Master of Divinity (Residential)
Program Code: D-DIV-MDV
Degree Designation: Master of Divinity
Department: Divinity School
Website: divinity.duke.edu/academics/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.
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.
Spiritual Formation
2 of the following: CHURMIN 700, or CHURMIN 701, or CHURMIN 704
Field Education
A minimum of 400 contact hours required.
See Field Education for additional information.
Middler & Senior Portfolios
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, ten electives, two units of 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 undergraduate academic work.
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.
Six semesters of residential study are ordinarily required for the completion of the degree. The normal academic load is four courses (units) per semester. 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. A student with demonstrated competence may, with the consent of the academic advisor and the academic dean, enroll for an additional course as an overload. To be eligible for an overload, typically a student must have completed one semester, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or higher, and not be in an academic year field education placement. 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 (units) and six or more semesters of residency are required for graduation. A normal academic load is four courses per semester;
Students who have any employment, family, or other commitments may seek a flexible pathway to complete their degree over four years. Students should elect this at application or can seek it anytime during their academic career via consultation with the Office of Academic Programs;
Each student is required to complete two approved assignments in Field Education (with or without remuneration) under supervision. Such assignments might include an internship, a summer of full-time work, two semesters of part-time work, or involvement in church or community service. The essential criteria for graduation credits are that the amount and quality of supervision be approved by the Office of Field Education and that the student be required to evaluate and correlate the experience directly;
Each student is required to attend and participate in an approved Spiritual Formation program during their first year of study;
The completion of assessment portfolios is to be reviewed by academic advisors at the mid-point of study and just before graduation.
Admission to candidacy for the 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 courses (units) are considered part-time and face financial concerns of aid and scholarship.
Evaluation/Self-Evaluation
The successful completion of the residential MDiv degree program rests upon four components: (1) grades; (2) Spiritual Formation; (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/lay supervision committee, respectively. An evaluation of the student’s learning is then completed by the spiritual formation leader and field education supervisor/lay supervision committee, 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 (or completion of eight course credits, Spiritual Formation, and at least one Field Education unit). The senior review of the student portfolio occurs during the student's last term. 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.
Student Pastors (MDV4)
Students in candidacy for the Master of Divinity degree who serve as full-time pastors or who have a comparable workload or commitments outside the Divinity School and are approved as a student pastor are advised that their degree program will require a fourth academic term. They are classified in Duke Hub as MDV4 with an SP subplan.
For student pastors, modification of a four-year schedule requires the approval of the academic dean on the recommendation of the director of field education. The following are policies and procedures pertaining to student pastors:
Students with pastoral charges or comparable extracurricular responsibilities ordinarily will enroll for no more than three courses;
Students who accept pastoral charges in their middler or senior year are required to have the prior approval of the director of field education. Such students will be required to restrict their coursework in accordance with the regulation above;
Modifications of these regulations will be scrupulously administered. Academic achievement, normally a B average, must be demonstrated before any modification of these requirements is allowed. Because adequate indication of the student’s academic proficiency is not available before the completion of the first academic year, no modification of the first regulation above is possible for junior students;
Students who secure minor employment outside the channels of the Office of Field Education are required to inform the director of field education. Students carrying outside employment will be advised to limit their academic load;
Ordinarily, a student may not commute more than fifty miles (one way). Students living farther away than this will be required to stay in Durham, North Carolina during the academic week;
Student assistant pastors (not pastors-in-charge) may enroll for a full academic load if they are not on a limited program if their work is under the supervision of the director of field education and if their field duties involve no more than fifteen hours per week.
Continuation Requirements
The progress of all students is reviewed at the end of every semester by the Academic Policies Committee. The following are the continuation requirements for students enrolled in the residential 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. The latter means that the student may enroll in no more than three courses;
At the end of the second semester, 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 semester but does not quite attain a GPA of 2.0 may be given a third semester 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 or leaves 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 residential MDiv degree must be completed within six years (twelve semesters). The minimum time in which a degree can be completed is three years (six semesters).
To be classified as full-time, a student must be enrolled in three or more courses in a semester.
Study Abroad
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 the work of the middler year. Both the institution abroad and a specific course of study proposed must have the prior approval of the academic dean. Required courses and the two Field Education units 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 (UMC) students must fulfill educational requirements as set forth by the Book of Discipline by completing the year-long course on Methodist doctrine, history, and polity (PARISH 777 and 778); one course in worship (LTS 730) or approved elective; 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. UMC students should take all required courses by the Fall of their last year. United Methodist students seeking ordination are strongly encouraged to complete all denominationally required courses by the Fall semester of their final year.
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 residential MDiv students with different trajectories (e.g., UMC and student pastors), the following paradigms all share the same core requirements (listed in bold): 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 are encouraged to take the Greek and Hebrew language sequences (NEWTEST 760, 761; OLDTEST 760, 761) and Greek or Hebrew exegesis courses.
All MDiv students are also required to complete Spiritual Formation requirements in their first year, as well as two units of approved Field Education either during the academic year or in the summer. (For student pastors this requirement is satisfied in student pastorates.)
Dual Degrees
Information on MDiv dual degrees can be found in the dual degree section of the Master's programs.
Recommended MDiv Curricular Paradigm
(Required core courses are in bold; required Limited Electives are underlined.)
