P: 800-368-3227 E: academic_affairs@vuu.edu
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program is designed to prepare persons for: ordained ministry, pastoral and religious leadership in local congregations and other faith-based settings, and a variety of non-ordained religious leadership roles in the church and world.
Because of our social location as the graduate school of theology of a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), the MDiv curriculum uniquely sensitizes students to the relevance of the rich social, cultural, and religious history, heritage, and traditions of the peoples and cultures of Africa and the African diaspora as a guiding motif for theological understanding and inquiry.
As a first theological degree, the MDiv seeks to provide a broad theological foundation with practical applications for ministry engagement as well as further study in a theological discipline. The Master of Divinity degree program is offered in a three-year full-time format as well as a five-year Extended Preparation Program format and requires 81 semester hours of credit (27 courses). Students who transfer to STVU to complete an MDiv started elsewhere must complete at least 42 credit hours at STVU and fulfill all degree requirements for graduation.
Our academic year is comprised of five terms – Fall, J-term, Spring, Maymester and Summer. Each course is worth 3 credit hours. Required and elective MDiv courses are offered during on weekdays, evenings, and on Saturdays. Select courses are offered in hybrid, one-week intensive, and year-long (fall registration only) formats.
Required and elective credits can be taken in the pattern of study that best fits students’ schedules, learning styles, and interests: in-person courses, online courses, hybrid courses, one-week intensive courses, directed study, independent study, and through service learning or experiential learning opportunities. More information on requirements and limitations for classroom and non-classroom alternatives can be found in the current academic catalog and program manual. Students should consult with their faculty advisor early in their program to discuss their educational goals and plan the best way to earn required elective credit that meets their interests and needs.
The admission process varies among degree programs. For more information about enrolling in the Master of Divinity degree program, please contact the School of Theology at (804) 257-5716 or via e-mail at theology@vuu.edu.
You don't have to figure this process out alone. Our team understands and have created a stream-lined process with you in mind. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Enrollment Management, we are available to assist you. Take the leap, your future awaits. Enroll Here
Dr. Earl Bledsoe
Instructor of Practical Theology
Instructor of Practical Theology and Director of Field Education, B.S., Open University System; M.Div., Lancaster Theological Seminary; D.Min., Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ
Associate Professor of Practical Theology
Associate Professor of Practical Theology, B.A., M.Div., Virginia Union University; M.Ed., Virginia State University; Ed.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
Dr. Faith B. Harris
Assistant Professor of Theology
Assistant Professor of Theology, Director of Edosomwan Center for Faith, Leadership, and Public Life, B.A., Moody Bible Institute, M.Div., Virginia Union University; S.T.M., Boston University, D.Min., Virginia Union University.
Dr. James Henry Harris
Professor of Pastoral Theology and Homiletics
Distinguished Professor of Pastoral Theology and Homiletics, B.S., Virginia State University; M.Div., Virginia Union University; M.A., University of Virginia; M.A. Virginia Commonwealth University; M.A., Ph.D., Old Dominion University; D.Min., United Theological Seminary.
Dr. Greg Howard
Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Homiletics
Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Homiletics, B.S., Bluefield College; M.Div., Virginia Union University; D.Min., Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Alison Gise Johnson
Associate Professor of Historical and Theological Studies
Associate Professor of Historical and Theological Studies, Director of Doctor of Ministry Program, B.S.ChE, Northwestern University; M.Div., Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University; Ph.D Temple University.
Dr. Yung Suk Kim
Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, B.A., Kyungpook National University; M.Div., McCormick Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University.
Dr. John William Kinney
Professor of Theology and Historical Studies
Professor of Theology and Historical Studies, B.A., Marshall University; M.Div., School of Theology Virginia Union University; M.Phil., Ph.D., Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary, New York.
Dr. Deborah M. Martin
Assistant Dean and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology
Instructor in Practical Theology. B.A., Virginia State University; M.Div., Virginia Union University; D.Min., Virginia Union University.Dr. Ray Mckenzie
Instructor in Practical Theology
Instructor in Practical Theology. B.A., Virginia State University; M.Div., Virginia Union University; D.Min., Virginia Union University.
Dr. Boykin Sanders
Professor of New Testament and Greek
Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek, B.S., Morris College; M.Div., Interdenominational Theological Center; Th.M., Harvard Divinity School; M.A., Ph.D., Harvard University.Dr. Harry E. Simmons
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care, B.A., M.Div., Virginia Union University; M.A., Union Presbyterian Seminary and Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor for the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education; D.Min., Virginia Union University.
Dr. Sylvester Thomas Smith
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S. Bethune-Cookman College; M.Div., Virginia Union University; Ph.D., University of Virginia
Dr. Robert Wafawanak
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, B.A. Gen., B.A. Special Honours, University of Zimbabwe; MTS., Th.M., Harvard Divinity School; Th.D., Boston University.
