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Master of Divinity (Hybrid)

Program Code: D-DIV-MDVH
Degree Designation: Master of Divinity
Department: Divinity School
Website: divinity.duke.edu/academics/hybrid-mdiv

Program Summary

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree is designed to prepare individuals for ordained and other forms of professional ministry. It provides exposure to the classic theological disciplines, practical courses for ministerial skill-development, and voices and themes that are often neglected in theological discourse. The program requires two internship experiences (Field Education placements) where students grow in their ministerial skills under the supervision of practitioners. The MDiv also allows for a number of electives to be taken that can be focused on specific areas of interest. Some of these areas may be pursued in the form of established degree certificates.

The hybrid MDiv program operates with a hybrid pedagogy of intensive residencies and online synchronous and asynchronous engagements, allowing for the integration of theoretical learning with contextual ministry formation. While synchronous online activities typically involve weekly zoom meetings, asynchronous online activities include self-paced learning in the form of pre-recorded lectures, discussion forums, and group study and presentations.

Aims of the Curriculum

Through study and engagement within this program, students will be able to do the following:

  • Read and exegete Scripture and the great texts of the Christian tradition for the purpose of preaching and teaching the gospel with clarity, power, and reverence;

  • Think theologically and critically about the doctrines and practices of the church and about the world in which the church finds itself, in ways that are both faithful to the historic ecclesial traditions and responsive to the challenges of our time;

  • Gain clarity on vocational aspirations as they relate to serving the church, academy, and world;

  • Cultivate habits of spiritual disciplines to sustain a Christian life ordered toward holiness, justice, peace, and reconciliation;

  • Act with compassion and effectiveness in leading Christian ministries of worship, preaching, education, and formation in service to and transformation of the world.

Academic Requirements

At least 24 courses total to complete the degree, including the following requirements:

  • Core Courses (9 courses)

    • OLDTEST 752

    • OLDTEST 753

    • NEWTEST 754

    • CHURHST 750

    • XTIANTHE 755

    • CHURHST 751

    • XTIANETH 757

    • AMXTIAN 756

    • PREACHNG 758

  • Limited Electives (5 courses)

    • 1 Church Ministry Limited Elective

    • 1 New Testament Exegesis Limited Elective

    • 1 Practicing Theology in Ministry Limited Elective

    • 1 World Christianity Limited Elective

    • 1 Black Church Studies Limited Elective

    • A comprehensive list of courses that count as limited electives is available to students in the degree audit system.

  • Middler & Senior Portfolios

  • Spiritual Formation (2 courses)

    • XTIANPRC 702

    • XTIANPRC 703

  • Field Education

    • A minimum of 400 contact hours, completed in 1 of the following pathways:

    • 400 hours at one time: FIELDEDU 525 (400 hours)

    • 300 hours + CPE or 100: FIELDEDU 526 (300 hours) & 1 of: FIELDEDU 529 (100 hours), or CPE option (CPE 510, or CPE 520 taken twice, or CPE 502)

    • 100 hours or CPE + hours: 2 of: FIELDEDU 527 (200 hours), FIELDEDU 529 (100 hours) taken twice, FIELDEDU 529 (100 hours) taken twice again, or CPE option (CPE 510, or CPE 520 taken twice, or CPE 502)

    • 200 + 200: FIELDEDU 527 (200 hours) taken twice

General Description

Graduation requirements for the Master of Divinity degree consist of satisfactory completion of twenty-four courses (units), with an overall grade point average of C (2.0) or better: nine foundational courses or their equivalent; five Limited Electives; two courses in Spiritual Formation; eight electives; approved Field Education; and four evaluations.

The basic curriculum provides for core courses in biblical, historical, theological, and ministerial studies representative of the tradition and regarded as indispensable background for subsequent work in the degree. These required courses total nine of the twenty-four courses necessary for graduation. They are OLDTEST 752 and 753, NEWTEST 754, CHURHST 750 and 751, AMXTIAN 756, XTIANTHE 755, XTIANETH 757, and PREACHNG 758. The opportunity for advanced standing adds further variability to the academic program, depending on the nature and quality of the student’s previous academic work.

Additional to the hybrid MDiv are two units of Spiritual Formation for credit (XTIANPRC 702 and 703) and Formation for Ministry milestone each term (XTIANPRC 704).

Field Education in the hybrid MDiv will be fulfilled through one or more self-initiated experiences totaling a minimum of 400 contact hours across the degree program.

At least one course must be selected from each of the five designated categories of Limited Electives: Church Ministry, Black Church Studies, World Christianity, New Testament Exegesis, and Practicing Theology in Ministry. Ten courses are available for working out an individualized program of study leading to specialized preparation in academic depth and/or professional ministerial competence.

