At Duke Divinity School, we form students for their future vocation in a variety of ways: through coursework, worship, workshops, field education, spiritual formation groups, Commissioning and Full Connection seminars, houses of study, and denominational associations. 

Faculty and staff throughout the school guide students in discernment conversations, helping students explore their call and remain open to how God is working in their lives. We also regularly host opportunities for students to engage with alumni, so they can explore beyond their current context.

In all of our programs, a thoughtful and imaginative engagement with Scripture and tradition, rigorous reflection, and interaction with people’s experiences and the dynamics of the contemporary world come together to form a community of reflective practitioners and leaders for the Church.

Kennetra Brackett headshot in front of Goodson Chapel windows, wearing a royal blue short and small gold earrings

"We believe students can learn to lead in imaginative and expansive ways, whether they have served in ministry for decades or recently declared their say “Yes” to God’s call. With the support of committed mentors and community members students once again discover the joyful challenge of embodying their beliefs, customizing their care, and adopting healthful rhythms that sustain them from one season to the next."

Kennetra Irby Brackett, Associate Director of Field Education & Career Development
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE IN MINISTRY

Field Education

We build field education internships into our M.Div. program, so students receive practical experience and training as a complement to work done in the classroom. The community and supervisors students join during these experiences help them live into their calling faithfully and thoughtfully. Reflection groups and site visits —including virtual visits for hybrid students—deepen their learning and give students an opportunity to hear reflections of their growth and affirmations of their calling.

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Field Education Stories

Hear from students about how field education has given them opportunities to explore possible future vocations, learning practical skills from a trained supervisor while embedded in a new community.
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August 13, 2026
Community Formed One Conversation at a Time
Lipe Leadership Fellow Daniel Phebus, M.Div. '27, spent his summer immersed in nearly every aspect of church life at Boone United Methodist Church, from worship and pastoral care to community engagement and leadership.
July 28, 2026
Finding Authentic Church Community Around the Table
For Savannah Smith, a Rural Ministry Fellow pursuing a Master of Divinity (’27), her field education journey led to a small rural congregation where she could dive right into the community.
July 20, 2026
Where Questions About God Can Lead Us
Elliot Krause's field education placement is L'Arche, an international network of communities where people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities share life together, envisioning a world where those with disability are known as indispensable parts of God’s creation.

Formational and Denominational Support

HOUSES OF STUDY

Our houses of study help prepare you for service—and ordination—in the communities and denominations in which you’ll serve. They include the Baptist House of Studies, Anglican Episcopal House of Studies, Office of Black Church Studies, Methodist House, Presbyterian/Reformed House of Studies, Asian House of Studies, and Hispanic House of Studies.

Learn More about houses of study
Asian House of Studies Students
Student Seth Carver serving his summer 2024 field education placement at Cullowhee Methodist Church; posing with supervisor

Jobs and Internships

Looking for employment or internship opportunities? Find job listings that have been submitted to the school.

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Programs for Clergy & Laity

Duke Divinity School hosts a number of training programs, conferences, and workshops to help new and experienced clergy and laity grow in their vocations, including Convocation & Pastors' School, Convocation on the Rural Church, and Study Leave for Ministry Professionals.

Explore Continuing Education Programs