Wheaton College Launches Master of Divinity Program to Form Pastor-Theologians for the Church and the World
WHEATON, Ill. —In a cultural moment that demands both deep theological conviction and wise pastoral leadership, Wheaton College is launching a new Master of Divinity program to prepare pastor-theologians for the church and the world.
Following approval from the Higher Learning Commission, the A. Duane Litfin Divinity School is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort for Fall 2027.
The M.Div. reflects Wheaton's conviction that the church needs more than competent ministry practitioners—it needs pastor-theologians who can interpret Scripture faithfully, think theologically, lead wisely, and proclaim the gospel with courage and grace. Rooted in the historic Christian faith and committed to thoughtful and generous engagement across the breadth of the Christian tradition, the program draws on Wheaton's distinctive Christian liberal arts tradition to integrate rigorous biblical and theological study, whole-person formation, and practical preparation for a lifetime of faithful ministry.
A Distinctive Approach to Pastoral Formation
“Pastors today need more than ministry skills,” said Dr. Marc Cortez, dean of the Litfin Divinity School. “They need deep theological conviction, biblical wisdom, spiritual maturity, and the ability to lead faithfully in a rapidly changing culture. Our M.Div. is designed to form pastor-theologians who can preach the Word, shepherd God's people, and engage the world with both conviction and generous discernment.”
This vision of the pastor-theologian extends beyond academic preparation. Graduates are equipped not only to interpret Scripture and articulate doctrine, but also to cultivate healthy communities, lead with wisdom and humility, and help God's people navigate the theological, cultural, and ethical challenges.
Rigorous Curriculum and Experienced Faculty
Students learn from faculty recognized internationally for their scholarship in biblical studies, theology, church history, ethics, and ministry—scholars who are deeply engaged in the life of the church as teachers, pastors, and ministry leaders. The breadth of Wheaton's Christian liberal arts community helps prepare pastors to understand Scripture and to engage wisely with the people and cultures they are called to serve.
The 90-credit curriculum combines rigorous study of Scripture and theology with biblical languages, preaching, pastoral care, spiritual formation, and mentored ministry to prepare graduates for faithful leadership.
Flexible Pathways, Intentional Formation
The M.Div. integrates rigorous classroom study with mentored ministry experience, vocational discernment, and partnerships with churches and ministry organizations. Students may complete the program through either residential or flexible pathways, allowing emerging ministry leaders and those already serving in ministry to pursue theological education in a format that best fits their stage of life and calling while remaining deeply connected to faculty, ministry mentors, and fellow students. Graduates emerge prepared to serve in pastoral ministry, church planting, chaplaincy, missions, and other forms of Christian leadership with the theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and spiritual maturity necessary for faithful ministry across a wide range of evangelical traditions and ministry contexts.
Strategic Milestone for the Litfin Divinity School
The Master of Divinity represents an important milestone in the continued growth of the Litfin Divinity School and advances its strategic vision of serving the church through academically rigorous, ministry-focused theological education. Building on the School's longstanding strengths in biblical and theological scholarship, ministry leadership, evangelism, and global engagement, the M.Div. extends that mission by preparing pastor-theologians equipped to serve churches and ministries with biblical depth, theological wisdom, and faithful leadership.
“This new Master of Divinity degree is built on Wheaton’s enduring commitments to evangelical orthodoxy and liberal arts excellence,” said Wheaton College President Philip Ryken. “We are thrilled to offer world-class theological education that meets the church’s urgent need for well-trained pastors in service to Christ and His Kingdom.”
Applications Now Open
Prospective students are invited to explore the M.Div. curriculum, connect with faculty, and learn about admissions requirements at wheaton.edu/mdiv. Information sessions for the Fall 2027 cohort will begin later this fall.