Presbyterian Church U.S.A. at Vanderbilt Divinity School
We are delighted about your interest in Vanderbilt Divinity School! The
Divinity School offers the best of both worlds for Presbyterian students: an academically rigorous interdenominational theological education and curricular offerings to meet Presbyterian Church (USA) ordination requirements.
Learn more about the ways you can get connected to various resources and people.
Academic Opportunities
Ordination Requirements
Several concentrations (Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (MANES) and Pastoral and Prophetic Congregational Leadership (PPCL) allow students to get double credit, as it were, for completing ordination requirements and completing a VDS concentration, required for all M.Div students.
Master of Divinity students have access to a range of field education possibilities with excellent mentorship, with many PC(USA) congregations right here in metro Nashville. Since most presbyteries require Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), it is good news that we offer CPE locally, although some students travel to another locale for the summer to fulfill this requirement. CPE may also count toward degree requirements.
A member of the VDS faculty or staff serves as a vocational resource for preparation for ministry and other career exploration.
Courses
We offer in alternate springs two courses on Reformed Theology to prepare students to work in PC(USA) congregations and ordained ministries. We offer Greek and Hebrew every year in order to meet those ordination requirements, together with great biblical courses where students can do exegesis in the original languages.
Readings in Reformed Theology
The Reformed Traditions and Practices of the Presbyterian Church
Scholarships
Vanderbilt Divinity School is proud to offer extensive tuition scholarship support, providing significant funding for the degree-seeking student body. Several scholarships, including the First Presbyterian Church Scholarship, cover full tuition for PC(USA) students.
Presbyterian Affiliated Faculty
-
Jaco Hamman
Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture, Religion, Psychology, and Culture
-
Eunjoo Kim (Eun J. Lee)
Charles G. Finney Chair, Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics, Homiletics and Liturgics
Contact Admissions
We know choosing where to study theology is more than just selecting a school. It's about finding a community where you can grow, learn and prepare for the work you're called to do. Our admissions team is here to help you decide if Vanderbilt Divinity School is that place for you.