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 MDiv / MA in Sustainability dual degree is designed to be 93 credit hours completed in seven semesters plus one full summer session (based on full-time enrollment).
| Semester by Semester Overview | |||
| Fall | Spring | Summer | |
| Year One | Divinity | Divinity | |
| Year Two | Divinity | Divinity | |
| Year Three | Divinity | Divinity | Sustainability |
| Year Four | Sustainability | ||
Policies and Procedures
Students will be assigned a primary faculty advisor 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. During the semester preceding the thesis or capstone project, the primary advisor from each degree program will meet with the student to discuss appropriate program and course options. If a student chooses to complete the degree program with a capstone project (extended practicum), the Sustainability Program director and the Art of Ministry director will work together to determine a placement and placement activities. If a student elects the thesis option, one of the student’s primary advisers or a faculty mentor with experience in the student’s area of research will oversee thesis development.
Continuing eligibility requirements prior to the student’s enrollment in the thesis or capstone project during the final summer term will be based on School of Divinity continuing eligibility requirements stated in the School of Divinity Academic Bulletin. Prior to beginning the thesis or capstone project, a committee composed of student faculty advisers from both programs, the Sustainability Program director, and the associate dean of academic affairs for the School of Divinity will consider a student’s overall performance to that point and determine by consensus if the student is suited to continued candidacy. Once a student enters the final phase of the dual degree program, the academic committee will evaluate the thesis or project and determine whether to award the degree. If the committee requests revisions, the student will return a satisfactory thesis or deliverable within the following semester in order to graduate.
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.