Master of Divinity/Master of Public Policy (M.Div./M.P.P.)

Curriculum

The curriculum for our flagship degree program is designed to give students a solid foundation for wherever their calling takes them—be that ordination, lay ministry, nonprofit work, or a career in teaching. Our classes cover Old and New Testament, church history, Christian theology, world Christianity, ministry, worship, preaching, biblical languages, the Black Church, and a variety of electives.

The M.P.P program at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy offers students outstanding preparation for dynamic careers as analysts, leaders, and managers at various levels of government, nonprofits, and corporations—both domestically and internationally.

Those interested in dual-degree programs are required to pursue admission to each school independently, and upon successful admission to both programs, are enrolled as dual-degree students.

The core curriculum of each degree must be completed at each institution. Students spend the first two years at Duke Divinity School and the third year at the Sanford School of Public Policy. The final year is a blended year at both schools.

Spiritual Formation

We form students for ministry in a variety of ways—through coursework, corporate worship, field education, service opportunities, houses of study, and denominational associations. Each first-year M.Div. student will have multiple options for intentional formation that will complement your academic work and field education opportunities. Students receive support and mentoring for vocational discernment and spiritual direction.

Graduation Requirements

M.Div.

• Twenty Divinity School courses/sixty credit hours (this number is reduced as part of the dual degree status)
• Student portfolios (middler review and senior portfolio)
• Two approved units of field education

M.P.P.

• 39 credit hours (split between foundation and concentration credits)
• Summer internship
• Master’s Project
• Two public policy electives

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

All M.Div. students receive funding.

Duke Divinity School is investing in you, too. It is an investment in your education, the church, and our shared future. All M.Div. students receive some form of scholarship support from Duke Divinity School that will cover between 25% and 100% of tuition costs, and there is no separate application needed in order to be considered. The M.Div. program offers many fellowships that also provide tuition support. 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. We are committed to ensuring that every student who hears the call to ministry can fund their education here. FAFSA should be completed for external aid. More information can be found in our Financial Aid section.

Ready for the Next Step?

Duke Divinity School accepts applications from students with a demonstrated commitment to some form of ordained or lay ministry and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the intended date of enrollment.

M.Div. Application Requirements

Apply to the M.P.P.

The application deadline for the Master of Public Policy is January 5 at 5 p.m. EST. This deadline includes receipt of the $80 application fee and all application materials.