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.

"I chose to pursue the Certificate in Black Church Studies because I plan to lead in a Black church and knew that this certificate would support me as I carry the heaviness and complexities of the Black church setting. The certificate allows students to understand the diversity of the Black church, dive into the academic program, and the Spirit of God is never lost in translation but brought to the forefront.”

Justice Hill, M.Div. ’25

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.

Nurturing Leaders for the Black Church

Office of Black Church Studies

The Office of Black Church Studies enriches the work and witness of Duke Divinity School with theological and spiritual resources from Black Church contexts. We teach, research, publish, and create experiences to nurture effective leaders for the church, the academy, and the world.

Learn More about the Office of Black Church Studies

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. Students are also eligible for funded field education placements through the Office of Field Education that provide financial support up to $40,000.

Learn More about the fellowship
Students worship in Goodson chapel, standing and clapping

Requirements

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

For more information about the certificate, contact:

Eric Williams
Director, Black Church Studies
ewilliams@div.duke.edu

  • 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*

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

  • 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*

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

  • 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*

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

(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.