Master of Theological Studies/Master of Public Policy (M.T.S./M.P.P)

Curriculum

The M.T.S. curriculum 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, Christian ethics, and a variety of electives. There are two curricular tracks available to students. M.T.S. Core is for those considering a wide variety of applications for their degree (including lay ministry, deacon's orders, nonprofit work, and secondary teaching) and who are seeking an all-around theological education in church history, biblical studies, and theology. All M.T.S./M.P.P. students complete the Core track.

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. The program's mission is to develop ethical and inclusive leaders who are committed to using evidence-based tools and rigorous analysis to solve public policy challenges and strengthen society through public service. Coursework focuses on policy making and analysis, quantitative evaluation, statistics, and microeconomics. The program offers six policy-area concentrations that span domestic and global policy issues—environment and energy policy; health policy; international development policy; national security and foreign policy; social policy; and technology policy—for which the concentration is recorded on student’s transcript upon graduation.

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

Graduation Requirements

M.T.S.

• 12 Divinity School courses/48 credit hours (this number is reduced as part of the dual degree status)
• Senior student portfolio

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.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?

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.

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.T.S. 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.