A Master of Divinity (M.Div.) typically takes three to four years of full-time study to complete — it is the longest and most comprehensive of the standard master’s-level seminary degrees. At New Geneva Theological Seminary, the M.Div. is a 100-credit-hour program that can be finished in as few as three years, with four years being the normal length of study. Because it is delivered fully online, you can complete it without relocating or leaving your current ministry, church, or job.
What determines how long an M.Div. takes
Three factors set the timeline for almost any M.Div. program:
Because the M.Div. includes the original biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek) and a full sequence of theology, it carries more credit hours than a shorter ministry master’s degree — which is the main reason it takes longer than, say, a two-year M.A.
The M.Div. at New Geneva: 100 credits in 3–4 years
New Geneva’s M.Div. is 100 credit hours across 46 courses. Per the seminary’s own standards, the program may be completed in three years, though the normal length of study is four years. The pace is yours to set within that window: the degree is fully online, with live sessions conducted over Zoom and on-demand options available, so students who are already serving in ministry can move at a sustainable rate.
Graduation requires completing all 100 credit hours with a grade of C or better in every required course and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Can you finish faster — or take longer?
Faster: three years is the minimum at New Geneva, achieved by carrying a full course load each term. Longer: students balancing a job, a pastorate, or family often spread the degree beyond four years, which the online format is designed to accommodate. Transfer credit can also shorten the road: New Geneva accepts qualifying transfer work, with the requirement that you complete at least your final 24 credit hours at the seminary.
What you study along the way
The 100 hours are organized into five areas, so the timeline reflects real breadth of training, not busywork:
A twelve-hour History / Religion & Society area completes the 100 credits. Every part is anchored in historic Reformed theology and the Westminster Standards. See the full course list on the M.Div. program page.
