Best Online Master of Divinity Degrees

1. Rochester University

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Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

An MDiv degree is one of the best ways to equip and prepare students for careers in professional Christian ministry. The flexibility of the degree may qualify students for multiple positions within churches and religious organizations. These programs may be best suited for individuals wishing to work in ministry, as well as those already in ministry, such as pastors, church planters, and missionaries, to further develop their skills and knowledge in the field.

A master's degree typically covers more advanced topics and/or explores subjects in greater detail. Often, earning a master's degree can not only increase a student's job prospects but can also increase their earning potential. For example, ''PayScale.com'' stated that graduates with an MDiv made a median annual salary of $54,167, as of January 2021, as compared to the median salary of $52,458 (as of 2021) for a Bachelor of Theology (BTh).

Finally, earning a degree online can provide maximum flexibility for those with busy schedules. These degrees are usually available fully online, and therefore, do not require relocation. Students can often continue working full-time while earning their MDiv.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Divinity?

Traditionally, many online MDiv degrees are designed to be completed in about 3 years. However, there are some online MDiv degrees that are shorter in nature and can be completed in about 2 years. Some of these shorter programs may require fewer credits and/or accept graduate transfer credit up to 50% of the total required amount of credits. Students can often take additional time beyond 3 years to finish their degree if they need to and how many courses they decide to take each semester can play a role in the time to degree completion.

While some students may choose to take advantage of free online theology courses and learning materials, those who choose to pursue an MDiv will receive a broader education and be more fully prepared for ministry with courses outside of a traditional theology course. Although these degree programs typically include multiple online courses in theology, students also usually take some core courses in areas like ethics, ministerial practice, and biblical studies. Students can then take some electives and/or specialization courses to further focus their studies. These programs may require as many as 75 to 82 credits of coursework. Get more details about the curriculum below.

Divinity Foundational Courses

The foundational, core courses in an MDiv degree are intended to provide students with the necessary theory behind different areas in the field, as well as real, practical experience with tools and techniques they can use in their career. Depending on the program, students may take as many as 74 credits of core coursework. Some programs may offer unique learning opportunities to further aid students in their understanding of various subjects, such as optional study tours out of the country and optional on-campus seminars. There are also some online programs that include clinical pastoral experience where students work under the supervision of a pastoral supervisor for real-world experience or ministry leadership formation labs for hands-on experience. Students may also be required to complete a midpoint review of some kind in the middle of their studies or conclude the program with a comprehensive exam. Other core course topics may include subjects in:

• Christian sacraments
• New testament
• Hebrew
• Greek
• Theology
• Pastoral/ministry leadership
• Ethics
• Pastoral counseling

Divinity Specialist and Elective Courses

Depending on the set-up of the program, students may be able to choose from some open electives at the end of their program or take some concentration courses in a given area. Concentration courses are designed to provide students with more in-depth study of a given area to help prepare them for a specific career and/or provide them with specialized skill sets. A few examples of possible concentration areas for online MDiv degree programs include:

• Biblical languages
• Coaching
• Women's transformational leadership
• Exegetical studies
• Church history
• Discipleship ministries
• Global studies
• Youth and family ministries

Licensure and Certification in Divinity

Licensure and certification are not necessarily required for graduates with their MDiv, depending on their career choice. Since many graduates go on to pursue ministry-based positions, some may want or need to earn professional certification. For example, those wishing to become pastors, priests, or ministers in their church may need to go through their denomination's ordination process. This process varies greatly amongst denominations and organizations but may require students to meet education and/or experience requirements, pass an exam, and/or undergo an approval process from other leaders in the church. Some graduates may also choose to pursue counseling-based positions. Those wishing to become a licensed professional counselor may need to complete a joint MDiv program and master's in clinical counseling with clinical hours and pass a licensing exam.

Although admissions standards vary from school to school, applicants to online MDiv degree programs must have at least a bachelor's degree. While this degree does not typically need to be in a certain subject, students usually need a degree from an accredited institution. Many schools also require a minimum GPA requirement, but this minimum may range between a 2.0 and 2.5 or higher, depending on the school. Most applications for online MDiv programs can be completed online. Students commonly need to include their official transcripts, but typically do not need any standardized test scores. Other application materials vary amongst programs, but students may be required to include times such as a divinity questionnaire, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and/or a pastoral recommendation.

Online MDiv degree programs are plentiful, so choosing a program that is right for you can be a challenge. Students may want to begin by considering their career goals and finding a program that best aligns its curriculum with these goals. For instance, some students may need to find a program that offers a specific concentration area for further study in a subject. Some students may also value a program that provides real-world, hands-on experience in the form of field experiences, study tours, and other unique learning opportunities. Accreditation may be another determining factor, as some of these online MDiv programs may have additional program-level accreditation instead of just regional accreditation from the school. For example, there are some online MDiv programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which means they have met theological-specific academic standards for quality. This may stand out to employers.

Other common factors to consider when choosing any degree program include time to degree completion, the format of a program, and/or the cost of a program. Students may prefer a program that allows them to finish more quickly or more slowly, based on their personal needs. Some students may also need a program that accepts transfer credit for their prior work, while others may need a program that allows them to enroll part-time. Paying for school can be a challenge, so some students may need to search for programs with tuition discounts and/or scholarship opportunities.

