Best Master's Degrees in Divinity

MDiv degree programs typically admit students from all kinds of academic backgrounds who are interested in learning more about the subject. It may be fairly common and beneficial for applicants to MDiv programs to have a degree in areas such as:

• Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Theology
• Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

These programs give students an overview of Christian concepts and the Bible. Students are also likely exposed to some Greek and Hebrew and may be better prepared to pass any language requirements for an MDiv program.

Admissions requirements for master's degree programs in divinity vary by school. However, most schools require that applicants hold at least a bachelor's degree and several schools require applicants to meet a minimum GPA requirement, such as a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some programs require applicants to take the GRE and/or to have at least a year of participating in a Protestant church and be currently active in it. Some schools also require students to demonstrate working knowledge of the Bible through an exam or coursework, and although Greek and Hebrew are commonly taught as part of MDiv programs, some schools allow students with prior experience in these languages to test out. Students who do not have experience in the languages may need to complete additional coursework to learn them and pass an MDiv Greek exegesis sequence. Other application materials for MDiv programs can include references, essays, transcripts, a personal statement, resume, or writing sample.

Choosing an MDiv program that is a good fit may come down to career goals and personal preferences. Students should begin by examining the design of a program to find one that best aligns with their career goals. For instance, some students need a program that offers different areas of concentration that align with a specific career or area of interest that they have.

Students can then begin comparing formats to see what best aligns with their schedule and needs, such as on-campus or online formats, final project requirements, internship requirements, and length of the program.

Finally, students will likely need to consider the cost of a program and any financial aid options that are available to find an affordable fit.

A great place to track down this information and compare programs is the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator.

While shorter programs are available in the field, such as certificate programs in Christian ministry, a full-length MDiv program provides detailed coursework that helps prepare students for full-time ministry work. Students are likely to take between 72 and 87 hours of coursework to complete their MDiv degree. Usually, these courses are divided into core courses that help provide a strong foundation in the Bible and theology, and elective or concentration courses that aim to give students a chance to focus their studies on a particular area of interest. Below, we explore the curriculum for MDiv programs in greater detail.

Divinity Foundational Courses

Core divinity courses are typically broken up into several subcategories. Most programs include a category devoted primarily to the Bible, as well as one focused on theology. Then, programs may add one or more additional categories in the required core courses, such as areas in historical studies, culture, or ministry and practices. Depending on the school, students may still have some choice in which core courses they take as they select from a list of possible courses. Some core courses also include the study of the Greek or Hebrew languages. Some MDiv programs include a culminating experience of some kind, such as creating a portfolio, thesis, or another project. Other core courses for MDiv programs include subjects such as:

• Old Testament history
• New Testament history
• Biblical Hebrew
• Biblical theology
• Greek exegesis
• Interpreting the writings
• Theological ethics
• Christian mission
• Christian worship and pastoral practices

Divinity Specialist & Elective Courses

Depending on the program, students may take as many as 18 credits of elective courses. Some programs still include open elective courses within a chosen track or concentration area. Typically, these elective courses are designed to give students a chance to explore additional areas of interest that are not fully covered in core courses or some concentration courses. Students can likely choose from courses in a range of subject areas, such as:

• Christian ethics
• Counseling ministry
• Educational ministry
• Leadership

Licensure & Certification in Divinity

Licensure and certification requirements vary greatly for graduates with an MDiv degree. Many students go on to pursue careers related to different areas of ministry. Some of these positions do not require licensing or certification, while others might. Requirements can also vary by the denomination that one works in. For instance, the ordination requirements for pastors, ministers, and other leaders of different denominations vary greatly. Depending on the denomination, ordination can require leaders to meet a range of education and experience requirements and go through an ordination process that is unique to the denomination. Some of these processes include writing a paper, passing an exam, providing a statement of faith, meeting the requirements set by a church committee, and more.

It is fairly common for MDiv programs to include one or more internship experiences to give students hands-on learning and training opportunities in ministry. This experience can typically not be waived and must be completed for graduation. Some programs require a total of between 400 and 600 hours of experience. Depending on the internship, this can be spread out over 1, 2, or 3 semesters. Students in these internship experiences receive hands-on training and experience in ministry skills all while being supervised by an experienced mentor. Sometimes, depending on the school, students can receive a stipend for one of their internship experiences if they meet qualifications.

