Justice. Reconciliation. Compassion.
Admitting its first students in 1999, the School of Divinity is a dynamic and ecumenical theological institution that prepares students to be religious leaders in a changing world.
The School currently offers the Master of Divinity degree and several joint degrees in law, bioethics, counseling, education, and sustainability f, offered in partnership with other schools of the University. Through imaginative courses and diverse programs of community engagement, students are equipped to be agents of justice, reconciliation, and compassion in Christian churches and other ministries.
The Master of Divinity program encourages students to explore the rich histories and traditions of Christianity, to understand the changing social and religious landscape of our times, and to gain awareness and practical experience of the issues facing churches in their local and global contexts. Through their studies in the MDiv curriculum, students will connect their knowledge of a full range of theological and ministry disciplines with what they encounter in ministry settings and in the world.
The School of Divinity also offers optional concentrated studies within the MDiv degree:
- Interfaith Literacy and Leadership
- Religious Leadership in Food, Health, and Ecology; and
- in collaboration with the Wake Forest University Center for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (CEES) the school offers a graduate certificate in sustainability.
The School of Divinity is intentionally ecumenical and open to a variety of viewpoints, valuing Wake Forest College’s Baptist heritage that was shaped by “soul freedom.” Our goal is to prepare people from diverse theological and religious perspectives for faithful and transformative service in a wide array of ministries.
Graduates of the School of Divinity serve in various religious leadership positions and in other fields:
- 36% in congregational ministry
- 13% in chaplaincy
- 10% in non-profit work
- 10% in education
- 3% in counseling
- 6% are completing additional education (PhD, second Masters, etc.)
- 22% in other fields, including multi-professional, law, physical therapy, spirituality (spiritual direction, healing touch), career and personal coaching, healthcare and patient relations, small business (locally-owned and operated tea shop, photography), government (patent and licensing division), communications and marketing, banking and investments, publishing, and personal fitness and well-being