Master of Theological Studies/Doctor of Medicine (M.T.S./M.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 Medicine M.D. is rigorous, innovative, and respected around the globe.

Students apply separately to each school. Upon acceptance, students typically enroll in the School of Medicine for their first and second years of study. In the third year, students will enroll primarily in Divinity courses, while in the fourth year, students take four courses in Divinity and the remainder in Medicine. In the fifth year, students are enrolled only in the School of Medicine.

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.  

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.

Additional information about the M.D. program is available on the Duke University School of Medicine website.

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.

M.D.

• Students in the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) learn the core basic sciences in the first year and complete core clinical clerkships in the second year. In the final years of study, students devote 10 to 12 months to scholarly investigation and fulfill elective rotations, allowing students to pursue their own independent interests.
• Students spend 4 years at the medical school and 1.5 years at the divinity school (students enroll during the first year of the dual degree program at the Divinity School only. During the second year of the MD/MTS program, students are dually enrolled at Divinity and the School of Medicine).
• Visit the Duke School of Medicine website for more details about graduation requirements.

• M.T.S./M.D. students are charged tuition for three semesters of study in the Divinity School at the M.T.S. tuition rate.
• 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.
• 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.