Several MDiv programs offer additional areas of concentration for students wishing to personalize their plan of study. Typically, students take concentration courses in addition to core courses, but these courses may replace elective coursework. Concentrations are usually designed to give students specific knowledge and skill sets in a subfield of divinity. Students take specialized courses in their chosen area that aim to prepare students for a particular type of career. Courses may prepare students to work with a specific population or in a specific kind of ministry. Depending on the program, certain concentrations are available in online formats, as well as on-campus formats. Some available concentration areas include:

• Ministry leadership
• Pastoral studies
• Biblical spiritual formation and discipleship
• Biblical counseling
• Ministry to women
• Worship leadership
• Student ministry
• North American church planting

Students wanting to continue their studies after earning their MDiv degree have several different degree options. A doctoral degree that is most like an MDiv degree is a Doctor of Divinity (DD). Some of these programs are available online and are usually designed for those wishing to become senior clergy. A few examples of other degree options closely related to the field include a Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology and Apologetics, PhD in Bible Exposition, or a Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership in Ministry Leadership.

Graduates with an MDiv degree have a wide range of career options, but most of these are closely tied with some form of ministry. Students can often align their careers in ministry with personal interests and strengths. For example, those who love the Bible, preaching, and working with people can pursue a career as a church pastor. Others who love the teaching side of the Bible could also consider career options in Christian education. Other possible areas of work include social justice, psychology, law, journalism, and international missions. Some available job titles for graduates include:

• Pastor
• Military chaplain
• Missionary
• Director of a faith-based organization
• Minister
• Children's ministry director
• Priest
• Women's ministry director

Job Outlook for a Master's in Divinity

Overall, the job outlook for graduates with an MDiv degree is positive. In general, graduates of these programs are prepared to work a variety of positions, and although job availability will likely vary by position, denomination, and other factors, the flexibility of the degree provides greater job prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a couple of different positions for graduates have job outlooks that are as fast as average for 2019 to 2029. For instance, the BLS reported that clergy have a job outlook of 4%, while directors of religions activities and education had a job outlook of 3%.

How to Become a Clergy Member

Members of the clergy usually need to have at least a bachelor's degree, but requirements can vary. It is fairly common for clergy to hold a master's degree. Many clergy members undergo some on-the-job training to learn their specific job duties and have experience in their particular area of ministry. They may also need to demonstrate their knowledge of specific traditions and beliefs of their denomination. However, most clergy members do not need to have prior work experience.

The BLS includes titles such as priest, minister, pastor, confessor, and more under the umbrella of clergy. They are usually charged with teaching members of their concentration from their religion's sacred texts. This requires preparing sermons and promoting spirituality in the congregation. Clergy oversee religious services and events, which requires planning and organizing skills. Some clergy also have counseling skills to address spiritual issues that members of their congregation have. As of 2019, the BLS stated that clergy made a median annual salary of $50,400.

How to Become a Director of Religious Activities and Education

Directors of religious activities and education typically have to have at least a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree is less common for these directors than for clergy. However, many directors of religious activities and education have at least some prior work experience. Usually, this is less than 5 years of experience. Formal on-the-job training is not typically required for these positions.

Many different titles, such as youth director, religious education coordinator, adult ministries director, and student ministries director, are included under the umbrella of directors of religious activities and education. Specific job duties are unique to different positions, but usually, these directors oversee religious education programs or activities. This requires careful planning to secure volunteers, create courses or other materials, and notify members of the congregation about opportunities. These directors usually have some theological and educational training, as well as administration and personal service skills. As of 2019, the BLS reported that directors of religious activities and education had a median annual salary of $43,860.

Many students need financial aid of some sort to help pay for their post-secondary education, including tuition, fees, living expenses, books and materials. Typically, students need to begin applying for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check their qualifications for federal and state loans and grants. After accepting any of these options, students may continue applying for grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid, such as graduate assistantships. Scholarships are an especially popular option because of the wide availability of these awards and the fact that they do not have to be repaid. Several schools that offer MDiv degree programs also offer unique scholarship opportunities for students, including:

• Trinity International University- The Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) provides several different academic scholarship opportunities for incoming MDiv students that provide between 50% to 100% of tuition costs. To be considered for these awards, students must have a 3.5 GPA or greater, be committed to a career in full-time ministry, and complete the application process.
• Duke University- The Duke Divinity School provides a range of academic resources for MDiv students, including paid internships and fellowship opportunities that provide stipends up to $30,000. Students can also compete for the 60 MDiv Merit Scholarships available that award between 50% and 100% of tuition costs.