Master of Divinity in New Haven United States | Yale University

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree signifies the fulfillment of a theological studies program primarily intended—though not exclusively—to equip candidates for Christian ministry ordination. Yale Divinity School (YDS) structures these requirements to deliver an education that is theologically grounded, professionally skilled, academically demanding, and aligned with church life. Each M.Div. candidate must complete one three-credit course in either a non-Christian religion or Christianity's relationship with other faiths. To earn the M.Div., students must complete at least seventy-two credit hours and maintain a three-year residency (defined as enrollment in a minimum of one three-credit on-campus course meeting regularly throughout the term), with these stipulations: Students with significant external commitments are encouraged to lighten their course load, though the entire M.Div. program must be finished within six years. Financial aid does not cover coursework exceeding degree requirements.
The three-year residency may be shortened if up to twenty-four transfer credits are applied. However, transfer students must complete at least two years of residency at YDS, including their final year, to graduate with the M.Div. degree.