Program Overview

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Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree at Duke Divinity School is designed to provide broad academic preparation for leadership in flourishing ministries, creative institutions, and thriving communities. The program offers rich academic courses, intentional ministerial formation, and focused theological reflection to develop students' imagination and prepare them to meet the challenges facing the church, academy, and world of tomorrow.

Why This Program?

The M.Div. program at Duke Divinity School is ideal for those who are ready to follow God's call to service and ministry. With a diverse community of students and professors from over 50 denominations, the program provides a unique opportunity for students to learn from each other, challenge one another, and grow together.

Program Overview

The curriculum for the M.Div. program is designed to give students a solid foundation for wherever their calling takes them. The program covers Old and New Testament, church history, Christian theology, world Christianity, ministry, worship, preaching, biblical languages, the Black Church, and a variety of electives.

Curriculum

The M.Div. curriculum is divided into three years:

• First Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • Old Testament Core Course Part 1
    • Church History Core Course Part 1
    • Church Ministry Elective
    • Biblical Language or Elective
  • Spring Semester:
    • Old Testament Core Course Part 2
    • Church History Core Course Part 2
    • New Testament Core Course
    • Biblical Language or Elective
• Second Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • Christian Theology Core Course
    • American Christianity Core Course
    • Preaching Core Course
    • Black Church Studies Elective
    • Elective
  • Spring Semester:
    • Christian Ethics Core Course
    • New Testament Exegesis
    • Elective
    • Elective
• Third Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • Practicing Theology in Ministry Elective
    • World Christianity Elective
    • Elective
    • Elective
  • Spring Semester:
    • Elective
    • Elective
    • Elective
    • Elective

Spiritual Formation

The M.Div. program at Duke Divinity School forms students for ministry in a variety of ways, including coursework, corporate worship, field education, service opportunities, houses of study, and denominational associations. Each first-year M.Div. student will have multiple options for intentional formation that will complement their academic work and field education opportunities.

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Divinity is normally completed in three years. Requirements for graduation include:

• 24 courses comprising 8 core courses, 5 limited electives, and 11 electives
• 2 units of field education
• A spiritual formation component
• 2 student portfolios (one each in second and third years)

Certificates

Duke Divinity School offers several certificates that can be earned alongside the M.Div. degree, including:

• Certificate in Anglican Studies
• Certificate in Baptist Studies
• Certificate in Black Church Studies
• Certificate in Catholic Studies
• Certificate in Chaplaincy
• Certificate in Faith, Food, and Environmental Justice
• Certificate in Faith-based Organizing, Advocacy, and Social Transformation
• Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, Theology, and Ministry
• Certificate in Latinx Studies
• Certificate in Methodist/Wesleyan Studies
• Certificate in Missional Innovation
• Certificate in Preaching
• Certificate in Prison Studies
• Certificate in Theology and the Arts
• Certificate in Theology, Medicine, and Culture
• Certificate in Worship

Dual Degree Options

The M.Div. program can be combined with other degrees, such as the Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) or the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), to provide students with a unique combination of skills and knowledge.

Affording Duke

Duke Divinity School is committed to making sure a Duke Divinity degree is affordable. All M.Div. students receive some form of scholarship support from Duke Divinity School, and there are many other internal and external scholarships, as well as federal financial aid, available to help students fund their education.

Field Education Funding

Duke Divinity is unique in its ability to provide funding for up to three field education internships, which can provide up to $10,000 per internship. This funding is in addition to any scholarships, grants, or outside aid that a student receives, and can result in as much as $40,000 in additional support throughout the course of the M.Div. program.

Lifelong Dividends

In addition to earning a degree from Duke Divinity School, students also receive benefits that continue to impact their life long after they leave, including lifelong friendships, mentorship from faculty, and a network of alumni who are making a difference in the world.