School of Divinity

Our Historical Black College and University is among the first in the South devoted to ministerial training and theological education. From the founding of Shaw University in 1865, the idea of Reverend Henry Martin Tupper, an American Baptist minister, was to provide freed slaves training in the areas of teaching, social work, and religious education. As early as 1880, with the assistance of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Shaw advanced to producing graduates of its theological education courses. By 1900, Shaw was known for awarding ministerial certificates from its institutes for missionary and clergy training, and a Bachelor of Theology degree. During the first half of the 20th Century, Shaw expanded to include a School of Religion that inaugurated and established curricula in religious education, the Shaw University Ministers’ Conference, leadership institutes, Shaw University Theological Fraternity, and a University Chapel. Notable traditions spawned in that era include the Annual Ministers’ Conference and Black Church Leadership Academy. In 1961, the School of Religion became Shaw Divinity School, offering the Master of Divinity degree, preparing students to serve, especially within the African American church, community, and non-profit sector as a state-chartered school. In 1974, Shaw University Divinity School launched the Alexander-Peques Pastors’ Conference. By 2002, the Shaw Divinity School remerged with Shaw University as Shaw University Divinity School, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, and relocated back to the campus in the historic Leonard Building, which is the site of the nation’s first four-year graduate medical school, training primarily African Americans.

Shaw University Divinity School promotes quality theological education and leadership training through conferences and the Black Church Leadership Academy. For over 90 years, Shaw University Divinity School has grounded its missional call with Pro Christo et Humanitate (For Christ and Humanity) as religious learning and social activism. Shaw University Divinity School, partnering with the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, American Baptist Churches of the South, and others, prepares those with a calling to serve in church, academia, non-profit, and the marketplace by equipping them with high-quality theological and educational learning opportunities. While one can still earn a Master of Divinity degree for pastoral ministry, we offer an accredited Master of Arts degree designed to assist adult learners with a customized approach to ministerial applications in ministry so that they can make a difference in their respective communities. Shaw University Divinity School has strategically positioned itself with partners in multiple sectors of society to provide an optimal learning experience with lasting relationships through a network of alumni and constituencies.

Shaw University is a regionally accredited institution. The Divinity School is accredited as a theological school to offer degrees and certificates by the Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. Anyone who wishes to make comments about or provide information relevant to the Divinity School’s accreditation may send an email to SUDSATS@shawu.edu or may contact ATS directly at:

The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive | Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Telephone: 412-788-6505 | Fax: 412-788-6510
Website: www.ats.edu

With a rich religious heritage in the Christian tradition rooted in activism and social justice, Shaw University Divinity School prepares leaders for lifelong learning in theological education, spiritual enrichment, and practical ministry. Our degree programs offer the broadest range of specializations in theological education for clergy, ministry practitioners, and lay leaders. Students enrolled in a degree program will focus on specific aspects within the theological disciplines that will prepare them for professional and vocational ministry shaped by their Christian heritage, cultural awareness, ministerial identity, and leadership.

Shaw University Divinity School (SUDS) is a multidenominational and ecumenical theological school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. SUDS offers the following approved degrees and certificates in in-person, online distance, and hybrid course delivery formats.

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program at Shaw University equips students for pastoral ministry, ordination, or licensure. It offers a comprehensive foundation in biblical studies, exegesis, hermeneutics, homiletics, theology, church history, Christian culture, spiritual and ethical formation, pastoral care, and the philosophy and psychology of preaching. This program fosters leadership skills, enabling students to guide individuals, families, and congregations in embodying Christian beliefs and values through various ministerial roles.

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Master of Arts in Christian Leadership

The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL) at Shaw University is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their leadership abilities in both ministerial and non-ministerial roles. This innovative program blends biblical, theological, and spiritual insights with practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse leadership positions such as church leadership, congregational ministry, advocacy, and community outreach. The MACL can be completed in one year (21 credits) or two years (36 credits) and is available in multiple formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid courses.

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Master of Arts in Christian Education

The Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) at Shaw University equips individuals for professional ministry in both independent and private sectors. The program fosters lifelong learning in theological studies and ministry, emphasizing outreach education in various settings. Students gain deep knowledge in biblical studies, church history, and theology, preparing them for roles such as children, youth, and family ministers, directors of Christian education, and nonprofit professionals. The MACE can be completed in two years, with courses available in-person, online, or in hybrid formats.

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Certificates offer non-degree-seeking students and church leaders the opportunity to bolster their credentials in church leadership and congregational ministry. Participants enroll in certificate programs through ongoing project-based learning opportunities that benefit individuals, their congregations, and the broader community they serve. Shaw University Divinity School collaborates with church and community leaders to provide high-quality learning experience through affordable certificate opportunities.

• Divinity
• Christian Ministry
• Theology and Ministry

Our degree programs and certificates are designed to equip students for leadership in congregational, institutional, agency, and relief organizational ministry settings. Those who earn a degree at Shaw University Divinity School may pursue advanced graduate degrees in teaching professions, pastoral ministry, and other roles in executive leadership.

The Shaw University Divinity School carries out its mission by offering continuing education opportunities through various faith-based conferences, seminars, and events.

Consortium for the Advancement of Congregational Excellence

The Consortium for the Advancement of Congregational Excellence (CACE) is a network of churches, students, and individuals seeking to enhance their spiritual enrichment and congregational ministry skills. We engage dedicated men and women to earn theological education certificates in a specialization that leads to lifelong membership with CACE. CACE offers advanced ministry preparation options for degree and non-degree-seeking individuals. Students enrolled in a degree program will have the option to participate in a practical ministry course. Non-degree-seeking individuals earn a certificate through participating in CACE projects such as:

• Annual Minister’s Conference
• Black Church Revitalization Collaborative
• Black Church Leadership Academy
• Nurturing Children and Youth for the Future
• Annual Recognition and Awards Banquet

Churches and students learn how to mobilize to improve performance and broaden participation for congregational growth and development. CACE members connect with others in a network of ministry practitioners in dedicated theological education events, including forums, seminars, workshops, and events.

Center for Racial Equity and Social Justice

The Center for Racial and Social Justice was established at Shaw University Divinity School to promote activism and justice in the tradition of Shaw University. Activism and justice are in the missional DNA defined by (1) the historical roots and student engagement for civil rights organizations such as the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee of Shaw University; and (2) contemporary efforts to fight against systemic injustice and inequities that include issues related to mass incarceration, health disparities, human rights violations, and oppression. Students and church leaders benefit from project-based learning, student internships, organizations, and learning experiences through justice and activism.

Learn More

Dr. Mark Harden
Dean
mark.harden@shawu.edu
919-546-8610

Ms. Tonya Barnes
Administrative Assistant
tonya.barnes@shawu.edu
919-719-8576