#  Engage & Apply 

 



##  Engage & Apply 

 

 

       ![Background image of cathedral stonework](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-03/RPL-EngageApplyBanner.jpg?itok=QB2XqCoo) 

 

 



 

 



 

Religion and Public Life (RPL) provides a framework for students and professionals in a wide variety of fields, as well as the public, to deepen understanding of religion’s influence on public affairs and to develop skills to address the most complex issues of our time. RPL’s academic offerings include graduate training including the [Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL)](https://hds.harvard.edu/academics/degree-programs/mrpl-program) and [Certificate in Religion and Public Life](/engage-apply/certificate-religion-and-public-life "Certificate in Religion and Public Life"), as well as courses, experiential education, and training for students across Harvard. The program also offers continuing and executive education and a rich menu of online learning opportunities including the newly launched [Religion and Society Graduate Certificate at Harvard Extension School](https://extension.harvard.edu/academics/programs/religion-and-society-graduate-certificate/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9NeXBhAMEiwAbaY4lg1HgcCjKHh0-wcgs7RnrxqFfiLNGBenUq5qPBs4o24jtST-9NupZxoChm8QAvD_BwE). We welcome you to explore the opportunities below and look forward to your participation in our community of committed scholars, students, professionals and members of the public.



 

  [### Master of Religion and Public Life

 ](/engage-apply/master-religion-and-public-life)A one-year graduate program designed for experienced professionals.



 

   ![E. J.  Dionne lecturing at HDS](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-07/04082016_DeansLeadershipForum_328.jpg?itok=lAwHOSmS) 

 

 

 

  [### Certificate in Religion and Public Life

 ](/engage-apply/certificate-religion-and-public-life)A certificate designed to prepare MDiv and MTS students with the tools, skills, and experience to explore professional pathways outside of traditional ministry or academic scholarship.



 

   ![RPL Racial Justice Fellow Rhon Manigault-Bryant teaches a group of CRPL students](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/rpl/files/rlpi_fall_gathering_including_rpl_community_forum_sept_2022.jpg?h=dc3f4a65&itok=1J0poLyn) 

 

 

 

  [### HarvardX Courses

 ](/engage-apply/harvardx-courses)Free online courses taught by RPL faculty for a global audience.



 

   ![A colorful origami crane](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/rpl/files/ea_harvardx_card.jpg?itok=Adee5qjI) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  [### Summer Institute for Educators

 ](/engage-apply/summer-institute)A summer program for educators teaching at the middle school, high school, and community college levels in any discipline.



 

   ![Students gathered outside the Memorial Church in Harvard Yard with Widener library in the background](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-07/EA_SummerInst_card_kerby_widener.jpg?itok=JBLuzRSi) 

 

 

 

  [### Professional and Lifelong Learning

 ](https://hds.harvard.edu/academics/professional-lifelong-learning)Short seminars exploring some of the world’s biggest questions with leading HDS scholars and professors of religion.



 

   ![HDS faculty conversing during an Executive Education program](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-07/06192018-MakingChange-170.jpg?itok=YxDyx_05) 

 

 

 

  [### Internships

 ](/engage-apply/internships)RPL programs offer opportunities for current students to engage in practical work on religion and public life across multiple professional fields. Find out what is available and how to apply.



 

   ![Group of students in animated conversation around a table](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-07/ea-internships-card-myanmar.jpg?itok=n7VuAgvm) 

 

 

 

  [### Fellowships

 ](/engage-apply/fellowships)RPL programs offer opportunities for professionals to work with students as experts and mentors in their respective fields as well as further their own understanding of religion in public life. Find out what professions are currently represented, what positions are available, and how to apply.



 

   ![The 2023-24 Fellows in the Professions visit campus Fall 2023.](/sites/g/files/omnuum8216/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/rpl/files/20230915-fellowsfallvisit-33-lowres.jpg?itok=dmOnz08r)