As mentioned, an MDiv degree program is designed to prepare students for professional ministry work. While positions vary greatly amongst denominations and congregations, graduates are qualified for a wide range of positions. They may also work for religiously-affiliated organizations that provide resources to the public and other non-profit organizations. Graduates can also work in educational settings, churches, and more. No matter where they work, it is important that these graduates love to work with people and care for those that they encounter in order to provide the best spiritual service possible. While not an exhaustive list, some examples of possible job titles for graduates include:

• Pastor
• Curriculum director
• Hospital chaplaincy
• Missionary
• Church planter
• Christian educator
• Corporate chaplain

Job Outlook for a Master's in Divinity

The job outlook for those with an MDiv degree should be positive for the fact that they may qualify for multiple advanced and leadership positions in various settings. The flexibility of the degree works in graduates' favor to increase job prospects. Specific job outlooks do vary by positions, however. For example, members of the clergy had a job outlook of 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is as fast as the average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Directors of religious activities and education also had a fast as average job growth of 3% from 2019 to 2029, per the BLS.

How to Become a Clergy Member

Clergy may refer to job titles such as priest, pastor, missionary coordinator, rabbi, minister, and more. Usually, these professional ministry leaders need to have at least a bachelor's degree, but many may hold a master's degree. According to the BLS, clergy typically have to undergo some on-the-job training to learn about the specific practices for their denomination, as well as the specific job duties for their particular position. Clergy must also have great communication skills as they work with other leaders in the church and the members of the congregation.

The BLS stated that clergy made a median annual salary of $50,400, as of 2019. While specific duties vary, clergy are usually responsible for helping members of their congregation grow spiritually. This may require them to prepare and deliver sermons and other spiritual events, listen and counsel members as needed, and create spiritual education programs. It is also important for clergy to serve as an example to the congregation and regularly practice spiritual disciplines, such as prayer.

How to Become a Director of Religious Activities and Education

Directors of religious activities and education may also include positions such as religious education coordinator and directors of various areas of ministry, including youth, women's, senior adults, and student ministries. These directors typically have to have at least a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree may help them advance and/or provide additional expertise. Most of these directors also need to have some prior work experience. Like clergy, these professionals also need to have great communication skills, as well as organizational and planning skills.

As of 2019, according to the BLS, directors of religious activities and education had a median annual salary of $43,860. While these directors typically focus on working with a particular population within the congregation, in general, these professionals work to design and provide educational programs designed to grow others spiritually. They may need to develop curriculum, find volunteers, train volunteers to execute the program, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs. Some directors may also take on counseling and leadership positions within the ministry.

Joining a professional organization is a great way for professionals in any field to continue growing in their career, network with others, and take advantage of various resources. In the case of divinity, there is a wide range of available organizations. Some of these organizations are broad, such as groups in religion as a whole, while others are more specific, such as groups for specific ministry positions or denominations. Each professional organization has its own set of goals and objectives, but typically work to support professionals with continuing education and professional development opportunities. A couple of examples of the many available professional organizations for graduates with an MDiv include:

• American Academy of Religion- AAR is the biggest scholarly society in the field and has members from around the globe. The group aims to help the public understand the religion, while also providing professionals with news, access to publications, and networking events.
• Association of Youth Ministry Educators- AYME is specifically for those professionals focused on youth ministry. The group offers membership and resources such as conferences, journals, and awards in the field.

Students wishing to pursue their MDiv are not required to have a bachelor's degree in any particular field. However, many applicants may already have an interest in the field, and therefore, may have earned a bachelor's degree in a related area, such as religious studies or theology. These bachelor's degree programs may provide students with a well-rounded background in theological topics and prepare them for more advanced study in the MDiv. It may also be more common for applicants to MDiv programs to have a background in the liberal arts as opposed to science or more technical fields.

Graduates of an MDiv program have several options for continuing their studies, and many of these options are available online. Students who wish to deepen their knowledge of theology, but maybe are not quite ready for study at the doctoral level, may decide to pursue an online Master of Theology degree program. Other students may decide to pursue doctoral study and can choose from online Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, or Doctor of Theology degree programs. Depending on the program, these courses of study may require between 2 and 3 years to complete and some programs may still be accredited by the ATS.

As mentioned, the cost of a program may help students decide which MDiv program to choose. However, students need to not only consider the cost of tuition and fees, but also factor in any available financial aid. After filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and taking out any eligible loans and/or grants, students may want to check specific schools, churches, and organizations for additional funding.

Scholarships are widely available for students wishing to study divinity at the graduate level. These awards vary in amount and have different standards for eligibility. Students who are already working for or are committed to a local church may want to check for any awards their denomination offers. Students may also want to check with schools that offer MDiv programs, as well as outside organizations. A couple of examples of available scholarships include:

• Institute of Pastoral Studies Scholarship- The IPS scholarship is available to students enrolled in an IPS program at Loyola University Chicago. The scholarship requires students to submit a resume and a writing sample to be considered.
• General Board of Higher Education and Ministry General Scholarship- The GBHEM, part of the United Methodist Church, offers a wide range of scholarships to students, including a general scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students. For graduate students, the award varies between $500 and $2,000, and applicants must be a member of the UMC and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.