The Master of Divinity/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. The MDiv/MA is designed to be completed in seven semesters and one summer of study.

The degree is designed to be 85 credit hours completed in seven semesters plus one full summer session (based on full-time enrollment).

Students are required to complete 42 hours toward the Master of Divinity Degree, 15 hours toward the MA in Sustainability degree, and 28 shared hours.

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These courses constitute the integrative foundation of the dual degree.

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In consultation with advisors from both degree programs, students will complete one, 300-hour internship placement in a setting in which they can utilize and explore sustainability concerns.

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These courses provide opportunities for students to experience sustainability in action in a variety of settings. Students will enroll in the course through the sustainability program and will be assigned a divinity faculty mentor to facilitate directed theological reflection on the experiences. 

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Ordinarily, students will take 9 elective credits in Divinity and 9 elective credits in Sustainability.

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This requirement, taken in the summer term, involves a thesis or practicum project related to both degree programs. Students will prepare a research thesis, under the guidance of a faculty adviser on a topic approved in advance by the sustainability program director and the associate dean of academic affairs of the School of Divinity. Alternatively, students may participate in a summer practicum or internship. If they select that option, they will meet with a faculty adviser periodically to discuss their internship, which will culminate with a written reflection on their experience submitted to a designated faculty person in one of the two programs.

Advising

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 advisors or a faculty mentor with experience in the student’s area of research will oversee thesis development.

Continuing Eligibility

Continuing eligibility requirements prior to the student’s enrollment in the thesis or capstone project during the final summer term will be based on the School of Divinity's continuing eligibility policy. Prior to beginning the thesis or capstone project, a committee composed of student faculty advisors 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.