About the Degree

The Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Sustainability dual degree acknowledges the growing demand for professionals in religious leadership venues who have the knowledge and the skills to lead communities to respond to critical ecological and other social issues.

Congregations and other religiously affiliated organizations are increasingly interested in sustainability concerns and seek leaders who can guide their efforts to respond to these concerns. Knowledge from the biological, physical, chemical, and earth sciences are critical to any working professional who designs and implements sustainability practices. The humanities and social sciences incorporate information about spirituality, religious beliefs, and an understanding and appreciation of our relationship to the natural world.

This degree is a collaborative project shared by the Wake Forest University Center of Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (CEES).

Learn more about the MA in Sustainability at Wake Forest University.

How to Apply

Candidates for the dual degree must apply both to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Divinity, following the admissions requirements of the respective programs, and be accepted to each program in order to pursue a dual degree.


Plan of Study and Requirements

The degree is designed to be 85 credit hours completed in seven semesters plus one full summer session (based on full-time enrollment). 

Students are required to complete 42 hours toward the Master of Divinity Degree, 15 hours toward the MA in Sustainability degree, and 28 shared hours.

Students will engage in a Research Thesis or Extended Practicum. This requirement, taken in the summer term, involves a thesis or practicum project related to both degree programs. 

Students will be assigned a primary faculty adviser from each of the degree programs. The Sustainability Program Director and the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the School of Divinity will consult on appropriate advising for dual degree students.


Accreditation Information

Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Wake Forest University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website https://www.sacscoc.org.

Wake Forest University School of Divinity 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 and Doctor of Ministry.