Persons ordained as deacons in The United Methodist Church engage in ministries in the world through service, preaching, teaching, and worship leadership. The ordination process requires both annual conference and theological training. The Master of Arts in Christian Practice (M.A.) degree at Duke Divinity School was designed with this in mind. Our program engages students in extensive theological reflection to assist you in answering your call to serve as a United Methodist deacon.

Flexibility

The hybrid learning environment offers M.A. students the flexibility to fulfill requirements in order to be ordained as a United Methodist deacon. Students engage in online learning comprising scheduled real-time classes and self-paced learning while actively engaging in ministry across the country. The cohorts also come to Duke’s campus in Durham, N.C., for six week-long intensive residential sessions scheduled over the course of two years.

Fulfill ordination requirements to serve as a deacon

The M.A. degree is designed to meet the course requirements for United Methodists seeking certification studies (e.g. children’s or youth ministry) and fulfills the Basic Graduate Theological Studies requirements for ordination as a deacon.

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

Term 1
Old Testament 706 (Intro to Old Testament)
Christian Education 705 (Mission & Ministry/Cornerstone)
Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)

Term 2 
New Testament 707 (Intro to New Testament)
Church History 708 (Intro to Church History)
Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration) 

Term 3
Christian Theology 705 (Intro to Christian Theology)
Liturgical Studies 709 (Intro to Christian Worship)
Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)

Term 4
Program track elective
Program track electiveChristian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)

Term 5
Program track elective
Program track elective
Christian Practice 701 (Spiritual Formation/Ministry Integration)

Term 6
Program track elective
Program track elective
Christian Practice 701 (Capstone Course)

 

Affordability

There are many ways that make Duke Divinity School’s M.A. program affordable. All admitted students receive an Engaged Leaders Scholarship, a merit-based award covering 25% of tuition costs for the duration of your studies.

A certified candidate for ordained ministry attending Duke Divinity School to fulfill requirements for an area of ministerial specialization may also be eligible for Ministerial Education Fund support. Contact the Ministerial Education Fund Coordinator of the Board of Ordained Ministry in your Annual Conference for application and award requirements.

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry also offer various scholarships, fellowships, and grants to assist students preparing for ministry as a deacon.

Learn more

Want to learn more about our program or speak to an admissions counselor? Contact us at (919) 660-3436 or admissions@div.duke.edu.