Deciding between a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or a Master of Theology (ThM) degree can be a tough choice. Both are respected graduate degrees in the realm of divinity and theology but they have some key differences. This article will break down the similarities and differences to help you determine which degree aligns best with your goals and calling.
Overview of Master of Divinity and Master of Theology Degrees
Let’s start with a quick rundown of each degree
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
- Traditionally a 3-year graduate program (can be accelerated)
- Focuses on practical ministry training and leadership skills
- Covers biblical studies, church history, theology, preaching, etc.
- Usually requires an internship or field experience
- Common for aspiring pastors, ministers, chaplains, ministry leaders
Master of Theology (ThM)
- Traditionally a 1-year post-graduate program
- Focuses on advanced theological research and academics
- Usually has a thesis or major research paper component
- Common for those pursuing academics or doctoral studies
Comparing the Curriculum and Coursework
The MDiv typically covers three main areas: biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry studies. This provides a well-rounded education suitable for Christian ministry. Courses often include:
- Old Testament and New Testament studies
- Church history
- Systematic theology
- Ethics
- Pastoral care and counseling
- Preaching
- Administration and leadership
- Evangelism and discipleship
- Internship or field education
The ThM builds upon this foundation with advanced studies in theology and biblical studies. Courses are more research-focused, such as:
- Advanced biblical languages
- Focused Old or New Testament book studies
- Historical theology
- Systematic theology
- Contemporary theology
- Philosophical theology
- Thesis writing and research methods
So an MDiv covers the core building blocks while a ThM allows for specialization and advanced scholarship.
Comparing Program Length and Structure
The typical MDiv takes 3 years to complete, often with a practical ministry internship. However, many programs allow students to complete the degree in 2 years through full-time accelerated study. Programs range from 72-90 credits.
A ThM is usually only 1-2 years in length, with 30-36 credits. It is considered a post-graduate degree, so students must already have an MDiv or equivalent master’s degree before starting a ThM program.
Both degrees are offered through seminary schools or divinity schools. Courses are often offered in flexible formats, including online, evening, and weekend courses to accommodate students who work full-time.
Job and Career Path Differences
The MDiv is designed to equip students for professional ministry roles such as:
- Pastor
- Chaplain
- Missionary
- Christian educator
- Children’s minister
- Youth pastor
- Worship leader
- Nonprofit leader
The ThM prepares students for more scholarly roles such as:
- Seminary professor
- Theologian
- Writer or publisher
- Ministry or nonprofit research
- Academic administration
- Preparation for a Doctor of Theology (ThD) or PhD
So the MDiv leads directly to full-time ministry while the ThM provides specialized training for theological research and teaching at the graduate level or higher.
Reasons to Pursue an MDiv Degree
Here are some of the main reasons someone may prefer an MDiv over a ThM:
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You feel called to vocational, full-time pastoral ministry. The MDiv provides comprehensive biblical, theological, and practical training for this.
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You want to become a military, hospital, or prison chaplain. Most chaplaincy programs require the MDiv.
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You hope to plant a new church or lead a ministry. The leadership training in an MDiv prepares you for this.
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You value hands-on ministry experience. MDiv programs typically include internships in real ministry settings.
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You want a broad, well-rounded education in theology and ministry. The MDiv covers core disciplines in-depth.
Reasons to Pursue a ThM Degree
Some reasons students may opt for a ThM over an MDiv include:
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You want to teach theology at a seminary or Bible college. The ThM develops advanced theological research skills.
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You hope to pursue a doctoral degree such as a ThD or PhD. The ThM provides preparation for doctoral work.
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You already have your MDiv and now want specialized advanced studies. The ThM allows this focused scholarship.
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You are currently in full-time ministry and want to enhance your theological expertise. A ThM allows flexible study.
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You want to write for theology publications or publish original research. A ThM trains you for this academic work.
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You feel called to theological research more than pastoral ministry. The ThM is tailored for this calling.
Key Considerations in Deciding Between Degrees
As you weigh an MDiv vs ThM, here are some key considerations:
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Are you planning for vocational ministry or a more academic path?
