M.Div./M.Min. (Residential)
The Master of Divinity and Master of Ministry degrees are equivalent degrees, with the same requirements. Students may elect to have their diplomas indicate either degree name. A student who carries a full load of twenty-seven semester hours per year can complete the Master of Divinity or Ministry degree in three years. Normally this will be accomplished by taking twelve semester hours in both the fall and spring semesters and three additional semester hours in one of the on-campus intensive courses. Many students, however, find that other commitments will not allow that level of enrollment throughout the three years. It is common for a student to complete the program over four or five years.
This degree is designed to help equip graduates for a variety of ministries, including pastoral ministry, ministry among unprogrammed Friends, counseling, hospital ministries, religious education, campus ministry, spiritual direction, peace and justice, and writing ministries. Some of these ministries may require further preparation beyond ESR, and in some cases, certification by certifying bodies. Some students choose this degree in preparation for further work in doctoral studies or advanced professional programs.
The residential M.Div./M.Min. program allows students to choose the focus of their degree through declaration of a ministry emphasis (see Master of Divinity/Master of Ministry emphases, below) and choice of an internship (see Supervised Ministry, page 26).
Together these provide the academic and practical training at ESR for the particular form of ministry the student has chosen.
Residency requirements affecting transfer students stipulate that at least twenty-seven of the eighty-one semester hours required for the degree be taken at ESR, including ATST 390, Comprehensive Seminar.