#  We Believe in You 

 



##  We Believe in You 

 

 

       ![The front door of Swartz Hall from above](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/2026-08/WhatWeBeleive_BannerImage.jpg?itok=M4uD2GZ4) 

 

 



 

 



 

For more than two hundred years, Harvard Divinity School has been dedicated to academic excellence in the study of religion, leadership development, and community belonging. People from all traditions, pasts, and perspectives gather here to search for truth, grapple with society’s most intractable problems, and contemplate what we owe to each other.

Our world-renowned faculty conduct scholarly research that intersects with every aspect of the human experience and educate future visionaries for a wide variety of leadership roles needed in this complex and contradictory world.

Whether your path leads you to academia or the arts; ministry or medicine; the public or private sector; you will discover ways to serve and lead in your life, career, and communities—creating a more sustainable, compassionate, and just society.

We believe in **centering potential and possibility**.

We believe in **harnessing the joy** and connection inspired by faith communities.

We believe in **bridging** **religious and cultural divides**.

At Harvard Divinity School, we believe **you can make a world of difference**.



 



 

 

 



 

 

 



###    Video Transcript  expand\_more  

At Harvard Divinity School, we believe.

We believe in a sacred calling … a lofty vision … a truly grand idea.

We believe in exploring the world’s great religious traditions, their values, and their virtues.

We believe in harnessing the joy and connection inspired by faith communities.

We believe in centering potential and possibility in every conversation.

We believe in bridging religious and cultural divides.

For more than two hundred years, Harvard Divinity School has been dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and community belonging.

People from all traditions, pasts, and perspectives gather here to search for truth, grapple with society’s most intractable problems, and contemplate what we owe to each other.

Our world-renowned faculty conduct scholarly research that intersects with every aspect of the human experience and educate future visionaries for a wide variety of leadership roles needed in this complex and contradictory world.

Whether your path leads you to academia or the arts; ministry or medicine; the public or private sector; you will discover ways to serve and lead in your life, career, and communities—creating a more sustainable, compassionate, and just society.

At Harvard Divinity School, we believe you can make a world of difference.

At Harvard Divinity School, we believe in you.

 

 



 

 

 

 

    ![Dean Marla F. Frederick](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/2025-11/09242025_HDS_DeanFrederick_0680.jpg?itok=dquW5VTM) 

 

 

 

   

At Harvard Divinity School, we believe in the power of education to expand minds, foster understanding, inspire innovation, and build bridges across differences.

 

Marla F. Frederick

Dean of Harvard Divinity School 

 [A Note of Welcome from Dean Frederick](/about/dean/welcome-letter) 

 



 

 

 

##  Discover a Degree Program That is Right for You 

 [ Ready to Make a World of Difference? arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.hds.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/connect-admissions/introduce-yourself?utm_source=website&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=introduce-yourself&utm_content=we-believe) 

 



  [### Master of Divinity

 ](/academics/degree-programs/mdiv-program)The HDS Master of Divinity degree prepares future leaders for ministry, chaplaincy, and a range of other careers that center service and ethical leadership.



 

   ![A student talks to his mentor in a chruch. Their backs are to the camera](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-11/elijahGibsonDavis_FieldEd2Crop.png?h=14bd26c0&itok=-GapLnjL) 

 

 

 

  [### Master of Theological Studies

 ](/academics/degree-programs/mts-program)The HDS Master of Theological Studies degree enables students to explore the languages, literatures, institutions, practices, and structures of many theological fields and religious traditions.



 

   ![Two students looking manuscripts and a hat on display stands](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/100924-Liibrary-SpecialCollectionss-032.jpg?itok=o8R5UDpW) 

 

 

 

  [### Master of Religion and Public Life

 ](/academics/degree-programs/mrpl-program)The HDS Master of Religion and Public Life degree helps experienced professionals develop in-depth knowledge of the complex ways religion influences public life related to their career areas.



 

   ![Four students hanging out in the HDS cafe](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-01/10062025-StudentPhotos-0416.jpg?h=855ed83b&itok=6TB-P-XN) 

 

 

 

  [### Master of Theology

 ](/academics/degree-programs/thm-program)The HDS Master of Theology degree is for students who have received the Master of Divinity degree (or its equivalent) to pursue advanced theological studies.



 

   ![Two HDS students study in the library](/sites/g/files/omnuum5526/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/051319_HDS_0756%20banner.jpg?itok=M5aFZ8gL)