Master of Divinity

Welcome to an enriching journey of faith, deep biblical learning, and practical ministerial training through South India Baptist Bible College & Seminary’s Online Master of Divinity Program. For over forty years, SIBBC&S has passionately prepared individuals for impactful ministry, and now, this same in-depth seminary education is available to you online. Guided by our mission, " ...commit thou to faithful men, " we aim to equip you with a profound understanding of God’ s Word, preparing you to make a difference in the world. Dedicated to the Great Commission, our M.Div. online degree blends advanced technology with a comprehensive curriculum to empower you in winning souls for Christ.

Designed with precision to address the challenges faced by working individuals, the program offers a flexible and enriching learning experience. It stands as a beacon of comprehensive education, providing indispensable training in biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry skills. What sets it apart is the emphasis on leadership and organizational management, recognizing the evolving landscape of Christian ministry. The curriculum embraces the multifaceted nature of Christian ministry, covering evangelism, church planting, teaching, preaching, pastoral care, counselling, mentoring, church administration, and leadership and management within church-affiliated organizations.

This program is not just an academic pursuit; it's a transformative experience where theory meets real-world application. Whether you're a seasoned minister looking to enhance your skills or a working Christian answering the call to leadership, our Online Master of Divinity program is your gateway to a holistic education that empowers you for a lifetime of meaningful service.

Begin your academic journey today and achieve a Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry!

Apply Now

Download Program Guide

Read Program Guide Online

Admission Requirements

Before applying for the program, please ensure you meet our admission criteria. If you have any questions and you would like to speak to us, feel free to call our Admissions Office by dialling +916380873580.

Born-Again Commitment: Candidates must demonstrate a born-again commitment and a fervent dedication to effectively serve in Christian ministry. A sincere desire to deepen understanding of God's Word is essential.
Educational Qualification: Candidates should be at least 25 years old and hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution, either in secular or theological education. Individuals with a minimum of 5 years of ministry experience and aged over 30 may be considered, even if they do not possess a bachelor's degree, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for confirmation.
Technological Requirements: Candidates are required to have access to a personal computer with stable internet connectivity to facilitate seamless online learning.
Spiritual Mentorship: Candidates should have a local pastor or a trusted spiritual leader who can serve as a mentor throughout their studies for ministerial skill development.
Minimum Fluency in English: Candidates are expected to have a basic proficiency in English to effectively express themselves. Depending on their initial assessment, candidates may need to undergo a qualifying exam or an interview to evaluate their capability to succeed in our programs.

Document Submission Required for Admission

Begin by submitting your application for your preferred program, ensuring that all details are accurate and complete. Along with your application—or after its submission—the following documents must be emailed to the admissions office for processing. If you are unable to submit all required documents immediately, you may request permission from the admissions office for an extension.
Admissions Office Email: admissions.online@sibbc.org

1. Educational Certificates

Submit scanned copies of your 10th, 12th, and degree certificates, along with their respective mark sheets.
Ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and in PDF format.
Only scanned copies are accepted—photographs of documents will not be processed.

2. Personal Testimony Letter

A typed document (PDF format) detailing:
- Your personal faith journey.
- Your reasons for pursuing theological studies.
- How this program aligns with your spiritual and academic goals.

3. Two Reference Forms

Spiritual & Ministerial Reference Form: From your mentor or pastor, confirming your Christian faith and suitability for theological studies. This form link should be shared with the appropriate person for submission.
Academic/Professional Reference Form: From a professor, employer, or another person familiar with your faith commitment and passion for ministry. This form link should be shared with the appropriate person for submission.

4. Formal Digital Profile Image

A clear, formal profile image (passport-style).
The image should be recent, with appropriate background, and in JPEG or PNG format.

5. Identification Document

A scanned copy of a valid government-issued ID card, such as:
- Aadhar Card
- Passport
- Any National Identity Card
Ensure the document is readable and in PDF or JPEG format.

6. Mentor Consent Form

Your mentor must submit a digital consent form confirming their willingness to support you in your theological journey. This form should be shared with your mentor for submission.

7. Ministry Experience Documentation (If Applicable)

Required only for applicants without a bachelor's degree.
Provide proof of at least five years of ministry experience, including:
- A letter from your church or ministry leader detailing the nature and duration of your involvement.
- Specific responsibilities and contributions to ministry.
- Scanned copies of any relevant certificates or supporting documents.
Documents should be in PDF format.

8. Scholarship Form

All students who are unable to pay a tuition fee exceeding ₹90,000 are required to submit a scholarship application.

9. Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of ₹350 must be submitted along with your application.
Payment options will be provided at the time of submission.