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Do you already have an MDiv degree or equivalent? (This is required for most ThM programs)
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Do you hope to pursue doctoral studies in the future?
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Are you able to commit to 1 year (ThM) or 3 years (MDiv) for your program?
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Do you prefer hands-on training or research-focused education?
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Does your denomination or desired ministry role require the MDiv?
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Will you need to balance studies with family or ministry obligations? (The ThM may offer more flexibility)
Checking Program Requirements and Offerings
It’s wise to check with individual seminaries to make sure their degree aligns with your goals. Key things to look for include:
- Accreditation (ATS, ABHE)
- Areas of specialization or concentration
- Internship, field education, or thesis requirements
- Ability to transfer in some credits
- Delivery formats and schedules
- Availability of scholarships and financial aid
This will help ensure the program provides the best training and preparation for your intended career and calling.
In the end, deciding between an MDiv or ThM depends on your unique calling, ministry goals, and career path. For those planning for full-time pastoral ministry, the comprehensive training of an MDiv is usually best. For those pursuing academics and advanced theological research, a ThM builds nicely on an MDiv foundation.
Through prayer and wise counsel, you can discern which divinity graduate degree makes sense for this next season of your life and ministry. Both the MDiv and the ThM provide enriching experiences that equip you to better know and serve God. Exploring programs that align with your goals and calling is an exciting next step. As you take that step, you are embarking on a journey that will shape you for Christ-centered service and make an eternal impact for God’s Kingdom.
Do I really understand the differences between an M.A. and an M.Div.?
A common misconception in today’s academic market is that M.Div. programs are inherently more “spiritual” or “practical” and that M.A. programs are more “heady” or “academic.” While that may be true in some places, it’s far more often the case that good M.Div. programs will challenge your “head” in ways that can be quite challenging, and good M.A. programs will shape you spiritually in ways you never imagined. In reality, the choice between an M.A. and M.Div. is often much more about your personal and vocational aspirations, and you shouldn’t have to choose between the head and the heart.
A better way to think about the differences is to focus on breadth and depth. A good M.Div. program will give you solid preparation across a broad range of disciplines (e.g. Bible, theology, preaching, counseling, leadership). That prepares you to know at least a little about a lot of different things, and it is precisely what many of us need when entering into ministry. But others have already learned about many of those things, either through their undergraduate work or their ministry experiences, and what they really need is to dig deeply into a particular subject. That’s where an M.A. program excels. While it sacrifices a certain kind of breadth, a good M.A. prepares you to think deeply about an aspect of Christian thought and ministry, allowing you to specialize in a way that is not possible in a broader program.
M.A. or M.D? Five questions to ask when choosing your next degree.
Considering advanced study in biblical and/or theological studies, but struggling to discern whether an M.Div. or an M.A. is more appropriate for you? Here are five important questions I suggest students ask when discerning between an M.Div. and the Wheaton College Graduate School’s M.A. programs in the School of Biblical and Theological Studies.
A version of this article by Dr. Marc Cortez previously appeared in Bible Study Magazine.
What is the purpose of the Master of Divinity degree today?
What is a Master of Theology?
A Master of Theology, which goes by the abbreviation Th.M., is another common postgraduate seminary qualification. Theology refers to the study of religion. It’s an interdisciplinary field that integrates history, philosophy and anthropology and is concerned with asking difficult questions about faith and the existence of a higher power.
What is the difference between a Master of theological studies & divinity?
A. A Master of Theological Studies is considered an academic program, one that features extensive research and philosophical debate, and prepares graduates to enter a wide range of professions in or outside the church. A Master of Divinity will prepare students to enter the ministry, though completion of the degree does not equate to ordination. Q.
What is the difference between a divinity degree and a Theology degree?
A degree in divinity will prepare you to enter the ministry or a spiritual leadership role. A degree in theology is much more academic, and will prepare you to teach religion, transition to more rigorous academic pursuits, or apply faith to other areas of your life or profession. Q.
What is a Master of Divinity?
A Master of Divinity, also known as an M.Div., is a postgraduate qualification in the field of theology that prepares students for ordination to the ministry—the commissioning of a religious minister.