Each hybrid MDiv student will be assigned an academic advisor who is familiar with the hybrid program and who has a focus on supporting remote learners.

Eleven terms of synchronous learning in person and online are ordinarily required for the completion of the degree. With permission of the academic dean, certified non-Duke study, generally not exceeding the equivalent of eight courses, may be permitted to a candidate for the basic degree.

The normal academic load is three courses per term for the first two terms and then two courses per term thereafter, with the Formation for Ministry milestone (XTIANPRC 704). A student with demonstrated competence may, with the consent of the academic advisor and the academic dean, enroll in an additional course as an overload. To be eligible for an overload, typically a student must have completed one term and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Students are allowed three course overloads. No student may have more than three course overloads.

General Features of the Basic Curriculum

The following is a brief summary of the basic curriculum:

  • Twenty-four courses and eleven terms are required for graduation. After the first two terms, normal academic load is two courses per term plus Formation for Ministry (XTIANPRC 704);

  • Field Education in the hybrid MDiv will be fulfilled through one or more self-initiated experiences totaling a minimum of 400 contact hours across the degree program;

  • Each student is required to attend and participate in Spiritual Formation for course credit for the first two terms;

  • The completion status of assessment portfolios will be reviewed by academic advisors at the mid-point of study and just before graduation.

Admission to candidacy for the hybrid Master of Divinity degree is admission to the regular program of studies. The recommended paradigm defines the normal sequence of the student’s developing program. Students enrolled for less than three units/milestones per term are considered part-time and are not eligible for institutional financial aid.

Evaluation/Self-Evaluation

The successful completion of the hybrid MDiv degree program rests upon four components: (1) grades; (2) Spiritual Formation/Formation for Ministry; (3) Field Education; and (4) advisor evaluations of student portfolios. Grades are assigned for each course credit and are explained in more detail in an earlier section. Evaluation of Spiritual Formation and Field Education begins with self-evaluations by each student. Self-evaluations prepared by the student are considered by the spiritual formation leader and field education supervisor, respectively. An evaluation of the student’s learning is then completed by the spiritual formation leader and field education supervisor, respectively. The self-evaluations and evaluations are included in the fourth component of the evaluation process, portfolios. Two portfolio submissions and reviews by academic advisors are required for the MDiv degree program. The middler review of the student portfolio follows the first year of study. The senior review of the student portfolio occurs during the student’s final year. The academic advisor evaluates the student’s portfolio in light of curricular aims. The student’s portfolios are compiled over the duration of the degree program and include self-evaluations, sample writing assignments, and evaluations from Spiritual Formation, Field Education, and coursework.

Aggregate feedback along with other direct and indirect means of discernment are considered annually by the Curriculum Committee and the faculty of Duke Divinity School for the purpose of assessing and revising degree programs. For further information and guidelines related to the plans for assessment of degree programs, see the DDS website at divinity.duke.edu/academics.

Information from portfolios is protected by the statutes concerning privacy and confidentiality. Only aggregate and summarized information is shared by the Divinity School to any extra-university party. These portfolio evaluations are graduation requirements that must be satisfied as any other requirement. Students who require significant additional work as judged by their academic advisors will have to complete that work prior to graduation.

Continuation Requirements

The progress of all students is reviewed at the end of every term by the Academic Policies Committee. The following are the continuation requirements for students enrolled in the hybrid MDiv degree program:

  • The student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. If a student falls below this level, the student may, at the discretion of the academic dean, be dismissed, placed on an involuntary leave of absence, or asked to participate in a limited program. This means that the student may enroll in fewer courses than the recommended degree paradigm;

  • At the end of the second term, the student on a limited program who does not attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is dismissed. In exceptional cases, a student who shows substantial improvement in the second term but does not quite attain a GPA of 2.0 may be given a third term to do so;

  • The student must demonstrate progress in the program by completing courses. A student who has three or more unresolved incompletes or a pattern of multiple withdrawals may, at the discretion of the academic dean, be dismissed, placed on an involuntary leave of absence until the incomplete work is resolved, or asked to participate in a limited program;

  • The hybrid MDiv degree must be completed within eight years. The minimum time in which a degree can be completed is three years;

  • To be classified as full-time, a student must be enrolled in two courses in a term plus the Spiritual Formation course or Formation for Ministry milestone.

Study Abroad

Self-initiated study abroad, with transferable credit toward graduation, may be allowed for a candidate for the Master of Divinity degree by approval of the academic dean. A strong academic record is a prerequisite. Ordinarily, permission for such study may be granted to students who have completed two years of coursework. Both the institution abroad and a specific course of study proposed must have the prior approval of the academic dean. Required courses should usually be completed at Duke.

