In the academic study of
theology, the
Master of Divinity (
MDiv,
magister divinitatis in
Latin) is the
first professional degree of the pastoral profession in
North America. It is the most common
academic degree in
seminaries and
divinity schools (e.g. in 2014 nearly 44% of all U.S. students in schools accredited by the
Association of Theological Schools were enrolled in an MDiv program). In many
Christian denominations and in some other religions the degree is the standard prerequisite for ordination to the priesthood or pastorship or other appointment, ordination or licensing to professional ministry. At accredited seminaries in the United States this degree requires between 72 and 106
credit hours of study (72 being the minimum determined by academic accrediting agencies and 106 being on the upper end of certain schools that wish to ensure a broader study of the related disciplines).