Foundation rare books collection valued at over $1 million, a 111-foot-long Torah scroll that dates to the 16th century, and a functioning replica of the Gutenberg Printing Press.
Hands-On Practice
Engage in real-world ministry applications through a practicum course, fieldwork, and leadership training. These experiences are designed to help prepare you for impactful service in a variety of ministry settings, both inside and outside the church.
Practical and Ethical Training
Develop a strong biblical foundation while exploring how to apply theology to real-world ministry challenges. Through courses rooted in Scripture, you can gain the insight to lead with clarity, compassion, and conviction in today’s ever-changing cultural landscape.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with an Advanced Master of Divinity Degree?
Liberty University’s Advanced Master of Divinity can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Apologist
- Church planter
- Evangelist
- Pastoral counselor
- Worship leader
- Youth pastor
- Chaplain
- Discipleship pastor
- Missionary
- Senior pastor
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Advanced MDiv Program?
Liberty’s Advanced Master of Divinity offers a well-rounded blend of academic study and hands-on ministry training, so you can train to lead, teach, and disciple with confidence. This program allows you to deepen your biblical knowledge while gaining practical experience in pastoral leadership, missions, and counseling.
Throughout your education, you can explore advanced biblical studies, strengthening your understanding of Old and New Testament theology, biblical interpretation, and expository preaching. You can also develop essential church leadership and administration skills, such as how to shepherd congregations, oversee church operations, and create effective discipleship programs. If your passion lies in missions and cultural engagement, this degree provides insight into evangelism strategies and cross-cultural ministry, helping prepare you for both domestic and international service. Additionally, the program emphasizes pastoral counseling and discipleship, which can help equip you to provide biblical guidance and pastoral care to individuals and families.
With 30 elective credits, you have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your personal and professional goals. If you’re considering doctoral studies, the optional thesis track can help you develop research skills and establish academic credentials. Practical experience is another key component of this degree – the practicum provides hands-on ministry opportunities, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. At Liberty, we are committed to helping you grow in wisdom, faith, and effectiveness as you pursue your calling.
Featured Advanced MDiv Courses
CHHI 500 – The Redemptive History of the Church
DSMN 515 – Biblical Foundations for Spiritual Formation
LEAD 600 – Dynamic Influence: Leading Teams for Growth and Impact
THEO 600 – Critical Contextual Issues Facing the Church
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Liberty Theological Seminary
- View the Degree Completion Plan (coming soon)
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Accreditation
Your seminary degree is approved by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and has met rigorous accreditation standards. You can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty for Your Advanced MDiv Degree?
A Streamlined Path for Advanced Ministry Preparation
Liberty University’s Advanced Master of Divinity is designed for students who already have a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies and are ready to take the next step in their ministry journey. Unlike traditional MDiv programs, this 72-credit-hour degree builds on your previous academic background – allowing you to focus on advanced topics in theology, pastoral leadership, and intercultural engagement. You’ll receive a robust, ministry-focused education while completing your degree in less time.
Study Under Seasoned Ministry Professionals
At Liberty, you’ll be taught by experienced pastors, theologians, and ministry leaders who bring decades of hands-on ministry experience into the classroom. Their guidance and mentorship can challenge and encourage you as you sharpen your pastoral abilities, grow deeper in your biblical understanding, and strengthen your theological convictions. The insights they offer are not just academic – they are grounded in real-world ministry practice.
Practical Ministry Training
Our Advanced MDiv goes beyond classroom instruction to provide opportunities for practical, hands-on ministry experience. You can apply what you’re studying in real-world contexts – whether through church leadership, pastoral care, discipleship, or cross-cultural ministry. This experiential practice helps you build confidence, wisdom, and adaptability for effective ministry in today’s complex world.
Christ-Centered, Kingdom-Focused
At the core of Liberty’s Advanced MDiv is a commitment to Christ-centered theological education. Every course is rooted in biblical truth and designed to help equip you for faithful service wherever God calls you. Whether your path leads to the pulpit, the mission field, the chaplaincy, or a discipleship role, this degree can help you grow spiritually, develop professionally, and make a lasting impact for the Kingdom.
Admissions
How Do You Become a Advanced Master of Divinity Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.0 GPA for admission in good standing
- John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Questionnaire
- Pastoral recommender contact information
- Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.