Master of Theology (Th.M.)

The Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree is designed for graduates of accredited theological schools who desire to continue or resume their theological education to enhance their professional competence in specific areas of study.

Through this degree program, students can pursue advanced training—with opportunities to take doctoral seminars and engage closely with professors on a written thesis—to enhance their ministry or prepare for a doctoral program.

Th.M. graduates have been placed at Ph.D. and D.Min. programs at schools including Duke University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Baylor University, Asbury Theological Seminary, Boston University, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"The Th.M. at Duke equipped me for doctoral work and continues to inform my scholarship."

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Distinguished Faculty

Scholarship and Mentorship

At Duke Divinity School, you'll be immersed in theological inquiry with world-renowned faculty members. Drawn from all over the globe and a broad spectrum of Christian traditions, these men and women share a commitment to teaching and to the church and ministry.

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Training for Military Chaplaincy

A Year of Specialized Training

Chaplains serving all branches of the U.S. military who are approved for a year of specialized training can meet that requirement through Duke Divinity School’s Th.M. program. We offer a Certificate in Chaplaincy that can be earned alongside your degree.

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Curriculum

The curriculum for the Th.M. consists of eight elective courses taken over two semesters (four must be at 800-900 level). During the final semester, students often work directly with a faculty advisor towards completion of a substantial written thesis.

At least four of the eight courses must be taken in one of the basic theological disciplines and will be designated as the student's major. These disciplines are: Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, Theological Studies, and Ministerial Studies.

Graduation Requirements

The Master of Theology program is normally completed in two semesters. Requirements for graduation are:

Eight advanced course units
An average grade of B or higher
Comprehensive exam or thesis: Each student is required to demonstrate superior performance on a comprehensive examination covering the major area of study. In lieu of the exam, a student may choose to write a thesis in one major area. This thesis research project is counted as one of the eight course credits required.

The Center for Academic Support and Theological Writing

Strengthen Your Writing

The Divinity School is committed to developing you as a writer. The Center for Writing and Academic Support provides services for writers of all abilities. In addition, we offer the RISE pre-orientation workshop to introduce the fundamentals of theological thought and writing; ongoing academic support workshops throughout the year; and tutors who are available to work with students one-on-one.

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Certificates

Duke Divinity School currently offers several certificates that can be earned alongside the Th.M. degree:

Certificate in Anglican Studies

The Certificate in Anglican Studies can be earned within the M.Div., Th.M, and M.T.S. programs and is designed to serve the academic and formational requirements of students preparing for Anglican/Episcopal ministry, lay and especially ordained.

Certificate in Black Church Studies

The Certificate in Black Church Studies can be earned within the M.Div., M.T.S., Th.M., and M.A. degrees and aims to help strengthen the body of Christ through critical reflection, dialogue, and practice at the intersection of race, faith, and Christian witness in the tradition of Black churches.

Certificate in Chaplaincy

The Certificate in Chaplaincy is available to students in the residential M.Div., Th.M., M.T.S. programs and is designed to prepare them for vocational chaplaincy in a variety of contexts, including health care, hospice, prison, higher education, military, and more.

Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, Theology, and Ministry

The Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, Theology, and Ministry can be earned alongside the M.Div. (residential and hybrid), M.T.S., Th.D., and M.A. and enables students to make the study of gender, sexuality, theology, and ministry a core component of their theological education. It fosters a collaborative environment for teaching, research, service learning, and dialogue.

Certificate in Theology and the Arts

The Certificate in Theology and the Arts offers M.Div., M.T.S., Th.M., and M.A. students firm grounding in the key theological loci and practices relevant to a lifetime’s engagement with the arts in the church, the university, and beyond.

Certificate in Theology, Medicine, and Culture

The Certificate in Theology, Medicine, and Culture combines scholarship and coursework with practical experience and community engagement to prepare students in the M.Div. , M.T.S., Th.M., and M.A. programs for robust theological and practical engagement with contemporary practices of medicine, community, and public health.

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

Some 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. We offer a 100% scholarship for one international Th.M. student each year.

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Lifelong Dividends

In addition to earning a degree from Duke Divinity School, you also receive benefits that continue to impact your life long after you leave. You will have access to the best academic resources in theological education and will use those tools throughout your career. Theses that are crafted with Duke Divinity faculty members become seeds that may grow into future doctoral projects. By being able to fully participate in a top tier research university, your scholarship can create room for surprising and creative interdisciplinary connections. The overwhelming majority of our students say their investment is worth it.

Ready for the Next Step?

Duke Divinity School accepts applications for the Master of Theology program beginning in September and concluding with the application deadline in April. For admission, we require a GPA of 3.25 in a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), or comparable master’s degrees from an ATS-accredited school prior to the intended date of enrollment.

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Learn More

We’re available to answer any questions you might have. Please contact us at admissions@div.duke.edu or (919) 660-3436. The resources below will also help you learn more about our programs.

Which Degree Is Right for Me?

Whether you are interested in a full-time, residential graduate program, or one that allows you to pursue a degree while you remain in ministry full-time, Duke Divinity School offers a program to fit your goals.

Funding Your Education

We are committed to making sure a Duke Divinity degree is affordable. We award scholarships and grants to 99% of our students, and offer fellowships that cover full tuition.

Our Faculty

The heart of any great theological school is its faculty, and at Duke Divinity School you'll be immersed in robust theological inquiry with one of the world's strongest divinity school faculties.

Duke and Durham

Durham, N.C., has been named one of the top 10 places to live by U.S. News and World Report. And as a student at Duke Divinity School, you can also take advantage of everything that Duke University has to offer.

Resources for Admitted Students