Duke Divinity School welcomed an entering class of 200 new students from 30 different states and four other countries, including China, South Korea, the UK, and Zimbabwe.
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree program gained 112 new students. Students from minority groups comprised more than 22 percent of incoming M.Div. students, with black students making up 15 percent. Female students made up 51 percent of incoming M.Div. students, which is only the second time in school history that the incoming cohort of M.Div. students had a female majority (2005 was the other year.) The age of the students in the M.Div. program ranges from 21 to 69, with a median age of 23. The Master of Theological Studies and Master of Arts in Christian Practice programs received enrollments of 24 students and 14 students respectively. The Master of Theology (9 students), Doctor of Ministry (22 students), and Doctor of Theology (4 students) programs all had strong enrollment. The new Certificate in Theology and Health Care saw enrollment double this year to 8 students.
“The 2018 incoming class represent the best of people who have a deep desire and calling from God to make the world look more like the kingdom of God,” said Todd Maberry, senior director of admissions, recruitment, and student finance. “Collectively, they have sacrificed much to be a part of the Duke community and have done so because they are hungry to receive formation for ministry. I am excited for them to be rooted in the wisdom of the church and look forward to seeing the ways that they will flourish at Duke.”
Across all degree programs at the Divinity School, 32 percent of the incoming class identified as a race/ethnicity other than white (an increase from 26 percent last year.) Black students made up 18 percent of all students; Hispanic students, 2 percent; Asian students, 7 percent; and American Indian students, 1 percent. Forty-two percent of students in the incoming class were female, up from 40 percent last year. For the first time, the incoming students for the Doctor of Ministry program who identified as an ethnic group other than white comprised the majority of the cohort.
There were 23 denominations represented in the M.Div. entering class, with 55 percent affiliated with the United Methodist Church (up from 41 percent last year.) Nondenominational students made up 17 percent of the new M.Div. students; Baptists, 8 percent; and Anglican-Episcopal, 3 percent.
The Divinity School welcomed the entering class with an orientation program and dinner with Dean Greg Jones, followed by Opening Convocation on Aug. 28.