Academic Programs

At Vanderbilt Divinity School, you’ll find rigorous study, deep reflection, and a caring community. You’ll work alongside dedicated faculty, engage in global perspectives, and shape your path with concentrations or certificates that reflect your interests. Whether you’re preparing for ministry, scholarship, or meaningful service, we offer degrees and certificate tracks that lead you into leadership in faith, justice, and culture. At VDS, you won’t just earn a credential — you’ll join a vibrant community that supports your growth, honors your story, and equips you to serve in diverse contexts.

Degree Programs

Vanderbilt Divinity School is home to 3 Professional Degrees as well as offering 5 Dual-Degrees with other Vanderbilt Schools for M. Div and M.T.S. candidates.

Master of Divinity, M.Div.

A comprehensive, three-year professional degree designed for graduate students preparing for ordained ministry.

Master of Theological Studies, M.T.S.

A flexible, two-year theology degree designed for graduate students preparing for ministry, academic study, or leadership in faith-based and nonprofit settings.

Doctor of Ministry, D.Min.

The Doctor of Ministry in Integrative Chaplaincy program is an advanced professional degree for students who are actively working as chaplains professionally.

Dual Degrees

VDS in association with 5 other Schools at Vanderbilt offer Dual Degree Programs for M.Div and M.T.S. candidates.

Other Religion Degrees

Vanderbilt offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in religion through the Department of Religion at the Vanderbilt Graduate School. 

Explore the Graduate Department of Religion

Concentrations & Certificates

Customize Your Degree

Students seeking the M.Div. and M.T.S. degrees can customize their degrees by seeking a concentration or earning a certificate.

Concentrations and certificates aim to prepare students to be service-oriented for religious leadership that is contextually focused, socially engaged, spiritually formed, and culturally literate.

Browse Available Concentrations
Learn About Certificates

The Divinity School prepared me well—not by giving me all the answers, but by helping me embrace the complexity of ministry.

Portrait photo of Jeanine C. Miller Jeanine C. Miller, Ph.D.
M.Div. '25
Community Courses for Continuing Education

Lifelong Learning

We offer faith-informed continuing education and formational programming for individuals, organizations, and religious communities.  Our programs include executive education, certificates, vocational training, seminars, and parish teaching that will cultivate new skills and form deeper callings throughout all seasons of one’s vocation. 

Learn About Lifelong Learning

What Makes VDS Different

Global Education

Fueled by an awareness of the global reality of our lives, we prioritize engaging students and faculty in the global dynamics and realities of religion.
Learn More

Academic Partnerships

Our unique partnerships inspire a deeper exploration of religion, faith, and spirituality while simultaneously encouraging a strong sense of community and conversation.
Learn More

More Information About Our Academic Programs

  • Accreditation

    Vanderbilt University Divinity School is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: Master of Divinity (M.Div), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S), and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min). 

    The Commission contact information:
    The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
    10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275
    USA

    Telephone: 412-788-6505
    Fax: 412-788-6510
    Website: www.ats.edu

    Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033- 4097, call (404) 679-4500, or visit sacscoc.org for questions about the accreditation of Vanderbilt University.

  • ATS Placement Data

  • Graduation Rates by Degree Program (2024-2025)

    Total number of graduates: 50 students were graduated in 2024-2025

    Master of Divinity Degree: 10 students were graduated in 2024-2025

    Master of Theological Studies Degree: 12 students were graduated in 2024-2025

    Master of Theology Degree: 1 student was graduated in 2024-2025

    Doctor of Ministry Degree: 27 students were graduated in 2024-2025