Master of Theological Studies/Juris Doctorate (M.T.S./J.D.)

Curriculum

Duke Divinity School’s academically rigorous curriculum—enriched by vibrant worship, opportunities for spiritual formation, the close-knit student community, and mentoring for the doctoral application  process—makes the M.T.S. a premier program for those seeking preparation for their ministry to the world in an intentional Christian community, while the Duke Law J.D. is rigorous, innovative, and respected around the globe.

Students apply separately to each school. Upon acceptance, students enroll in either the Divinity School or the Law School for their first year, and the first-year curriculum is the same as that of other students in that school. In the second year, students complete the full first-year program of the other school. During the third and fourth years students take courses in both schools. However, approximately two-thirds of the courses will be in the Law School.

The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) curriculum covers foundational areas of history, theology, and Scripture with the flexibility to pursue electives in one's area of interest. Students also complete a thesis under faculty direction during their final year.  

Core courses include Old Testament, church history, New Testament, Christian theology, Christian ethics, and ministerial studies. Students can choose from a wide variety of electives ranging from New Testament Exegesis, to Christianity and Race, to Restorative Justice and the Church.

At the law school, first-year students begin their study of law through the traditional core courses of civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, property, and torts. At least one first-year course is a small section of less than 30 students and rarely does any first-year class exceed 90 students.

From the first-year foundation, Duke Law has built an extensive upper-class curriculum that blends traditional coursework with an extensive array of practical skills courses and clinics and opportunities to study in small groups with faculty.

Graduation Requirements

M.T.S.

• Twelve courses: Of these twelve courses, the Divinity School selects eight requirements, and the student may choose four electives.
• Thesis: Each student is required to write a paper that addresses the learnings or major emphases of the individual's program. The paper is submitted within a course during the final semester, fulfilling the requirements of both the course and the degree program.
• Student portfolio: All M.T.S. students are required to compile a portfolio consisting of certain papers with faculty feedback and student reflections. The portfolio serves to demonstrate the formation of the student in the areas of exegesis of Christian texts and the ability to think theologically.

J.D.

• Approximately 2/3 of the coursework is at Duke Law School.
• Student spends one full year at the law school and one full year at the divinity school (in either order). The final two years are blended.
• Visit the Duke Law website for more details about graduation requirements.

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

All M.T.S. 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.T.S. 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. 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 external aid. More information can be found in our Financial Aid section.

Ready for the Next Step?

Duke Divinity School accepts applications beginning in September and concluding with our third deadline on April 15. Our admissions requirements include demonstrated program goals commensurate with the M.T.S. degree program, a commitment to some form of diaconal or lay ministry, and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the intended date of enrollment.

Apply to the J.D.

Visit the Duke Law website to learn more about law school application requirements.