D-DIV-MDVH - Master of Divinity (Hybrid)

The Basic Curriculum 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; approved field education; and three 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 elective work and individual program information. 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 of advanced standing adds further variability to the academic program, depending on the nature and quality of the student’s undergraduate 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 five designated lists of offerings  in 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 studies leading to specialized preparation in academic depth and to professional ministerial competence.

Required courses may be staffed by one or more instructors and are planned to treat subject matter both in scope and depth at the graduate level.

The formulation of the student’s course of studies is guided by certain broad but normative recommendations for area distribution of courses and by the advice and counsel of appointed academic advisors or authorized directors. Students and advisors are directed to read diligently the paragraphs on elective studies and professional aims and distribution of elective studies.

All academic programs are subject to review and emendation by the dean and the academic dean for the fulfillment of the aims of the curriculum. The declared vocational and professional objective of the student is of central importance both to the student and to the academic advisor in planning the student’s comprehensive study program.

Hybrid MDiv students will be assigned academic advisors who teach in the hybrid program with 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 four 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 (Christian Practice 704). 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 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. A normal academic load is two courses per term plus spiritual formation.

• 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 an approved spiritual formation program.

• 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 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; (3) field education; and (4) advisor evaluations of the student portfolio. Grades are assigned for each course credit and are explained in more detail in an earlier section. Evaluation of spiritual formation and field education begin with self-evaluations by each student. A self- evaluation prepared by the student is considered by the spiritual formation leader and field education supervisor. An evaluation of the student’s learning is then completed by the spiritual formation leader and field education supervisor. The self-evaluations and evaluations are included in the fourth component of the evaluation process.

The fourth component of the evaluation process, academic advisor evaluations of the student portfolio, occurs twice during the hybrid 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 third year. The advisor evaluations consider the student’s portfolio in light of the curricular aims. The student’s portfolio is compiled over the duration of the degree program and includes self-evaluations, sample writing assignments and evaluations from spiritual formation, field education, and coursework.

Sample student portfolios along with other direct and indirect means of discernment are considered annually by the curriculum committee and 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 website at divinity.duke.edu/academics.

Information from the portfolio 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. The evaluation is a graduation requirement that must be satisfied as any other requirement. Students who require significant additional work as judged by the evaluator 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 limited program who does not attain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is dismissed. In exceptional cases a student who shows substantial improvement 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 milestone.

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 field education should usually be completed at Duke or in the student’s local setting.

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 in the discipline by completing the year-long course on Methodist doctrine, history, and polity (Care of Parish 707 and 708); one course in worship (Liturgical Studies 730); plus 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.

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

For facilitation of course planning, projections, and viability, students will be limited to no more than two courses taken across alternate plans of study. If a student plans to switch tracks permanently, the student may petition to change starting in the Office of Admissions. A number of courses will remain for a single audience to facilitate cohort learning communities such as PARISH 705 for the MA and spiritual formation for distinctive communities. It is anticipated that UMC courses and elective courses may be among those eligible for cross-enrollment.

The Recommended Hybrid Master of Divinity Curricular Paradigm

(Required core courses in bold; required limited electives in italics.)

Middler Review of Student Portfolio by Summer of 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 Black Church Studies and World Christianity Limited Electives. Those not wishing to take language may take electives instead.

The Recommended Hybrid Master of Divinity Curricular Paradigm (UMC)

(Required core courses in bold; required limited electives in italics.)

Middler Review of Student Portfolio by Summer of 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 Black Church Studies and World Christianity Limited Electives. Those not wishing to take language may take electives instead.

UMC Courses

• PARISH 770 (Forming Disciples in the Wesleyan Tradition) or PARISH 780 (Missional Church and Evangelism)–or equivalent, counts as evangelism course

• LTS 730 (Introduction to Christian Worship)

• PARISH 707/777 (Wesleyan Foundations for Mission, Practice, Belief)

• PARISH 708/778 (United Methodism: Mission, Practice, and Belief)

• PARISH 759 (Missio Ecclesiae: God’s Mission of Evangelism), PARISH 780 (Missional Church and Evangelism)–or equivalent, counts as mission course