Ministry Studies
Ministry Studies
At HDS, we define ministry broadly: a call to serve others through traditional ordination, chaplaincy, non-profit leadership, doctoral work, and many other occupations.
We prepare students in the arts of ministry in a multireligious, academically rigorous environment that fosters the skills and experience needed to enter a life of ministry, however defined.
Our Approach
The education of learned ministers has been central to Harvard since its founding. Today, the members of the HDS student body reflect an extraordinary diversity of backgrounds and ambitions, and there is something in every field of study that can support ministry preparation.
Recognizing that the world is a religiously pluralistic place, students of many faith communities—and none—study side by side here in order to foster a greater understanding of their own traditions in the context of others. Interreligious engagement is key to our approach.
Ministry Studies By the Numbers 2024-25
147
Master of Divinity Students
35+
Religious Traditions Represented
(and many unaffiliated students)
100+
Field Education Sites
Denominational Instruction
The multireligious master of divinity degree nurtures the skills necessary for professional ministry in a post-denominational world. Any person seeking ordination should contact their denomination, both at the local and organizational level, for a full understanding of specific requirements.
Ordination Requirements
Different faith traditions have different requirements for ordination. Learn more:
Field Education
Authentic training for the ministry must include both practical experience and reflection on that experience. The Field Education Program at HDS is built around guided learning experiences that integrate theory and practice to develop professional attitudes.
Buddhist Ministry Initiative
The Buddhist Ministry Initiative at Harvard Divinity School trains future Buddhist religious professionals from around the world in terms appropriate to modern, global conditions and their own traditions.
Contact Ministry Studies
Location: Divinity Hall, 2nd floor
Hours: (academic year)
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Phone
617.496.5711
Email:
To request a meeting, please send a note to ministrystudies@hds.harvard.edu with your availability and a brief explanation of what you'd like to discuss.