Dr. Shane Garrison, Interim Dean
Campbellsville University, 1 University Drive, UPO 790, Campbellsville, KY 42718
msgarrison@campbellsville.edu 270-789-5541
Dr. Terry L. Wilder, Chair of Theology Graduate Programs
Campbellsville University, 1 University Drive, UPO 790, Campbellsville, KY 42718
tlwilder@campbellsville.edu 270-789-5039
Joscelyn Smith, Campbellsville University Online Director
Campbellsville University, 1 University Drive, UPO 937, Campbellsville, KY 42718
jlsmith@campbellsville.edu 502-789-5352
Social Media:
Web: CUTheology.com
Twitter@CUTheology
Facebook.com/CUTheology
Email: Theology@campbellsville.edu
School of Theology Mission and Goals
Producing Servants for the Church and World
The Mission of the School of Theology is to Produce Servants for the Church and World. Because Jesus described his mission just this way: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NIV). God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the only savior the world will ever need. But he sends out men and women to serve in his name in the church and in the world.
We carry out this task with a wholehearted response of gratitude, worship, and stewardship to God as revealed in Jesus Christ.
The tools for the task consist of a comprehensive program of Christian studies (Biblical studies & theology, church history & philosophy, pastoral ministries & counseling, educational & family ministries, missions & evangelism).
This is done as an integral part of Campbellsville University, a fellowship of learners dedicated, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to become salt and light for a world in need.
Servants for the Church and World Who Are …
Passionately Evangelistic - People who are passionate about God’s good news in Jesus Christ and who have a strong desire for others to experience life in him.
Rooted in the Biblical Story - People who love God’s powerful Word and who in community with others are learning, knowing, trusting, and following the Sacred Scriptures which are able, from beginning to end, to show the way to salvation in Jesus Christ.
Church Connected - People who have a high view of the local church, but whose field of vision does not limit ministry to the “four walls” and who see the local church as a base from which to go out into the world.
Servant Leaders - People, of high moral character and kingdom heart, who are developing Jesus’ qualities of servant leadership and who in turn develop servant leaders under them.
Spiritual Entrepreneurs - Creative people who are energized by the possibilities of what God and faithful persons together can do; builders who start with nothing and see spiritual dreams take shape; inventors capable of reinvention to maintain effective ministry.
Partners in an Enduring Fellowship - Students who make an impact for Christ during their student days; alumni who display an abiding love for and commitment towards CU; brotherhoods and sisterhoods, forged at CU, that are fruitful for ministry well beyond four to five years of campus life.
Graduate Degrees Offered
Master of Theology (M.Th.)
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Master of Theology (M.Th.)
Faculty and Staff for M.Th.
Shane Garrison, Ed.D., Interim Dean of the School of Theology
B.S., Campbellsville University; M.Div., M.A. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ed.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
John E. Hurtgen, Ph.D./New Testament, Greek
B.A., University of Louisville; M.Div., Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary;
Post-Doctoral Studies, University of Louisville
Twyla Hernandez, Ph.D./Christian Missions
B.A., Middle Tennessee State University; M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Mike O’Neal, Ph.D./Old Testament
B.A., University of Kentucky; M.Div., Th.M., Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Scott E. Wigginton, Ph.D./Pastoral Leadership
B.A., Western Kentucky University; M.Div., Th.M., Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Terry L. Wilder, Ph.D./Biblical Studies
B.A. and M.A., Dallas Baptist University; M.Div BL, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Aberdeen
Secretary, Campbellsville Main Campus, Sherry Bowen; slbowen@campbellsville.edu; 270-789-5029
Director, Online Graduate Enrollment, Joscelyn Smith; jlsmith@campbellsville.edu; 270-789-5352
Admissions to the Master of Theology Program
Students who wish to be admitted to graduate studies in the School of Theology must first complete all application procedures required by the Office of Admissions of the University. When admission to the University’s graduate studies program is completed, their application materials will be forwarded to the Dean of the School of Theology for assessment.
The following are required for admission to Campbellsville University’s Master of Theology Program:
1. Online application.
2. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
3. Eighteen (18) hours of prerequisite coursework in either undergraduate Christian studies (e.g., Bible, theology, religion, ministry education) or graduate theological education or a combination of both.
4. If the student’s overall undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, they must complete either the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or the MAT (Miller Analogy Test).
5. Submit a philosophy of Christian ministry essay, two to three pages in length, in which the applicant summarizes: his or her faith in Jesus Christ, call to Christian ministry, current title and place of service, and current ministry philosophy.
6. Submit two (2) reference letters: 1) from a former professor and 2) from the applicant’s current local church pastor.
7. Complete an interview with the Dean of the School of Theology.
Application and Document Submission
Online students should submit application and required documents as directed by Online Engagement specialists.
Go to https://online.campbellsville.edu/online-degrees/masters-theology/.