Ordination Requirements

Students preparing for ordination are strongly advised to ascertain early in their seminary program the precise ordination requirements of their denomination.

United Methodist students must fulfill educational requirements as set forth by the Discipline by completing the year-long course on Methodist doctrine, history, and polity (PARISH 777 and 778); one course in worship (LTS 730); one course in evangelism; and one course in mission. Some annual conferences also require one or more courses in preaching, pastoral care, and/or clinical pastoral education (CPE).

Students from other denominations should consult with their appropriate church bodies for specific requirements, which may include biblical languages. Polity courses for certain other denominations may be offered from time to time by faculty members or local clergy on prior request.

Recommended Curricular Paradigms

Although tailored to meet the needs and requirements of hybrid MDiv students with different trajectories, the following paradigms all share the same core requirements (listed in bold below): OLDTEST 752 and 753, NEWTEST 754, CHURHST 750 and 751, AMXTIAN 756, XTIANTHE 755, XTIANETH 757, and PREACHNG 758; and the same Limited Electives (listed in italics): one Church Ministry course, one Black Church Studies course, one New Testament Exegesis course, one World Christianity course, and one Practicing Theology in Ministry course (courses offered under the rubric of this elective will focus on the practice of theology in today’s contemporary setting: i.e., on the reflective application or embodiment of theology in shaping communities of faith).

Although it is not required, students may take the Greek and Hebrew language sequences (NEWTEST 760, 761; OLDTEST 760, 761) and a Greek or Hebrew exegesis course, if offered.

Cross-enrollments between Residential MDiv and Hybrid MDiv

If a student plans to switch modalities permanently, the student may initially petition the Office of Admissions for the change.

The Recommended Hybrid Master of Divinity Curricular Paradigm

(Core courses are in bold; required Limited Electives are underlined. UMC recommendations are [in brackets]; see below for more details.)

  • First Year

    • Fall

      • OLDTEST 752

      • Church Ministry (LE)* [PARISH 770 or equivalent]

      • XTIANPRC 702

      • First Year Writing Assessment

    • Spring

      • OLDTEST 753

      • NEWTEST 754

      • XTIANPRC 703

    • Summer

      • Optional Biblical Language or Limited Electives*

      • Optional Biblical Language or Limited Electives*

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

  • Second Year

    • Fall

      • XTIANTHE 755

      • CHURHST 750

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

    • Spring

      • XTIANETH 757

      • CHURHST 751

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

    • Summer

      • Optional Biblical Language or Limited Electives*

      • Optional Biblical Language or Limited Electives*

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

      • Middler Review of Student Portfolio

  • Third Year

    • Fall

      • AMXTIAN 756

      • PREACHNG 758 [or PARISH 777]

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

    • Spring

      • NT Exegesis (LE)

      • Practicing Theology in Ministry (LE) [Elective or PARISH 778]

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

    • Summer

      • Elective or NT Exegesis (LE) [Elective]

      • Elective or Practicing Theology in Ministry (LE) [LTS 730]

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

  • Fourth Year

    • Fall

      • Elective [Mission or Evangelism or PARISH 777]

      • Elective (or PREACHNG 758) [Mission or Evangelism or PREACHNG 758]

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

    • Spring

      • Elective [or PARISH 778]

      • Elective [or NT Exegesis LE]

      • Formation for Ministry (Milestone)

      • Senior Review of Student Portfolio

Middler Review of Student Portfolio by Summer of the second year. Senior Review of Student Portfolio completed by Spring of fourth year (or final term).

*For terms 3 and 6 (first and second summers), students may take either the Biblical language sequence (760 and 761) or required Black Church Studies and World Christianity Limited Electives. Languages are optional and count as electives, while Limited Electives are degree requirements and must be completed by the end of the MDiv program. Students who take languages must complete Limited Electives later in their program.

UMC Courses

United Methodist students are required to take the following: doctrine, history, polity, worship, mission, evangelism. The PARISH 777-778 sequence is required for doctrine, history, and polity and LTS 730 for worship (or other approved elective), but students may select courses that count for mission and evangelism, as noted in registration materials.

Required:

  • PARISH 777 – Wesleyan Foundations for Mission, Practice, Belief (Fall)

  • PARISH 778 – United Methodism: Mission, Practice, and Belief (Spring)

  • LTS 730 – Introduction to Christian Worship (Summer)

  • Mission and Evangelism courses

    • PARISH 759 – Missio Ecclesiae: God’s Mission of Evangelism (counts as mission or evangelism course)

    • PARISH 770 – Forming Disciples in the Wesleyan Tradition (counts as mission or evangelism course)

    • PARISH 780 – The Missional Church and Evangelism (counts as mission or evangelism course)

Bulletin Links

2025-2026 Divinity School Bulletin. Download PDF here.