Junior Year
Fall
OLDTEST 752
CHURHST 750
Church Ministry (LE)
Biblical language or Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Spiritual Formation
First Year Writing Assessment
Spring
OLDTEST 753
CHURHST 751
NEWTEST 754
Biblical language or Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Spiritual Formation
Summer
Field Education 1
Middler Year
Fall
XTIANTHE 755
Biblical language or Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
PREACHNG 758
AMXTIAN 756/NT Exegesis (LE)
Middler Review of Student Portfolio
Spring
XTIANETH 757
Biblical language or Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Elective/NT Exegesis (LE)
Elective
Summer
Field Education 2
Senior Year
Fall
Practicing Theology in Ministry (LE)
PREACHNG 758 or AMXTIAN 756, if not completed
2 Electives
Spring
4 Electives
Senior Review of Student Portfolio
Recommended Four-Year MDiv Curricular Paradigm for Student Pastors (classified in DukeHub as MDV4)
(Required core courses are in bold; required Limited Electives are underlined.)
First Year
Fall
OLDTEST 752
CHURHST 750
Church Ministry (LE)*
Spiritual Formation
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
First Year Writing Assessment
Spring
OLDTEST 753
CHURHST 751/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
NEWTEST 754
Spiritual Formation
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Second Year
Fall
XTIANTHE 755
Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE) or Biblical language
PREACHNG 758*
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Spring
XTIANETH 757
CHURHST 751/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Biblical language or Elective
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Third Year
Fall
AMXTIAN 756
NT Exegesis (LE)
Elective
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Middler Review of Student Portfolio
Spring
Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
2 Electives
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Fourth Year
Fall
Practicing Theology in Ministry (LE)
2 Electives
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Spring
3 Electives
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Senior Review of Student Portfolio
Student Pastor Evaluations are required in the first and third year that students serve in Student Pastor appointments (note: this may be 2nd and 4th year for a student who becomes a Student Pastor after their first year of school).
*CHURMIN 760 is a Limited Elective open primarily for student pastors. Students may take CHURMIN 760 plus a preaching elective to fulfill PREACHNG 758 requirement.
Recommended Four-Year MDiv Curricular Paradigm: Flexible Pathway
Required core courses in are bold; required Limited Electives are underlined.)
First Year
Fall
OLDTEST 752
CHURHST 750
Church Ministry (LE)
Spiritual Formation
First Year Writing Assessment
Spring
OLDTEST 753
CHURHST 751/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
NEWTEST 754
Spiritual Formation
Summer
Field Education 1
Second Year
Fall
XTIANTHE 755
Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE) or Biblical language
NT Exegesis (LE)
Spring
XTIANETH 757
CHURHST 751/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Biblical language or Elective
Summer
Field Education 2
Third Year
Fall
PREACHNG 758
AMXTIAN 756
Elective
Middler Review of Student Portfolio
Spring
3 Electives
Fourth Year
Fall
Practicing Theology in Ministry (LE)
2 Electives
Spring
3 Electives
Senior Review of Student Portfolio
Recommended MDiv Curricular Paradigm for United Methodist Students
(Required core courses are in bold; required Limited Electives are underlined.)
Junior Year
Fall
OLDTEST 752
CHURHST 750
Church Ministry (LE)
Biblical language/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Spiritual Formation
First Year Writing Assessment
Spring
OLDTEST 753
CHURHST 751
NEWTEST 754
Biblical language/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Spiritual Formation
Summer
Field Education 1
Middler Year
Fall
XTIANTHE 755
PARISH 777
PREACHNG 758 or NT Exegesis (LE)
Mission or Evangelism* or Elective
Middler Review of Student Portfolio
Spring
XTIANETH 757
PARISH 778
Mission or Evangelism* or Elective
LTS 730
Summer
Field Education 1
Senior Year
Fall
Biblical language/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
AMXTIAN 756
PREACHNG 758 or NT Exegesis (LE)
Mission or Evangelism* of Elective
Spring
Biblical language/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
3 Electives
Senior Review of Student Portfolio
*UMC students are encouraged to consider the area in which they are most likely to desire further advanced coursework when deciding the order in which to take the mission of the church, worship, and evangelism required electives.
**LTS 730 counts as Practicing Theology in Ministry Limited Elective.
Recommended Four-Year MDiv Curricular Paradigm for United Methodist Student Pastors
(Required core courses are in bold; required Limited Electives are underlined.)
First Year
Fall
OLDTEST 752
CHURHST 750
Church Ministry (LE)*
Spiritual Formation
First Year Writing Assessment
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Spring
OLDTEST 753
CHURHST 751/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
NEWTEST 754
Spiritual Formation
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Second Year
Fall
XTIANTHE 755
PREACHNG 758*
Biblical language or Elective
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Spring
XTIANETH 757
CHURHST 751/Black Church Studies (LE) or World Christianity (LE)
Biblical language or Elective
Middler Review of Student Portfolio
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Third Year
Fall
Mission or Evangelism
Mission or Evangelism or Elective
PARISH 777
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Middler Review of Student Portfolio
Spring
PARISH 778
LTS 730**
NT Exegesis (LE)
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Fourth Year
Fall
AMXTIAN 756
Elective (Mission or Evangelism)***
Elective
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Spring
3 Electives
Student Pastor Mentoring Group
Senior Review of Student Portfolio
Student Pastor Evaluations are required in the first and third year that students serve in Student Pastor appointments (note: this may be 2nd and 4th year for a student who becomes a Student Pastor after their first year of school).
*CHURMIN 760 is a Limited Elective open primarily for student pastors. Students may take CHURMIN 760 plus a preaching elective to fulfill PREACHING 758 requirement.
**LTS 730 counts as Practicing Theology in Ministry Limited Elective.
UMC students are encouraged to consider the area in which they are most likely to desire further advanced coursework when deciding the order in which to take the World Christianity, worship, and evangelism required electives