Harvard Divinity School is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Theology (ThM), Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL), Doctor of Theology (ThD).
Contact information for the Commission is:
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275 USA
Telephone: 412.788.6505
Fax: 412.788.6510
Website: www.ats.edu
Statement of educational effectiveness
Drawing on its historical strength in Christian studies and its significant resources in the study of religions around the world, Harvard Divinity School educates scholars, teachers, ministers, and other professionals for leadership and service both nationally and internationally. To help in building a world in which people can live and work together across religious and cultural divides, we strive to provide excellent instruction in the study of religion for the academy, for religious communities, and in the public sphere. The faculty and staff of the Divinity School are committed to the fulfillment of this mission and to the rigorous evaluation of its programs, services, and outcomes for the sake of educational effectiveness and quality improvement. While we are in the process of employing various measures of educational effectiveness, for now we publish the following:
Average percentage of students completing program on time, 2019-20
Normal time to completion of degree programs:
MTS, 2 years; MDiv, 3 years; ThM, 1 year; ThD, 7 years.
- MTS: 89%
- MDiv: 78%
- ThM: 100%
- ThD: 33%
Note: Percentages are higher when including students who complete their program outside of the normal time frame.
Student experience and evaluation
Harvard Divinity School conducts an exit survey of its graduating students upon the completion of their degree. In the survey of the class of 2021, 90% indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their academic experience and 96% indicated that they gained skills and knowledge that will be valuable in their future plans. When responding to areas of growth and development, 94% of students felt their program improved their ability to think analytically and logically a lot or some; 95% said the program improved their ability to place current problems in historical/cultural/philosophical context a lot or some; 90% said the program improved their ability to articulate theological concepts a lot or some; 88% indicated it improved their ability to relate well to people of different backgrounds, religions, or races a lot or some; and 92% responded that the program improved understanding of their own identities and positionality in relation to social justice issues a lot or some.Graduate employment and further study
Harvard Divinity School surveys its alumni annually at the one-year anniversary of their graduation. 71% of the respondents indicated that they were employed primarily, while 21% indicated that they were primarily enrolled in graduate school. 75% of the employed graduates indicated that they are working in their intended field, and 4% indicated that they were currently seeking employment. For those currently employed one year out, the primary career fields are summarized below.
- Education (University/College teaching or research): 22%
- Ministry (Ordained): 17%
- Education (Secondary school or other educational field): 9%
- Other: 7%
- Education (University administration): 6%
- Non-profit management and consulting: 6%
- Business: 5%
- Law: 5%
- Community development, advocacy, or social services: 3%
- Writing: 2%
- Ministry (Lay): 1%
- News media, or other communication fields: 1%