School of Divinity

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Jonathan L. Master, Ph.D., Dean

Professor Emeritus

G. Robert Kilgore, D.Miss.
John R. Master, Th.D.

Professor

Donald A. Cheyney, Ed.D.
David C. Hard, Ph.D. 
William L. Krewson, Ph.D.
Matthew M. McAlack, Ph.D.
Gary E. Schnittjer, Ph.D. 
Brian G. Toews, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

G. Thompson Allen, Th.M.
Victor S. Jacobs, Ph.D.
Brian P. Luther, Ph.D.
James C. Meyer, Ed.D.
Keith W. Plummer, Ph.D.

Part-time Faculty

Jared R. Bryant, Th.M.

Adjunct Faculty

Benjamin Giffone, Th.M.
 

The School

The School of Divinity seeks to educate students in the Bible and theology in order to foster growth in spiritual maturity through the study and practice of God’s Word so that students can effectively minister to God’s people and the world. The School offers the Master of Divinity and Master of Science in Bible programs on the graduate level.

Objectives

The School has three broad objectives. The student will:

1. Gain professional competency in his or her understanding of the content of the whole Bible, biblical theology, systematic theology, church history, and the University’s place within the current evangelical and theological world.
2. Begin to integrate the truths of God’s Word and His revelation into his or her life resulting in a life of spiritual growth leading to spiritual maturity.
3. Develop professional ministry skills to communicate and demonstrate God’s Word in a multiplicity of avenues and contexts.
    

The Programs

Master of Science in Bible Program

The Master of Science in Bible program is designed for a variety of students, providing biblical, theological, and practical training in understanding and applying Scripture to life and ministry. Whether the student is called to minister, or desires to grow in his or her relationship with Christ, the M.S. in Bible program provides the foundational knowledge needed. The 60-credit master’s program consists of a required core curriculum of 45 credits in Bible and Theology and an elective concentration of 15 credits in one or a variety of areas of study.

The M.S. in Bible program is distinguished by:

• Experienced, ministry-oriented faculty who believe in the centrality of the Bible
• A comprehensive study of the biblical text from Genesis to Revelation
• An overview and study of the history and doctrines of the Church
• An opportunity to receive up to 15 credits of advance standing if the student has previously taken Bible or theology courses from an accredited institution

In addition to the 45-credit core curriculum of Bible and Theology, the M.S. in Bible program allows the student to choose 15 elective credits suited to the student’s personal goals. Students may emphasize their study in any one or a combination of the following areas:

• Biblical and Theological Studies
• Biblical Languages
• Applied Theology/Pastoral Ministry
• Business Administration
• Christian Counseling
• Education
• Educational Leadership and Administration
• Organizational Leadership

A graduate of an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary may be eligible for up to 15 credits of advance standing in this program. Registrar’s Office personnel will evaluate official transcripts, and the  assistant director of Admissions for graduate Bible programs will inform the applicant of the number of credits accepted for advance standing. An individual curriculum design will then be constructed by the assistant director to determine the specific courses a student needs to complete the degree.

An applicant who has taken graduate courses at another accredited graduate school may be eligible to transfer up to 15 credits if coming with advance standing (for a maximum of 30 credits), or 30 credits with no advance standing, toward the Cairn University master’s degree. Again, official transcripts must be sent to the Registrar’s Office for evaluation. Applicants who do not have any previous academic work in Bible or theology will be required to complete the 60 credits outlined in this document in order to receive the Master of Science in Bible degree.

Master of Divinity Program

A Master of Divinity degree provides the student with the skills and knowledge needed for full-time pastoral ministry or advanced theological research and teaching. Often the preferred degree for entrance into vocational ministry, the 93-credit M.Div. program prepares the student for a life dedicated to the service of Christ and His Church.

A Master of Divinity degree from Cairn is distinguished by:

• Experienced, ministry-oriented faculty who believe in the centrality of the Bible
• Faculty members dedicated to the student’s success and growth as the leader in congregations and other ministry settings
• Development of skills necessary to comprehensively study, understand, and apply the biblical text
• Preparation for ministry in today’s world, including a guided field experience where the student is mentored in a ministry context
• Convenient course schedules in Fall, J Term, Spring, and Summer sessions
• An opportunity to receive up to 15 credits of advance standing if the student has previously taken Bible or theology courses from an accredited institution

The curriculum offers the breadth and depth necessary to develop well-rounded ministry professionals. It may also serve as the preparatory degree for further graduate studies, including doctoral work.

• Spiritually, it works toward the formation of the student’s heart, establishing the foundational disciplines for spiritual maturity
• Intellectually, it equips the student with exegetical skills they need to study the Bible in Hebrew and Greek, think biblically about life and ministry, and formulate an integrated biblical worldview
• Practically, it develops and refines the student’s preaching, teaching, leadership, management, and professional skills

Many students, however, come from an undergraduate experience in an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary. This enables them to receive up to 15 credits for advance standing in the M.Div. program. Registrar’s Office personnel will evaluate official transcripts, and the assistant director of Admissions for graduate Bible programs will inform the applicant of the number of credits accepted for advance standing. An individual curriculum design will then be constructed by the assistant director to determine the specific courses a student needs to complete the degree.

An applicant who has taken graduate courses at another accredited graduate school may be eligible to transfer up to 15 credits if coming with advance standing (for a maximum of 30 credits), or 30 credits with no advance standing, toward the Cairn University Master of Divinity degree. Again, official transcripts must be sent to the Registrar’s Office for evaluation. Applicants who do not have any previous academic work in Bible or theology will be required to complete the 93 credits outlined in this document in order to receive the Master of Divinity degree.

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