Ministers in the Vicinity

The Ministers in the Vicinity program allows those currently engaged in full-time ministry (imams, rabbis, priests, Sangha leaders, pastors, chaplains, and others) who live in or around the Greater Boston area (within 50 miles of HDS) and who hold a theological degree to take courses at HDS and to pay for these courses at a 50 percent discount of the normal rate of tuition.   

Once admitted, Ministers in the Vicinity may register for one course each semester and a maximum of four courses over a four-year period from their admission date. Academic credit is received for courses taken, and official transcripts may be obtained. If admitted subsequently to a degree program (such as the Master of Theology), participants may petition to have these courses credited toward that degree. Please note that admission into the Ministers in the Vicinity program does not guarantee admission to other degree programs at HDS. 

For Ministers in the Vicinity program who do not need academic credit, classes may be audited at a 50 percent discount of the normal audit fee. 

Ministers in the Vicinity students are limited to enrollment in Divinity School courses only and may not cross-register at the other Schools of Harvard University or the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. In some cases, registration may also be restricted for certain designated HDS courses. 

The Registrar's Office administers the admissions process for the Minister in the Vicinity program. 

For further information, please email the Registrar's Office or call 617.495.5760.