Training to start ministry.
Gateway Seminary’s MDiv equips you with the biblical, theological, and practical foundation to serve faithfully, whether online or on campus.
If you’re called to lead, teach, or serve the church, the MDiv is the degree designed to start your ministry journey.
Biblical foundation for preaching and teaching.
Graduate-level understanding of Scripture and theology.
Practical skills for pastoral care, counseling, worship, and leadership.
Tools for discipleship, education, and cross-cultural ministry.
Spiritual formation to strengthen your calling and character.
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is the most comprehensive seminary degree, trusted for generations as the standard for pastoral leadership and gospel ministry. At Gateway, the MDiv combines biblical depth, practical training, and spiritual formation to equip you for a lifetime of faithful service.
Gain a strong foundation in Bible, theology, preaching, and leadership.
Every course is designed to apply directly to real-life ministry contexts like preaching, counseling, and discipleship.
Study fully online or at one of Gateway’s five campuses, with evening options for working students and pastors.
Choose from multiple concentrations such as chaplaincy, church planting, counseling, youth ministry, and more.
90 credit hours | ~3 years full time
Available fully online or at all Gateway campuses
Flexible concentrations for specialized ministry paths
Biblical Studies – Los Angeles, Arizona, Online
Chaplaincy – Los Angeles
Children’s Ministry – Los Angeles
Christian Counseling – Los Angeles, Online
Church Planting – Los Angeles, Rocky Mountain
Collegiate Ministry – Los Angeles
Educational Leadership – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Online
Global Engagement – Los Angeles, Online
Intercultural Studies – Los Angeles, Online
Ministry to Women – Los Angeles, Online
Spiritual Formation – Los Angeles
Theological-Historical Studies – Los Angeles
Youth Ministry – Los Angeles, Online
Gateway Seminary is committed to making high-quality theological education accessible without overwhelming debt. Because we are supported by Southern Baptists through the Cooperative Program, our tuition rates remain among the most affordable of any fully accredited seminary.
Whether you’re preparing for ministry online or on campus, Gateway offers a clear and straightforward tuition structure so you can focus on your calling
| Master / Non-Degree* | $347 per unit |
| Online courses* (an online course fee per class applies) | $347 per unit |
| Audit Fee | $100 per course |
| Master / Non-Degree* | $615 per unit |
| Online courses* (an online course fee per class applies) | $445 per unit |
| Audit Fee | $100 per course |
“The most important thing that I’ve learned at Gateway wasn’t from a textbook and wasn’t just about ministry – when Christ sets us on a journey to follow him, the journey is hard, but the journey is worth it. That statement sums up my time at Gateway. It was hard, but during this time I grew spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually in ways beyond what I thought I ever could.”
Associate Minister at Story Church, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
“As someone who struggled with education when I was younger, getting a college degree after high school always felt like a challenge beyond my limitations. I had a clear calling to plant churches but seminary seemed like an insurmountable obstacle without a bachelor’s degree. However, I believe God equips the called. At Gateway, my goals were achievable through the diploma program. I graduated with an MDiv because of the Master’s by Exception program.“
Executive Administrator for Bridges Bay Area Association, Albany, CA
Level: Master’s degree (usually 72–90 credit hours).
Focus: Broad, foundational training in theology, Bible, ministry practice, and spiritual formation.
Purpose: Prepares students for entry into ministry—pastoral work, chaplaincy, missions, etc.
Typical Students: People seeking ordination, preparing for their first full-time ministry role, or wanting comprehensive theological training.
Timeframe: 3–4 years full time.
Prerequisites: Usually just a bachelor’s degree (doesn’t have to be in religion).
Outcome: Qualifies someone for ordination or to begin ministry leadership.
Level: Professional doctorate (not an academic PhD).
Focus: Advanced, practical study for those already in ministry. Emphasizes leadership, preaching, pastoral care, spiritual formation, and contextual ministry.
Purpose: To help experienced ministers deepen their effectiveness, sharpen leadership, and address specific ministry challenges.
Typical Students: Pastors, chaplains, or ministry leaders who already hold an MDiv (or equivalent) and have years of ministry experience.
Timeframe: 3–5 years part time (designed so students can continue serving while studying).
Prerequisites: Usually an MDiv plus 3–5 years of ministry experience.
Outcome: Equips someone for advanced leadership in ministry, often culminating in a dissertation/project that addresses a real-world ministry problem.