MTS vs. MDiv: Which one should I choose?

Determining which degree program to apply to is the most important decision HDS applicants must make in their application process. While the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Master of Divinity (MDiv) programs have much in common, they also diverge from each other in a number of important ways. In this article, we hope to illuminate the similarities and differences between these two programs to help prospective students determine which program is right for them.

What is DivEx?

Harvard Divinity School is dedicated to increasing the participation by members of historically underrepresented groups in the study of religion. Each Fall we host our annual Diversity and Explorations (DivEx) DivEx Program to provide undergraduate students who are members of underrepresented groups with the opportunity to discern whether or not graduate study in religion makes sense for them and their career goals. In this article, we will share all the ins and outs of DivEx, from the application process to what to expect as a participant. At the bottom of the article, you’ll also find links to reflections from some of our amazing DivEx alum about their DivEx experience!

What is Cross-Registration? 

Whether you have recently committed to HDS or are at the beginning stages of your grad school search process, you may be wondering about the cross-registration opportunities available to HDS students across Harvard and at other schools in the Boston-area. In this article, we discuss the benefits of cross-registration and the opportunities available to HDS students. Our Graduate Assistant, Colin, a student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) who cross-registered for a course at MIT, also shares some cross-registration tips based on his experience.  

How do Grad Students Eat? 

Food is important – it sustains life, it brings people together, and it tastes good! As a graduate student, however, finding the time to cook can sometimes be tough. In this post, the HDS Graduate Assistants share their food-related tips and tricks, from their go-to recipes to their favorite Harvard Square haunts.  

A Week in the Life of an HDS Student: Featuring Jessica Young Chang

Jessica Young Chang (she/her) is a third-year MDiv student who is thrilled to be graduating this spring. She studies mystical experience in Hindu and Christian traditions and spiritual care in the reproductive justice landscape. Currently, Jess is exploring interfaith ministry in chaplaincy, and she is on the ordination track in the United Church of Christ, planning to complete a residency in clinical pastoral education after graduation. In late March 2022, we asked Jess to describe a week in her life as an HDS student. While no two students will have the same experience in graduate school, we hope this snapshot of how Jess balances her time will be a helpful illustration of graduate student life as you’re considering HDS.

A Week in the Life of an HDS Student: Featuring Mandy Campbell 

Mandy Campbell is a first-year MTS student focusing on the History of Christianity. She is particularly interested in racial justice movements in American Christianity in the 19th and 20th centuries. She is from middle Tennessee and studied History and African American Studies as an undergraduate at the University of Memphis. In the first week of March, we asked Mandy to describe a week in her life as an HDS student. While no two students will have the same experience in graduate school, we hope this snapshot of how Mandy balances her time will be a helpful illustration of graduate student life as you’re considering HDS.  

MRPL Student Feature: Interview with John Camardella

Halfway through this inaugural year of the Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL) degree program, we asked our MRPL students to share their experiences with the program so far. In this post, John Camardella reflects on this year, his decision to attend the MRPL program as an educator, and the professional development program that he is designing to help school leaders better understand religion in the public school context.  

Grow Together

Sakiko Isomichi is a third-year MDiv student at HDS and the parent of a fourteen-year-old child. In this article, Sakiko muses on what is has been like to complete her degree and explore her interest in materials and waste all with her son watching. She wonders what he might think of her academic and intellectual interests and speculates about his eventual reaction to her work as he gets older and they continue to grow together.

MRPL Student Feature: Interview with Rev. Erica N. Williams, M.Div.  

Halfway through this inaugural year of the Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL) degree program, we asked our MRPL students to share their experiences with the program so far. In this post, Rev. Erica Williams shares with us her reflections on the MRPL Program, her work as an organizer and activist, and her project Set if Off Movement, which was founded by Rev. Erica to empower poor and working-class communities around the world. Stay tuned because we have more MRPL student features coming soon!  

New Baby, New School

George Vicente is a first year MDiv student and a new father! In this post, he reflects on what it has been like to be both a new graduate student at HDS and a new parent this year.  

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