Certificate in Theology and Health Care/Occupational Therapy Doctorate (C.T.H.C./O.T.D.)

Curriculum

The dual program pathway is intended to be completed in three years of full-time study. Students must apply and be accepted into each program separately. The CTHC certificate and OTD degree are pursued concurrently.

C.T.H.C./O.T.D. students remain enrolled in the School of Medicine throughout their program of study and will pursue four courses in Divinity in addition to, and integrated within, the OTD requirements:

• Health Care in Theological Context, a two-semester course on the intersection of theology and the practices of health care, ordinarily completed during the first year of study;
• Cultivating Christian Imagination, a two-semester course that combines scripture, history, and theology in a sweeping tour of Christian tradition and the practices of Christian communities, ordinarily completed during the second year of study.

In addition, C.T.H.C./O.T.D. students will complete:

• One elective approved for this program through the O.T.D. curriculum or Divinity School curriculum; 
• All remaining O.T.D. requirements (in consultation with academic advisor), including the Formation for Service course series and Capstone courses in the O.T.D. program, and non-course requirements specific to the dual program of study.

An education from Duke Divinity School is worth your investment, and you do not have to figure out the finances alone. 

• C.T.H.C./O.T.D. students are charged pro-rated tuition for two semesters of study in the Divinity School at the C.T.H.C. tuition rate. Students should refer to the information sheet provided by the departments for additional information about course paradigms.
• Many other internal and external scholarships, as well as federal financial aid in the form of work study and loans, make it possible for students to afford Duke Divinity. FAFSA should be completed for need-based aid. More information can be found in our Financial Aid section.

Ready for the Next Step?

Duke Divinity School accepts applications for our three deadlines starting in late August and concluding with the final deadline on June 15. Our admissions requirements include a demonstrated a current vocation or intended vocation in health care and a minimum GPA of 3.00 in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university prior to the intended date of enrollment.

The early deadline to apply for the Duke O.T.D. is October 10, and the standard deadline is January 10. Learn more about the Duke O.T.D. admissions process.