The Certificate in Black Church Studies aims to help strengthen the body of Christ through critical reflection, dialogue, and practice for those who are interested in the intersection of race, faith, and Christian witness, particularly in the tradition of Black churches. 

The certificate can be earned as part of a residential master’s degree program (M.Div., M.T.S., and Th.M.) and as part of the Hybrid M.Div. and M.A. degrees.

Orlander Thomas headshot
Duke Divinity, through the Black Church Studies Certificate, demonstrates its commitment to cultivating a space wherein one grapples with the complexities of ministry in and through the Black Church. Studying at Duke Divinity has helped me to foster a particular fortitude, as my convictions, formed out of the Black church tradition, are brought into the discussion of the broader theological conversation."
Orlander Thomas, M.Div. '20
A student leads a procession into Duke Chapel while carrying a Bible

Black Church Studies Fellowship

Full-Tuition Scholarships for Residential M.Div. Students

In addition to receiving full-tuition scholarships, Black Church Studies fellows participate in signature programming tailored to their vocational aims, including mentoring, cohort-based professional formation and events, and the ability to earn the Certificate in Black Church Studies. Fellows are also eligible to receive stipends totaling up to $24,000 through participation in internships offered by the Office of Field Education in Black church contexts.

More about the fellowship
about Black Church Studies Fellowship

Black Church studies is an intensely interdisciplinary, ecumenical, and intellectually inclusive endeavor. The Certificate in Black Church Studies enables students to engage theological, historical, and cultural aspects of Black Christian expressions toward deeper understanding and broader mastery of the life and thought of this complex community of people. It helps to equip leaders to develop capacities of contextualization and construction from Black Church life, thought, work, and witness. 

Students seeking this certificate have specific coursework requirements as well as opportunities to engage with preaching and teaching from prominent leaders in the Black Church and in the field of Black Church studies. M.Div. students also have a field education requirement.

Requirements

M.Div.

  • Completion of three Black Church Studies electives
  • Completion of one field education placement in a Black Church or African-American nonprofit site
  • Participation in four Black Church Studies lecture events*

or

  • Completion of two Black Church Studies electives
  • Completion of one course related to African/African-American issues in another school or department in the University (e.g., history, sociology, public policy, health. etc.)
  • Completion of one field education placement in a Black Church or African-American nonprofit site
  • Participation in four Black Church Studies lecture events*

M.T.S.

  • Completion of three Black Church Studies electives
  • Completion of a thesis related to the Black Church
  • Participation in four Black Church Studies lecture events*

or

  • Completion of two Black Church Studies electives
  • Completion of one course related to African/African-American issues in another school or department in the University (e.g., history, sociology, public policy, health. etc.)
  • Completion of a thesis related to the Black Church
  • Participation in four Black Church Studies lecture events*

Th.M. 

  • Completion of two Black Church Studies electives
  • Completion of one course related to African/African-American issues in another school or department in the University (e.g., history, sociology, public policy, health. etc.)
  • Completion of a thesis related to the Black Church
  • Participation in four Black Church Studies lecture events*

M.A. in Christian Practice Requirements (all M.A. certificates are subject to course availability)

  • Completion of two Black Church Studies electives (hybrid or residential)
  • Completion of one assignment related to Black Church Studies for a non-BCS course, with permission from instructor
  • Submission to the Office of Black Church Studies director of a satisfactory essay articulating how coursework integrates with current vocation, with specific reference to the BCS certificate
  • Participation in Black Church Studies lecture events,* when feasible

*Duke Divinity School hosts three Black Church Studies lectures each year.

Find detailed information about requirements and courses for current students (NetID required) »

For more information about the certificate, contact:

Regina Graham
Associate Director, Black Church Studies
rgraham@div.duke.edu
(919) 660-3593