The School of Divinity, in partnership with the School of Law, offers a five-year, dual degree program, Juris Doctor and Master of Divinity (JD/MDiv). The program provides a vocational perspective different than that available in separate law or divinity degree concentrations. The program also enriches the learning and experience of students who want to pursue careers in either discipline. The dual degree curriculum meets standards set by the accrediting bodies of each partner.
Plan of Study and Requirements
Students in the dual degree program must complete all requirements of each program. Students may choose to complete their first two years of study in either the School of Divinity or the School of Law. Two additional years of study are then undertaken in the alternate school. The fifth and final year includes dual degree electives offered each academic year as determined and scheduled by each school. Upon successful completion of the dual degree requirements, students receive both the Juris Doctor and the Master of Divinity degrees.
When undertaken as part of the dual JD/MDiv program, the MDiv degree requires completion of 62 hours of divinity coursework including the degree requirements prescribed by the School of Divinity for graduation. When undertaken as part of the dual JD/MDiv program, the JD degree requires completion of 75 hours of law coursework including the degree requirements (http://academics.law.wfu.edu/degree/jd/) prescribed by the law school for graduation.
Students are required to complete 62 hours toward the Master of Divinity Degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Studies | ||
| BIB 521 | Old Testament Interpretation I | 3 |
| BIB 522 | Old Testament Interpretation II | 3 |
| BIB 541 | Introduction to New Testament | 3 |
| BIB 542 | Interpreting New Testament Letters | 3 |
| or BIB 543 | Interpreting New Testament Gospels | |
| Biblical Studies elective | 3 | |
| Historical and Theological Studies | ||
| HIS 501 | History of Christianity | 3 |
| HIS 502 | History of Christianity II | 3 |
| THS 501 | Christian Theology | 3 |
| Theology elective | 3 | |
| THS 521 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 3 |
| or THS 522 | History of Theological Ethics | |
| Ministerial Studies | ||
| Art of Ministry Program: | ||
| MIN 501 | Art of Ministry I: Introduction to the Life and Work of Ministry | 2 |
| MIN 602A | Internship Reflection Seminar | 1.5 |
| MIN 602B | Internship Reflection Seminar | 1.5 |
| One 300-hour ministry internship placement (as described in the Art of Ministry Program section above) | ||
| MIN 705 | Third Year Capstone | 1 |
| Required Ministerial Studies Electives: | ||
| Proclamation * | 3 | |
| Relational Care * | 3 | |
| Community Building * | 3 | |
| Formation * | 3 | |
| General Electives | ||
| Select 14 hours of electives | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 62 | |
- *
Courses fulfilling these requirements are offered each semester.
Students are required to complete 75 hours toward the Juris Doctor Degree.
Advising
Students will be assigned a faculty adviser from each school and are required to meet with their advisers at least once during each semester of the five-year program. Course selection is made in consultation with advisers.
Fifth Year
During the fifth year of the program, students register in and pay tuition to the School of Divinity during one semester, subsequently registering in and paying tuition to the School of Law during the remaining semester. During the School of Divinity fifth-year semester, students may take courses in the School of Divinity, courses crosslisted with the School of Law, or courses offered by other schools or departments of the University as approved by the School of Divinity. A similar process applies to the School of Law fifth-year semester.
Continuing Eligibility
Students in the School of Law must maintain at least a 73 average during each academic year enrolled in order to remain academically eligible for the School of Law. A student who earns at least a 73 average but ranks in the lowest 20 percent of the class at the end of the first year of the program will be strongly advised to take courses during the final three semesters in the School of Law that cover subjects related to the Bar Examination. Continuing eligibility in the Master of Divinity program is outlined in the School of Divinity’s Continuing Eligibility Policy.