General Program Information
Experiential Learning
The graduate school uses an experiential learning model. The M.Div., M.A.C.E., M.A.P.S., and D.Min. degree programs intentionally integrate theological and ministerial studies for ministry practice.
Field Education
Field education, the central component in the M.Div., M.A.C.E., and M.A.P.S. degree programs, blends academic learning and experience in ministry. Accordingly, students must devote at least 12 hours per week for the duration of their master’s degree program to some form of supervised ministry.
Biblical Languages
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students are required to obtain competence in at least one biblical language for use as an exegetical tool in the study of the Bible. This requirement may be met by the course GBBL 500 (Elements of Greek Exegesis); by transcript evidence of one year of biblical Greek or Hebrew at the undergraduate level; or by GBBL 510, GBBL 520 or GBBL 530, GBBL 540.
It is strongly recommended, however, that students who anticipate further graduate study in theology complete a full-year course in biblical Greek and/or Hebrew. To obtain full benefit from courses in biblical studies, students should enroll in the biblical language course, as well as in GBBL 511 (Seminar in Biblical Interpretation), as early as possible in their academic program.
Advanced Standing
- M.Div. students may petition for up to 15 units of advanced standing from upper-division undergraduate work in religion.
- M.A.C.E., M.A.P.S., and M.A.T.S. students may petition for up to 10 units of advanced standing from upper-division undergraduate work in religion.
- Prior to formal admission, the Request for Advanced Standing Petition form should be completed.
- The number of core courses in any department that may be replaced by advanced standing is limited to two.
- All advanced standing examinations are administered in a proctored setting twice a year: the second Friday of October and March.
- Students must pass examinations for advanced standing within 12 months of their admission date. The cost for the exam is $50 per unit. If the student passes the exam(s), then he/she will not be required to pay full tuition for those units.
- A student may repeat advanced standing examinations one time without further charge.
- Courses in which a grade of B- or lower was earned may not be used for advanced standing.
- Students admitted under the exceptional category may not petition for advanced standing units.
- Undergraduate work must be from an accredited university.
Transfer Units
- A student may petition for up to 45 units for the M.Div., less any advanced standing units (e.g., 30 units transfer and 15 units advanced standing or any other combination totaling 45 units for the M.Div.), and 30 units for the M.A.P.S., M.A.C.E., and M.A.T.S., less any advanced standing units, from other regionally or ATS-accredited graduate degree programs. Units transferred are limited to one-third of an earned master’s degree. A minimum of 45 units for the M.Div., and 30 units for the M.A.P.S., M.A.C.E., and M.A.T.S., must be completed at C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology.
Visiting Student Status
The graduate school has visiting student agreements with Fuller Theological Seminary and Claremont School of Theology. Students may contact C.P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology for additional information at (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5654.
Advancement to Candidacy
In order to progress beyond the initial courses of the degree program and be admitted to full graduate standing, the student must obtain candidacy. Candidacy is granted by faculty approval upon the completion of the stated requirements for the respective degrees, and after the faculty are satisfied with the student’s progress in his/her field education studies, spiritual formation, and personal growth. Specific requirements for attaining candidacy are listed under the respective degree program descriptions.
