BEESON
DIVINITY SCHOOL
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY | BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Beeson Divinity School prepares God-called persons to serve as ministers in the church of Jesus Christ.
Welcome
WELCOME
I am so glad you are considering preparing for ministry at Beeson Divinity School. As you discern where the Lord is leading you, allow me to share a few things about our approach to theological education.
Beeson is committed to historic Christian orthodoxy and confesses the Apostles’ Creed as a community. We believe in the cardinal doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
As an evangelical divinity school, we believe the Bible is the fully inspired and completely truthful Word of God, and we submit to its authority. We are committed to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
In an age when many seminaries are virtual most of the time, and still others have decided on an impersonal approach to theological education, Beeson remains committed to rigorous, classical discipleship together in community. If you join us here at Beeson, you will get to know your teachers, staff and fellow students in a very personal way. You will study, worship, pray, eat and have fun with us. You will be the body of Christ with us on campus, in our homes and in our local churches. We will do life together, forming lifelong friendships and partnerships in ministry with you.
I pray God will bless you in a special way in days ahead, drawing you nearer to Himself and equipping you more fully for the kingdom work He has in store for you.
—Dean Douglas A. Sweeney
CoMMUNITY
CoMMUNITY
Experience the Beeson Difference
Life at Beeson Divinity School is about more than earning a degree. Our in-person model means you will be rooted in meaningful community with both your fellow students and faculty, being formed as a Christ-follower and minister of the Gospel as you live life together. Your peers and professors will become lifelong friends, formed through shared meals, chapel services, mentor groups and more.
We are committed to preparing each student who walks through our doors for the ministry to which God has called them and count it a joy to form relationships with each one of them during their time here at Beeson.
“There are people here who long for the name of Jesus to be known. And when you have that in community, it will sharpen you for the rest of your life.”
– J.T. Reeves, MDiv student
Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Beeson offers students access to a variety of opportunities and amenities. Birmingham is home to several professional sports teams, the Civil Rights Museum, the Birmingham Museum of Art, award-winning restaurants and more. Beeson students also enjoy access to Samford University’s campus, which includes a health and wellness complex, modern learning spaces and more. For those wishing to explore creation, there are plenty of beautiful parks and hiking trails in the greater Birmingham area.
EX
World-Renowned Faculty
At Beeson Divinity School, you will be shaped by world-renowned scholars who take seriously the authority of God’s Word and our calling to be on mission together. A low faculty-to-student ratio (1:7) allows faculty to get to know their students and invest in them both inside and outside of the classroom.
Our faculty are revered for their expertise in their respective fields. Regularly writing award-winning books and often appearing in premier theological journals and magazines, Beeson faculty have also served with the Evangelical Theological Society, Society of Biblical Literature, Institute for Biblical Research, Center for Pastor Theologians, Society for New Testament Studies and more. Beeson professors bring decades of experience in academia, pastoral ministry and missions to the classroom, helping prepare students to pursue God’s call on their lives.
Learn more about our esteemed faculty by scanning the QR code.
“We are indebted to those who have gone before us, and we are indebted to those who have poured into us. At Beeson, I certainly received the gracious benefits of many godly professors who poured into me because it was obvious that they cared. They modeled for me what it looks like to be a minister of the head and the heart.”
– Daven Watkins, MDiv ‘99, pastor, First Baptist Church of Pelham, Alabama
FORMATION
Why Beeson?
Our Interdenominational Spirit
Beeson is committed to bringing students together from a variety of backgrounds, with more than 15 Protestant denominations represented within our student body. Students share a common belief in the core, historic beliefs of the Christian faith while growing in their appreciation of the richness and contributions of other backgrounds, all while being prepared to serve well within their own denominations.
“Beeson’s interdenominational community has encouraged my view of the global church’s future and is shaping how different traditions can beautifully blend together.” – Nancy Hartin, MATS student
In-Person Learning for Relational Ministry
Beeson is unique in its commitment to in-person, classical theological education. We believe preparation for ministry is best done in community with other believers, as we are formed together into the men and women God has called us to be.
“Beeson’s commitment to in-person theological education has been transformative in my life. I wouldn’t do it any other way. I’ve been so grateful to have deep relationships with fellow classmates, friendships I didn’t know I needed before my time at Beeson.” – Cole Shiflet, MDiv student
Learn more about what makes Beeson a special place to prepare for ministry by scanning the QR code.
FORMATION
LEARNING How Will You Be Shaped?
Beeson Divinity School offers master’s degrees, advanced degrees and joint degrees with several graduate schools at Samford University.
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
The Master of Divinity offers a balance of biblical studies, historical and doctrinal studies, spiritual formation and ministry leadership training to prepare students for full-time ministry.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies provides students with a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and is ideally suited for persons in nonordained ministry roles and/or as an introductory graduate theological degree.
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC)
The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling is designed for those who want to deepen and extend the work of the local church through the practice of counseling.
Scan the QR code to learn more about our advanced degrees.
“Teaching the Bible is one of my main responsibilities at church, and it brings me so much joy to be able to bring in the subjects I’m learning in my theology or history classes.” – Dakota Rice, MATS student
By the Numbers
faculty-to-student ratio
Protestant denominations represented 15 + of full-time master’s students receive scholarships 100%
“This is not just a place. It’s a family.”
– Robert Smith Jr., Distinguished Professor of Divinity
alumni serving the Lord worldwide 1,300+
1:7 degree options 5
EXPERIENCE
Scholarships and Tuition
Beeson Divinity School offers a competitive and affordable tuition to students. Thanks to the generosity of founder Ralph Waldo Beeson and numerous other donors, Beeson offers scholarship assistance to 100% of our full-time master’s students. Learn more about our tuition and scholarship opportunities by scanning the QR code.
“The community is small and intimate. The faculty is full of world-class scholars. The resources available to you are numerous.”
– Salvador Blanco-Perello,
MDiv student
“I’ve been pursued by the Lord in this place ... through professors who have not only taught me but loved me, prayed for me and shepherded me, through brothers and sisters who have walked alongside me on good and hard days and have showed me what walking in the way of the cross looks like.” – Joshua Hedrick, MDiv ‘24
TRANSFORMA Who Will You Become?
Beeson Divinity School graduates serve the Lord and His church in various roles and denominational contexts around the globe. We remain committed to alumni decades after they graduate as they continue to serve the Lord.
“The tools I acquired at Beeson have made me a better student of God’s Word and as a result, a better teacher of it.”
– Bob Hutto, MDiv ‘95, pastor, Oak Mountain Church of Christ
Beeson graduates serve in a variety of ministry capacities shortly after graduation, including:
• Pastoral ministry and church planting
• Higher education
• Chaplaincy
• Missions
• Campus ministry
• Christian nonprofit
• Christian publishing
Beeson Divinity School provides ongoing resources, support, community and continuing education to its graduates through its Center for Women in Ministry, Lay Academy, Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute and The Spirit and Power Project.
TRANSFORMATION
samford.edu/beeson-divinity/admission