FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in Bible?

An undergraduate degree in Bible is desirable for students entering the M.A. program.  Students without an undergraduate degree in Bible may fulfill this expectation through coursework.  Students entering the M.Div. program are not required to have an undergraduate degree in Bible.  Students with previous biblical or language studies may receive advanced standing.

What does it cost?

Tuition discounts and scholarships are available to full-time, degree-seeking students who are not on academic probation.  The standard cost per hour is $350, but a tuition discount of $125 per hour is applied for degree-seeking students.  In addition,  most students receive additional financial aid.  All distance courses are $350 per hour and are not eligible for additional discounts or scholarships.

What is the difference between the M.A. and M.Div. programs?

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Ministry is a 45-hour program which builds on biblical and language studies and ministry experience.  The two primary areas of study in the M.A. are Bible and ministry.  The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is an 89-hour program which includes studies in language, Bible, church history, theology, and ministry.  Both programs include ministry “tracks” which allow students to complete the ministry section of the degree with an area of emphasis.

How can these degrees help me toward my career goals?

Students in either degree program choose a ministry track—general congregational ministry, family life ministry, or youth ministry.  M.Div. students may elect to personalize their ministry studies by choosing any four elective ministry courses.

When are courses offered?

Courses are offered during the regular academic semester on Tuesdays.  This schedule allows students to drive to campus from some distance and take all of their course work with a single commute each week.  It also allows local residents to take courses while maintaining their employment.  In addition, short intensive courses (both one-week and weekend formats) are available in January, May, and at various times during the summer to supplement the course schedule.  Finally, numerous distance courses are available.

How long does the degree take?

The answer depends on how many hours a student takes each year.  A full-time graduate load is 9 hours per semester (6 hours in summer).  The M.A. is generally a 2-year degree, although many students take three years.  The M.Div. is generally considered a 3-4 year degree.  M.Div. students are encouraged to pursue graduate studies full-time if possible.

Is there a time limit for the degree?

The standard time limit for completing the M.A. is seven (7) years; the time limit for completing the M.Div. is ten (10) years.  Additional time may be available through approved leave of absence semesters.

Are distance learning courses available?

Yes, distance learning courses are available.  A Certificate in Christian Ministry may be earned entirely online, and hours applied to a degree.  The number of distance learning hours which may be applied to either degree is limited.

Can I transfer hours into your program?

While there is no automatic transfer of credit, hours with a grade of B or better from regionally accredited institutions are usually acceptable.  Normally, No more than 9 transfer hours may be used to fulfill degree requirements in the M.A., no more than 18 transfer hours may be so used in the M.Div.

Can I use hours from previous graduate degrees in your program?

The number of hours from a previous graduate degree which can be applied to a subsequent degree is limited to 50%.  No more than 50% of hours applied to a previous degree may be accepted toward a subsequent degree, and no more than 1/2 of the hours of a degree can be earned in this way.  Students who have previously earned an M.A. from OC must apply to the M.Div. program by September, 2008 to receive maximum credit for previously earned hours.

Faculty Facts

Dr. Timothy VanWagoner, Professor of Biology, works at OC "to be a positive role model and mentor for students in order to encourage more people of faith to be actively engaged in the sciences." His research interests include pathogenicity factors in bacterial infectious diseases, bioinformatics, and bioethics.

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