Master of Divinity with Master of Social Work

Students who apply for this dual degree program start their education by completing a 36-credit pastoral ministry core curriculum (which also completes most educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene) as well as their 4-credit supervised ministry before beginning their MSW work. They will also submit application materials for the MSW (without application fee) during their last full semester of work in the pastoral ministry core curriculum (see the MSW program for admission requirements). They will be considered MDiv students while continuing their work in the MSW program; students will complete the 3-credit biblical exegesis course from the MDiv program after fulfilling all other MSW requirements.

Students who do not have adequate undergraduate course work in Social Work will need to complete 63 credits for the MSW program; those who qualify for advanced standing (i.e., required undergraduate course work in Social Work) will need to complete 41 credits for the MSW program.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. The graduate understands and is able to explain Wesleyan-Holiness theology as it relates to Scripture, Christian tradition, reason, and experience in the practice of ministry. (RH)
2. The graduate identifies characteristics of the cultural context of ministry and assesses them through an appropriate theological perspective, compares existing cultures with alternative cultural expressions, and develops personal and corporate practices consistent with the reign of God. (CC)
3. The graduate practices the means of grace (spiritual disciplines) that lead to emotional and spiritual health, personal Christian virtue, and responsible social engagement. (PSF)
4. The graduate integrates Christian theological themes in the understanding and practice of ministry and leadership. (MPL)
5. The graduate articulates an understanding of Wesleyan-Holiness theology and history that embraces the biblical call to care for the disadvantaged and those in need within society. (RH)
6. The graduate develops a working knowledge of and skills in working with and assisting diverse people in their unique life circumstances as a distinct expression of God’s grace and Christian ministry. (CC)
7. The graduate understands and develops skills in social work and counseling to assist others (individuals, families, and other groups) in various forms of life management, including both personal and spiritual formation. (PSF)
8. The graduate demonstrates a holistic understanding of servant leadership and its practices in relation to Wesleyan-Holiness theology by advocating for others who have been unsuccessful in advocating for themselves. (MPL)