Master of Divinity Guide: Browse All MDiv Programs

Many students admit to feeling they are answering a call. With a master of divinity (MDiv), students can answer that call within various religious traditions. They can turn toward humanitarian aid, hospice/hospital chaplaincy, social justice, education, and even environmental work.

This practical guide to master of divinity programs is built just for you. We cover everything you need to know, such as how these programs work, their costs, the admissions process, requirements, and coursework; plus, we explore concentrations and sub-specialties. And at the end, don’t forget to review our state-by-state list of colleges and universities offering MDivs.

What Are Master of Divinity (MDiv) Programs?

Master of divinity programs are often the first professional degree students earn to prepare for ordination or licensing as a professional minister, particularly for ministries focused on preaching, the pastorate, and missions.

MDiv degrees are designed to prepare students to practice their ministry in the “real world,” not just academia. While the MDiv is not the highest level of professional degree a student can achieve, some denominations often require it to begin a ministry.

MDiv programs are offered across the US at many top secular universities, religious-based universities and colleges, and seminaries. Over 200 schools offer MDiv degrees, such as Harvard, Yale, Harding University, and Westminster Theological Seminary.

These types of programs take approximately three years to complete and usually require some introductory knowledge of Greek and Hebrew. Students study books of the Bible, Christian doctrine, biblical interpretation, preaching, counseling, Church history, and often at least one other religion. Some institutions also require a field education placement or experience using classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Master of Divinity vs. Master of Theology Programs: What’s the Difference?

As you enter into a theological program, there are several different paths to consider. The master of divinity and master of theology (ThM) are often seen as two sides of a coin, looking at the study of Christianity from differing viewpoints. The MDiv studies the divine, the sacred, or all things from God. The ThM studies gods, deities, and religions based on differing beliefs.

Another difference is that the MDiv is considered the more “practical” theology degree, pertaining to the everyday ministry or running of a church, mission, or nonprofit. The ThM is more academic, usually used as a step toward pursuing a doctoral degree and focuses primarily on research and the specific study of Scripture or even other religions.

Often the MDiv incorporates elements of the ThM program, such as practical theology, to help prepare students to lead a church or ministry of their own. Due to coursework and fieldwork requirements, the MDiv often takes longer. However, the ThM is set up for focused study, intensive research, and methodology to prepare each student for an eventual doctoral program.

Overview: How Master of Divinity Programs Work

In many MDiv programs, students study their own faith traditions, and many other traditions, alongside students from diverse backgrounds forging their own path in the program. The way an MDiv works is that each student faces rigorous intellectual scholarship, combining their knowledge with real-world experience in places of care, such as hospitals, mosques, churches, synagogues, and shelters.

Some concentrate on a more “public theological” approach, focusing on how Christian traditions engage, shape, and challenge the practices of peace and justice in wider society. As a cursory glance through our list of schools will tell you, there are myriad ways to use a master of divinity degree to engage with the world.

Admission Requirements

Most schools require applicants to already hold a four-year degree. There is no specific degree to have before entering an MDiv program, but most prior degrees come from the humanities and social sciences.

• Application Materials
  • application
  • letters of recommendation
  • writing samples
  • transcripts
  • financial aid applications
  • résumé
• Interview (usually 15 minutes, with the admissions staff)
• Evidence of Christian commitment and leadership (not usually required for secular universities)

For example, Harvard Divinity School requires a submitted online application form, a $25 application fee or approved waiver, a résumé or CV, complete academic history with transcripts for all coursework taken for credit, three letters of recommendation, a 1,000-word statement of purpose, a writing sample of 1,000–1,500 words, TOEFL or IELTS scores for some international applicants, and optional GRE scores.

Program Structure and Curriculum

While each school has its own unique degree plan, most schools will have the same general courses, such as Christian History, Biblical Writings, Scripture, and Interpretation of Scripture. Classes can also cover the Old and New Testaments, Church History, Historical Theology, Ethics, Philosophy, Evangelism, Practical Ministry Skills, and electives chosen to help each student shape their own understanding and ministries.

For example, at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, students can take classes in Greek, Hebrew, and Preaching, and electives in Sports Chaplaincy or Music Leadership in Worship. While at Princeton Theological Seminary, students can take courses on Practical Theology, Intercultural Communication, Digital Media Studies, and a Theological Imagination course.

Most students in an MDiv program must also complete what Boston University calls a “contextual education placement,” which means working in the community, whether in a congregation or other local community site, like a hospital or shelter, to integrate their learning in the classroom with their learning in the field.

MDiv Specializations

Although the MDiv seems straightforward—a degree to prepare students to lead a church, mission, or nonprofit, or to prepare for ordination—there are various specializations that students can choose to focus on within this degree program.

While this list is not exhaustive, it’ll give you an idea of what’s out there as a prospective student in an MDiv program. A student could focus on educational ministries, women’s studies/women’s ministries, youth ministries, biblical studies, and chaplaincy. Others might focus on international church planting, worship leadership, pastoral ministry, global and community engagement, interfaith leadership, theology, social work dual degrees (MSW/MDiv), or even an MDiv/MBA dual degree.

Examples of other concentrations include Princeton Theological Seminary’s Black Church Studies; Christian-Jewish Studies; Lutheran Studies; Theology, Ecology, and Faith Formation; and Theology, Women, and Gender, where students can tailor the program to their interests and ultimate goals.

Field Education

Field education allows MDiv students the chance for practical experience and an opportunity to reflect on that experience. In most cases, fieldwork integrates theory and practice with work in hospitals, churches, schools, and other service institutions. Harvard’s Divinity School offers over 100 different sites to choose from where students can do their fieldwork—or propose their own site if the list does not align with their goals.

In many programs, fieldwork courses are a requirement for graduation; but for entirely online degree programs, this may not be a requirement. Depending on the school, the fieldwork internship often lasts up to a year, giving students the best chance to integrate the theories they are learning with their experiences outside the classroom.

How Much Do Master of Divinity Programs Cost?

At Harvard, tuition, insurance, books, supplies, and living expenses could cost astudent approximately $63,000 per academic year, based on 2023–2024 costs. Ninety percent of Harvard’s MDiv and MTS (master of theological studies) students receive financial aid, whether through institutional grants or federal loans, or outside grants and scholarships.

At Harding University, the tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses are slightly lower at approximately $56,000 . Harding University also provides graduate teaching assistantships and scholarships for graduate students in its MDiv program.

Most schools will fall somewhere around $55,000 per academic year, while some online schools, such as Liberty University, will be slightly less. No matter which school a student chooses to attend, the cost will be high; however, most schools work with each student to provide the best graduate school experience and to help them achieve their goals.

What Can You Do with an MDiv?

Opportunities abound for those who earn an MDiv. For some, it leads down the traditional path—preaching and leading a church—but for others, their degree is used in the creative arts, “bringing the church to the people” through art working as a chaplain in the military, police force, or hospital. Some even serve as Bible translators or work on university campuses in youth ministries.

Pastors can make anywhere from $32,000–$81,000 per year, while chaplains make about $44,000–$77,000 per year. Counselors often earn considerably less at $32,000 annually, and for those working for nonprofits the pay varies widely.

In general, most students in an MDiv program desire to impact the world in a positive way, whether working in the church, directly with their community, or in effecting social change. No matter what has called you to this degree, the door is wide open for how you use it.