Duke Divinity School has announced a new hybrid version of its flagship Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program that will give students the opportunity to earn the M.Div. degree without relocating to Durham, N.C. The Hybrid M.Div. offers remote coursework in a flexible format so that students can balance professional and personal responsibilities while engaging in deep theological study that will transform their faith and prepare them for service in the church, academy, and world.

“I am overjoyed that the Hybrid M.Div. will make it possible to include people who are not able to relocate for ministry or personal reasons with access to the deep communal formation we have to offer in the M.Div.,” said Todd Maberry, senior director of admissions, recruitment, and student finance. “In addition to making the M.Div. more affordable by not incurring the cost of relocating, we are also thrilled to announce 12 new Dean’s Ministry scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition, made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor. The Dean’s Ministry scholarships will primarily be for Hybrid M.Div. students who demonstrate a clear commitment to church ministry.”

Program courses are taught by the same renowned Duke Divinity faculty who teach students pursuing a residential degree, and coursework is designed to ensure that hybrid students are equally prepared for their vocation with a world-class education.

hands typing on a laptop, viewed from aboveThe hybrid learning curriculum combines remote coursework with week-long residential intensives, where students connect in-person as they wrestle with the biblical and theological frameworks shared in class. Online learning is designed to be flexible, with scheduled online classes (using Zoom and typically around the lunch hour EST) and self-paced learning so that students can remain in ministry or working full-time while also engaging in rigorous theological reflection. Residential sessions are scheduled three times each year—January, May, and August—and take place at Duke Divinity School on the Duke campus in Durham, N.C.

Spiritual formation and field education are also integral to the program. Students are assigned a mentor who will direct their spiritual formation throughout the year. We also work closely with each student to design contextual learning opportunities through field education in their home area. Hybrid M.Div. students will have full access to tutoring support through the Center for Writing and Academic Support as well as many aspects of student community life.

All admitted Hybrid M.Div. students will receive scholarship support ranging from 25% up to 100% of tuition costs. Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships, and the application to the program is also the application to receive consideration for the merit Dean’s Ministry scholarship opportunities. Students will also be eligible for financial support through federal financial aid. Learn more about tuition costs and financial aid.

Dean L. Gregory Jones noted, “We are delighted to make Duke Divinity School’s leading Master of Divinity program and its distinctive strengths accessible to a wider number of students. The combination of our world-renowned faculty and a hybrid format will offer an education that is intellectually rigorous, vocationally formative, and readily accessible.”

Applications are now open for the first cohort of students, who will begin coursework in fall 2021. Priority applications are due by February 1. Learn more about the Hybrid M.Div. on our website or by contacting Admissions.