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.
Ministry Studies
Ministry at HDS
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 2020-2021
122
Master of Divinity Students
30
Denominations (approx - 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.
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.
Location: Divinity Hall, second floor
Mailing address
Office of Ministry Studies
45 Francis Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Hours (academic year)
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Phone
617.496.5711
Fax
617.496.2330
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.