Comprehensive Philosophy of Ministry Essay
Each student submitted a two or three-page minimum Philosophy of Ministry Essay as an applicant into the program. In the student’s last graduate term, he or she must complete in addition to all coursework, a Comprehensive Essay. The Comprehensive Essay allows the student to (1) update the Philosophy of Ministry statement made at application into the program and (2) synthesize the 18-hour area of emphasis with his or her Philosophy of Ministry statement.
The student will follow the instructions below.
- The student will declare to the advisor intent to write the Comprehensive Essay at the beginning of his or her last graduate term.
- Compose a seven to ten page critical essay (New Times Roman font, 1” margins, double-spaced, excluding cover page [title, your name, date, advisor’s name]) in which you update your Philosophy of Ministry statement in light of your 18-hour emphasis.
- Synthesize your understanding of the philosophy and practice of Christian ministry with the knowledge and skills that were part of your seminar coursework. In light of your 18-hour emphasis respond to the following questions (be as specific as possible).
- How would you now describe your philosophy of Christian ministry?
- How has study in your area of emphasis altered, expanded, and/or given new vision for your philosophy of ministry?
- What sources and resources do you now hold as necessary for ministry?
- What new goals do you set for yourself and for your ministry?
- Submit the essay to your advisor as per the following time schedule.
- December Graduation: Essay is due on or before November 15.
- May Graduation: Essay is due on or before April 15.
- August Graduation: Essay is due on or before July 1.
Financial Aid
Students who wish complete financial aid information are advised to consult the University’s Office of Financial Aid at 270-789-5207.
The following two scholarship opportunities are available:
General Student Fund: Limited funds are available to School of Theology students who demonstrate financial need. Partial scholarship assistance on a semester-by-semester basis is available.
The George W. and Myrtle Howell Memorial Scholarship: this scholarship is available to assist students who have a paid position in a Baptist Church.
Academic Terms
- There are six 8-week Graduate Terms.
- Students may enter the program prior to any of the graduate terms.
- M.Th. online courses are offered each graduate term.
- Students may complete the program in 12-15 months, if they consistently take at least two courses per graduate term.
- Additional information is available at www.campbellsville.edu/theology.
Master of Divinity (M.Div)
Follow your calling and become equipped to advance the gospel through the church and into the world with Campbellsville University’s Master of Divinity program.
Through this academically rigorous program, you’ll explore Christianity in-depth and develop the leadership skills it takes to do Christ’s work in the church and on the mission field. Delivered with an asynchronous course schedule, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) allows you to balance your professional responsibilities with your studies while you prepare for a rewarding calling in ministry.
REAL-WORLD PREPARATION
With our Master of Divinity online program, when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to:
- Pastor a church or serve on a church staff.
- Serve as a military chaplain.
- Serve in cross-culture and international missions.
- Lead a non-profit, faith-based organization
MASTER OF DIVINITY PROGRAM DETAILS
Faculty and Staff for M.Div.
Shane Garrison, Ed.D., Interim Dean of the School of Theology
B.S., Campbellsville University; M.Div., M.A. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ed.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Terry L. Wilder, Ph.D./New Testament and Greek, Theology Graduate Chair
B.A. and M.A., Dallas Baptist University; M.Div BL, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Aberdeen
Twyla Hernandez, Ph.D./Christian Missions
B.A., Middle Tennessee State University; M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
John E. Hurtgen, Ph.D./New Testament, Greek
B.A., University of Louisville; M.Div., Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Post-Doctoral Studies, University of Louisville
Mike O’Neal, Ph.D./Old Testament
B.A., University of Kentucky; M.Div., Th.M., Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Scott E. Wigginton, Ph.D./Pastoral Leadership
B.A., Western Kentucky University; M.Div., Th.M., Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Secretary, Campbellsville Main Campus, Sherry Bowen; slbowen@campbellsville.edu; 270-789-5029
Director, CU Online, Joscelyn Smith; jlsmith@campbellsville.edu; 270-789-5352
Admissions to the Master of Divinity Program
1. Online application.
2. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
3. If the student’s overall undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, they must complete either the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or the MAT (Miller Analogy Test).
4. Submit a philosophy of Christian ministry essay, two to three pages in length, in which the applicant summarizes: his or her faith in Jesus Christ, call to Christian ministry, current title and place of service, and current ministry philosophy.
5. Submit two (2) reference letters: 1) from a former professor and 2) from the applicant’s current local church pastor.
6. Complete an interview with the Director of the Master of Divinity program.
MDiv Transfer Credit Policy
Transfer credits will be evaluated by the School of Theology Dean and/or the Master of Divinity program director. Courses with a letter grade of “B” or better from a regionally accredited graduate program will be considered.
Financial Aid
Students who wish complete financial aid information are advised to consult the University’s Office of Financial Aid at 270-789-5207.
The following two scholarship opportunities are available:
General Student Fund: Limited funds are available to School of Theology students who demonstrate financial need. Partial scholarship assistance on a semester-by-semester basis is available.
The George W. and Myrtle Howell Memorial Scholarship: this scholarship is available to assist students who have a paid position in a Baptist Church.
Master of Theology
Master of Divinity