Important Notes:

Ensure all documents are properly named. (Your Name and Certificate Name)
Double-check that all uploads are clear and legible to avoid processing delays.

Our program is designed to meet the diverse needs of our students, offering a flexible journey to complete your degree in as little as 3 years or up to 8 years, depending on your personal schedule. Structured in a modular format, the program consists of 30 modules, each lasting 8 weeks.

For those eager to progress quickly, you can take two modules simultaneously, while those who prefer a steadier pace can complete one module at a time. Each course generally requires about 12–15 hours of learning each week. If your goal is to finish within 3 years, you can increase your weekly learning hours to move through the program at an accelerated rate.

The program is equipped with 96-credit curriculum and carefully structured into 4 levels to provide an in-depth theological education. The program is designed to equip students with a profound understanding of Christian doctrine, biblical studies, pastoral care, and ministerial leadership. This curriculum is ideal for those seeking to deepen their theological knowledge and enhance their ministerial skills in a variety of church and mission contexts.

Level 1

Orientation - Theological Research & Writing (GEST O501 - 1 Cr.)
Introduction to Old Testament (BIST O502 - 3 Cr. )
Introduction to New Testament (BIST O503 - 3 Cr. )
Introduction to Christian ministry (CHMI O504 - 3 Cr.)
Biblical Hermeneutics (BIST O505 - 3 Cr. )
World Religions (REMI O506 - 3 Cr. )
History of Christianity (HIST O507 - 3 Cr. )
Introduction to Missions (REMI O508 - 3 Cr. )

Level 2

Pentateuch (BIST O601 - 3 Cr.)
Evangelism & Church Planting (CHMI O602 - 3 Cr.)
Major Prophetical Books (BIST O603 - 3 Cr.)
Synoptic Gospels (BIST O604 - 3 Cr.)
Pauline Epistles (BIST O605 - 3 Cr.)
Dispensations (THST O606 - 3 Cr.)
Christian Ministry to Children & Youth (CHMI O607 - 3 Cr.)
Preliminary Greek (BIST O608 - 3 Cr. )

Level 3

Biblical Theology (THST O701 - 3 Cr.)
Christian Ministry to Men & Women (CHMI O702 - 3 Cr.)
History of Indian Christianity (HIST O703 - 3 Cr.)
Constitutional Rights & Responsibilities (GEST O704 - 1 Cr.)
Christian Ethics (THST O705 - 3 Cr.)
Homiletics (THST O706 - 3 Cr. )
Christian Apologetics (REMI O707 - 3 Cr.)
Preliminary Hebrew (BIST O708 - 3 Cr.)

Level 4

Systematic Theology 1 (THST O801 - 3 Cr.)
Indian Christian Theology (THST O802 - 3 Cr.)
Mentoring in Ministry (CHMI O803 - 3 Cr.)
Pastoralia (CHMI O804 - 3 Cr.)
Systematic Theology 2 (THST O805 - 3 Cr.)
Christian Leadership (CHMI O806 - 3 Cr.)
Christian Organizational Development (CHMI O807 - 3 Cr.)
Administration & Management of Church & Church Based Organizations (CHMI O808 - 3 Cr.)

Practicum

Spiritual Formation (CHMI O509 - 3 Cr.)
Ministerial Formation & Internship (CHMI O709 - 3 Cr.)

Optional Electives

Wisdom Literature (BIST O609 - 3 Cr.)
Writings & Theology of John ( BIST O610 - 3 Cr.)
Expository Preaching (THST O710 - 3 Cr.)
Modern Theological Trends (THST O711 - 3 Cr.)
Cultural Anthropology (REMI O712 - 3 Cr.)
Trends in Modern Mission (REMI O713 - 3 Cr.)
Principles of Church Growth (CHMI O611 - 3 Cr.)
Church Music & Theology (CHMI O714 - 3 Cr.)

The M.Div program equips students for effective Christian ministry through a holistic approach that integrates spiritual growth, character formation, and practical ministry experience. Below framework is designed to nurture students in every aspect of their spiritual and ministerial journey.

Spiritual Mentorship Program
Students engage in one-on-one mentorship with experienced ministry leaders for personal guidance and spiritual growth. Monthly meetings foster accountability and development, with mentors submitting progress reports to ensure continuous support. Personal mentor has to be chosen by the student himself/herself.

Virtual Chapels
Online students gather for interactive worship, prayer, and fellowship through virtual chapels. These sessions cultivate a sense of community and encourage spiritual engagement.

Ministry Internships
Practical ministry experience is an integral part of the program, with students completing a 360-hour internship after completing at least 50% of their coursework. Internships allow students to apply their theological training in real-world contexts, guided by mentors and a formation coordinator. Student can choose the place and context of the internship.

