Yale Divinity School

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Academics

Yale Divinity School's program of theological education has several purposes: to encourage reflection on the essential historical substance of Christian faith and tradition; to explore ways of thinking sensitively and constructively about theological issues in the contemporary world; and to provide training and experience promoting development of effective leadership in the Christian community.

In this context, a range of opportunities is available-through instruction, study and research, worship, community-wide reflection, field placements, and informal contacts-to nurture the personal, intellectual, religious, and vocational growth of each student.

Three degree programs are offered:

• Master of Divinity (M.DIV.), a three-year curriculum designed primarily to prepare candidates for ordination to the Christian ministry.
• Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.), either a comprehensive two-year program of preparation for one of the many forms of lay ministry or service, or a concentrated two- or three-year program of advanced study in a particular area of theological study.
• Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), a program for graduates of theological schools of recognized standing who have already obtained the B.D. or M.DIV. degree, or the equivalent, and who desire an additional year of advanced study.

In pursuit of these degrees, YDS students are also eligible to enroll in relevant courses offered by other schools and departments of Yale, one of the leading research universities in the nation. In addition, the extensive resources of the entire Yale library system are available to YDS students. The Divinity School 's own library is one of the world's outstanding collections, with particular strengths in Bible, theology, and missions.

Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, one of the 11 seminaries of the Episcopal Church, and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music are Yale Divinity School partner institutions and offer special programs in collaboration with YDS.

Joint degrees are offered with several other schools at the University, including Music, Law, the School of Management , Medicine, Nursing and Forestry & Environmental Studies. Joint degree programs have also been set up with several other universities in Connecticut and New York for the study of social work.

Non-degree students may take courses at YDS without enrolling in an official degree program. In addition, a number of Visiting Fellows are appointed each year to pursue advanced academic research.

Every June YDS hosts a summer term session over three weeks, offering week-long courses that many participants use for continuing education credit. In addition, each summer YDS offers intensive courses in Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Elementary New Testament Greek.