#  What Is the Difference Between Harvard Divinity School's Degree Programs? 

 





April 04, 2025

 

 

Harvard Divinity School is the most religiously diverse divinity school in the nation with more than 30 religious traditions represented. Our faculty and degree programs prepare future visionary leaders for a wide variety of careers from academia to the arts, ministry to medicine, and the private sector to public service.

The three-year master of divinity program (MDiv) trains students for ministry in settings such as churches, synagogues, mosques, hospitals, shelters, and other communities of care through rigorous scholarship and practical experiences.

The master of theological studies degree (MTS) explores in a two-year program how different elements of religion relate to language, culture, and the evolution of different faith traditions.

The master of religion and public life program (MRPL) is for mid-career professionals working in arenas not ordinarily linked to religion and examines religious literacy and its importance in a just society.

The master of theology program (ThM) is for students who have received the master of divinity degree and want to pursue advanced theological studies for one year.

Learn more about the programs from Dean Marla Frederick, faculty, and student leaders.



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 

 [### Learn about HDS Degree Programs

 ](/academics/degree-programs) 

 

 [### Introduce Yourself

 ](https://www.hds.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/connect-admissions/introduce-yourself?utm_source=website&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=introduce-yourself&utm_content=difference-between-hds-programs) 

 

 [### Application Dates & Information

 ](https://www.hds.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/apply-for-admission) 

 

 

 

 

 

 



###    Video Transcript  expand\_more  

MARLA F. FREDERICK: At Harvard Divinity School, we encourage religious leaders to be curious about the world around them.

DAVID HOLLAND: As the most religiously diverse divinity school in the nation, with more than 30 religious traditions represented, our faculty and programs seek to strengthen students in their foundations and explore what it means to study and practice in a multi-religious, multiracial, and multicultural world.

MADDISON TENNEY: We offer four degree programs grounded in this interdisciplinary approach—the master of divinity, the master of theological studies, the master of theology, and the master of religion and public life.

DAVID HOLLAND: The three-year master of divinity program combines a call to ministry with rigorous scholarship and practical experience in settings such as churches, synagogues, mosques, hospitals, shelters, and other communities of care.

SHARIAH ANDERSON: The master of theological studies degree offers students the opportunity to explore in a two-year program how different elements of religion relate to language, culture, and the evolution of different faith traditions. You can pick from 19 areas of focus or design your own under the direction of an advisor. The master of theology program is for students who have received the master of divinity degree and want to pursue advanced theological studies for one year.

MADDISON TENNEY: And finally, for mid-career professionals working in arenas not ordinarily linked to religion, the master of religion and public life program examines religious literacy and its importance in a just society. These students spend a year applying what they learn to peacebuilding projects relevant to their profession.

MARLA F. FREDERICK: Our community is made up of the curious and the compassionate, the intentional and the innovative, who all share a drive to create the kind of considerate change we so desperately need.

ODEVIZ SOTO: If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you and invite you to explore our website and social media to learn more.

MARLA F. FREDERICK: Please join us in creating a more ethical, inquisitive, and care-centered world.

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