Annual Campus Visits
Students are required to visit the campus annually for a 5-day immersive experience, strengthening connections with the community through workshops, prayer services, and events.

The program received in-principle approval from the Asia Theological Association (ATA) in June 2023 for its launch. In September 2024, it underwent an initial review by ATA and received positive feedback. We now look forward to the upcoming accreditation visit from ATA. We are committed to maintaining high standards, and upon successful program completion, students will be awarded ATA-certified degree.

The tuition fee of the program has been kept minimal compared to the quality of education provided.

Admission fee: ₹2000.
Tuition fee: The total tuition fee for the entire program is ₹90,000, and scholarships are available for students in need, up to ₹24,000. Please contact us for financial aid. Students under scholarship will only pay ₹66,000 for the entire tuition. Fee payments can be made as per the individual courses or monthly or in installments, providing flexibility based on the student's choice allowing payments to extend over a duration of 3-5 years.
ATA Registration fee: ₹2000.
Graduation & Transcript Fee: ₹2000.

The Master of Divinity Online Degree program combines three distinct course formats, offering students a well-rounded and flexible learning experience. Students will participate in each of these formats throughout their studies:

1. Fully Pre-Recorded Courses: These courses are entirely accessible on the Canvas Learning Management System. With all lectures and assignments pre-recorded, students have 24/7 access to materials for the full 8-week duration, allowing them to learn at their own pace. A facilitator will be available throughout the course for ongoing support.

2. Zoom-Based Live Virtual Courses: Some courses are conducted live on Zoom, typically in the evenings, featuring real-time lectures, interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions. This format fosters an engaging and collaborative environment with instructors and fellow students.

3. Residential Courses (Annually, One Course): Each summer, students are invited to campus for a five-day intensive course, providing a traditional classroom setting and a hands-on seminary experience in a focused period.

Together, these formats create a comprehensive educational experience, allowing students to fulfill their program requirements through a balanced combination of flexible, interactive, and immersive learning.

The program aims to accomplish the following in the lives of the students:

To cultivate a profound understanding of Scripture and the rich theological heritage of the Church. Through rigorous study, students will dive into the depths of God's Word and the historical context.
To equip students with practical skills essential for effective pastoral care, leadership, and ethical decision-making. We believe in nurturing leaders who not only understand the theory but can apply their knowledge with wisdom and compassion in real-world situations.
To foster personal transformation and spiritual development in student. The program provides a nurturing environment for individuals to deepen their faith, cultivating a spirit of continuous growth and reflection.
To enhance students' communication skills, empowering them to deliver impactful sermons that resonate with the hearts of their congregations.
To prepare students for the evolving challenges and opportunities they may encounter. We aim to equip students with the adaptability and resilience needed to thrive in today's diverse ministry contexts.
To instil a deep sense of commitment to ministry and social engagement. We believe that Christian service extends beyond the church walls, and our goal is to nurture individuals who actively engage with and impact their communities.
To inspire a lifelong commitment in students to grow in the likeness of Christ. This commitment forms the bedrock of their ministry, guiding them in their service to God and humanity.

Educational
Methodology

Our Online Programs employ a thoughtful and comprehensive instructional methodology, creating an engaging virtual learning experience. Our methods focus on fostering critical thinking, theological exploration, and the development of practical ministry skills. Key instructional approaches include pre-recorded lectures for flexible learning on the Learning Management System, discussion forums for asynchronous dialogue, live virtual sessions in the evenings for real-time interaction, and collaborative assignments to encourage peer learning. Case studies and practical application exercises challenge students to apply theological concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing critical thinking skills.

Students will engage with diverse materials, including theological texts, academic articles, and relevant readings, forming a crucial aspect of our curriculum. Written assignments, such as essays and research papers, allow students to explore topics in depth and articulate their thoughts effectively. Weekly and monthly assessments and quizzes test understanding, while virtual office hours offer one-on-one discussions for clarification or guidance.

We provide access to virtual learning resources, online libraries, and academic databases to facilitate research and exploration. Our holistic formation approach includes spiritual mentorship, monthly chapels, ministry internships, campus visits, and various virtual learning resources, ensuring a well-rounded education that equips students for effective ministry.

At SIBBC&S, our educational process transcends traditional boundaries, offering a dynamic and interactive platform where theological education seamlessly integrates with real-world application.

Join us on a journey of faith, knowledge, and personal growth as we work together to empower and strengthen the global body of believers.

Master of Divinity

Educational Methodology

Educational
Methodology