Purpose and Nature
Programs granting the Master of Divinity degree are designed primarily to qualify the graduate to function as principal Chuch leaders or Christian ministeries. As a graduate level program it requires the student to develop and demonstrate critical thinking and dialogic skills including the ability to identify and critique theological and moral discourse, the ability to frame cogent arguments, the ability to test ideas for biblical fidelity and contextual appropriateness and the ability to communicate ideas effectively in oral or written dialogue.
Entrance Qualifications
Successful completion of any Bachelor level degree for entry into 90-credit MDiv programs, and a Bachelor of Theology (or equivalent) for entry into 60-credit MDiv programs.
Admission Procedure
All applicants for admission should be recommended for this program by their local church pastors who have known the applicant for at least two years.
Entry Requirements
Candidates for admission should have:
- Successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree.
- Completed 21 years of age on or before July 15 of the year of admission.
- A satisfactory proficiency in English.
- A convincing Christian experience of salvation.
- A clear commitment to Christian discipleship and service.
- Desire and readiness to be prepared for Christian ministry.
In special cases, older mature candidates (35 and above) who may not have an undergraduate degree from accredited institutions may be admitted to the MDiv program upon successful completion of the qualifying assessment. (Not more than 10% of the class should comprise of this category of students.)
Candidates should submit the following:
- Completed Application Form
- Application Processing Fee
- Pastor’s Reference
- Two (2) General References
- Written Personal Testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (500 words, guidelines included)
- Class 10 & 12 Educational Certificates (attested copies)
- Bachelor’s Degree Educational Certificates (attested copies)
- Medical Certificate (General Report)
- Baptismal Certificate (attested copies)
- Sponsorship and financial support information
Annual Cost
For the MDiv program, it costs NIITS Rs.1,64,000 per year to train one student. The highly subsidized annual fee for a residential student is Rs. 82,000.00 and Rs. 54,000.00 for a day scholar.
The college raises funds through student sponsorship and grants to help subsidize student fees and support the program. A further limited scholarship is available to extremely needy students but a minimum of Rs. 41,000 (MDiv) has to be paid by each student regardless of circumstances.
Areas of Study
- Bible, Exegesis, and Languages
- Church History; India, Asia, and World
- Biblical and Systematic Theology and Ethics
- Practical Theology: Ministry related courses, Pastoral, Missions, Christian Education
- Comparitive Religions and Culture
- A required thesis or field project is recommended
Course Structure
NIITS follows four-week modular system; more details are provided in the calendar of events.
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of 60 credit units for theological Bachelor degree holders with a GPA of B or above.
Successful completion of 90 credit units for non-theological Bachelor degree holders.
An assessment of ministry involvement that meets set requirements.
An assessment of character and spiritual development that meets set requirements/standards.
Interview
A personal interview with the admission committee is a must and there are no exceptions.
Last Date
The deadline, for receiving applications is May 31 each year, after which a late fee (Rs.100) is payable. Currently, we can take only 20 students in each batch of BTh+MDiv.
Academic Year is July to June.
A modular system is followed at NIITS with eight modules in each academic year. The classes for each academic year begin in the last week of July. All approved and selected students are expected to arrive at NIITS no later than Sunday, the day before classes start on Monday, graduation is usually the last Saturday of April each year.