Master of Divinity

The aim of the Master of Divinity program is to begin a process of education focusing on understanding Christian faith and its implications for human life. The vocation of Christian ministry is to interpret and represent Christian faith and to explore ways by which that faith can be embodied in the lives of people, the churches, and society.

Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies program is designed for persons interested in pursuing graduate study across the several theological disciplines in the Divinity School. This degree program may serve as a foundation for later doctoral studies in religion, for diaconal or ordained ministries in certain denominations, or as a vehicle for the enhancement of one’s own religious faith and understanding.

Dual Degree programs

Theological study often finds itself closely allied with other kinds of professional education. With this in mind, the Divinity School encourages students to engage in curricula leading to two academic degrees, one in theological studies and another in a related field. A number of such dual-degree programs exist at Vanderbilt for both M.T.S. and M.Div. candidates. In recent years, Divinity students have pursued M.T.S. or M.Div. programs in concert with the Doctor of Medicine program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and with the Doctor of Jurisprudence program at Vanderbilt University Law School.

Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in religion are offered by the Department of Religion in the Graduate School. Applicants to these programs should have previous work in religious or theological studies. Inquiries for admission should be addressed to the Chair of the Graduate Department of Religion, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240. Programs of study are available in the following areas: Hebrew Bible, New Testament, historical studies, theological studies, ethics, religion and personality, history and critical theories of religion, and homiletics and liturgics. Interdisciplinary studies, both within religion and in relation to other departments of the University, are possible. The study of religion is pursued both as a critical, humanistic discipline, employing a variety of methodological perspectives, and as a theological discipline, interpreting the biblical religions and their historical, theological, and ethical heritage.