For anyone considering a master’s degree in divinity or theology, it is important to understand the differences between the two degrees. Both the Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees prepare students for professional roles in religious contexts and offer a variety of courses and specializations that can help individuals become more effective in their chosen fields. However, there are some important distinctions between the two degrees. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between the Master of Divinity and the Master of Theology, taking into consideration the focus and goals of each program and how each degree may prepare students for certain types of roles. We will explain what you can expect from each program, the type of jobs graduates may pursue, and the best way to choose the program that will best fit your career goals.
What’s the Difference Between an M.Div and an M.A.?
What is a Master of Theological Studies?
This master’s degree, also known as a Master of Theology, is the ideal option for those who want to approach their faith from an academic standpoint. While theology programs can cover a variety of religions, there is frequently one primary faith that serves as the program’s guiding principle. Examples of such primary faiths include Thomism and Franciscan Catholicism, which serve as lenses through which teachers choose and students interpret course material.
In a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program, students look at the languages, ideologies, past, and current cultural effects of religion. A few courses provide specializations in subjects like Biblical studies, history, systematic theology, liturgy, or ethics. Students who excel in an MTS program will have strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills as well as a background in philosophy or history (such as a bachelor’s degree). The minimum degree required by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to teach at an accredited Bible college is an MTS, which is frequently required to teach religion at the secondary school or community college level.
What is a Master of Divinity?
With a more practical approach to faith than theology, a Master of Divinity program prepares graduate-level students for a career in active ministry. A Theological Studies program may focus on any number of religions, but a Master of Divinity (MDiv) primarily focuses on the Christian faith, or a specific denomination within Christianity.
The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament or Christian New Testament, Bible interpretation, Christian ethics and theology, ministry, and spiritual counseling are all topics covered by MDiv students. Any of these fields of study may be specialized in through an MDiv program, and a capstone project is optional. Most MDiv degree programs involve a supervised internship or short-term placement with a parish.
Candidates must be actively involved in their church in order to be accepted into an MDiv program. Examples of this involvement include serving as a deacon, leading Bible study groups, or running a youth ministry program in their parish.
The MDiv is the most popular professional degree for those pursuing ministry in North America, but ordination, which is a separate process, is not automatically granted upon successful completion of an MDiv program. Graduates may also be qualified to instruct in theology or religion at the college level. On a full-time basis, this degree program typically lasts three years to complete.
What is a Master of Ministry?
While its name might indicate otherwise, a Master of Ministry (MMin) program does not necessarily prepare graduates to enter ministry. Rather, this type of graduate program has a broader focus on the Christian “ministerial arts,” and can include elements of theology, Bible study and interpretation, and liberal arts like communication and education. In fact, this degree is sometimes referred to as a Master of Arts (MA) in theology or ministry. Even with a broad approach, an MMin or MA program may focus on one Christian denomination.
An MMin degree may be obtained by someone who wants to teach religion in secondary schools or colleges, but additional professional certification may be necessary. MMin degree programs can be divided into two categories: professional and academic, with a typical completion time of two years.
A professional MMin offers comprehensive training in philosophy, history, education, and psychology as they relate to ministry and has the option of offering specializations in:
A professional track can be much less research-intensive than an academic MMin. It is more suited to those who intend to pursue further education and teach religion or theology at the higher education level. A written thesis intended for publication may frequently be part of the capstone project for this program.
| Master of Theological Studies | Master of Divinity | Master of Ministry | Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology | |
| Time to Complete | 1–2 years | 3 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Application Requirements |
|
|
|
|
| Ideal For |
|
|
|
|
| Program Focus |
|
|
|
|
| Sample Coursework |
|
|
|
|
| Possible Careers |
|
|
|
|
10 Popular Schools
The following selections are top choices among our users even though they might contain sponsored content.
Grand Canyon University
- MS in Mental Health & Wellness – Christian Ministry
- Master of Divinity
What is your highest level of education?
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Master of Theology degree is a post-Master of Divinity degree that aims to prepare you to become a teacher or scholar in the field, whereas the Master of Divinity degree is typically designed to prepare one for a career as an ordained minister. As a result, there are significant differences between these two degrees in terms of the length of the program and the prerequisites for the degrees. The Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degree programs will be discussed separately in this article, with more detail on coursework, degree requirements, and admissions standards for each program type.
FAQ
What’s the difference between theology and divinity?
A divinity degree will prepare you for a career in the ministry or in a position of spiritual leadership. A theology degree is much more academic and will prepare you for teaching religion, moving on to challenging academic pursuits, or incorporating faith into other aspects of your life or profession.
What is a Master of Divinity equivalent?
MDiv equivalency is defined. as a master’s degree and 72 graduate semester hours, or comparable graduate credits in other systems, representing a broad-based study of theology, biblical studies, and the arts of ministry.
What is the difference between doctor of divinity and doctor of theology?
A doctor of divinity is typically a bishop who has received an honorary degree from the Roman Catholic Church. A person who has earned the highest degree in Catholic theology is referred to as a “Doctor of Sacred Theology” (in Latin, Sacrae Theologiae Doctor, abbreviated STD) in the pontifical university system.
What does a Masters of divinity do?
Students in the master of divinity (MDiv) program work at the intersections of the academic study of religion and the practices of religious communities, the past and the present, classroom study and field study, the beliefs and practices of their own religious tradition, and the wider world.
