College Degrees Question?

Question

For Theology, what are the degree's, ranking most years of education to least years, and say, If I wanted to get a Masters' degree in Theology, how many years total would I have to take. Any information or website is aprreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

In the US, it is most common to work toward the M.Div. (Master of Divinity), which is usually a three-year program. Most (but by no means all) M.Div. students seek ordination, so the coursework toward the degree involves a pastoral component, although most of the coursework is in theology, church history, etc. Students usually choose to focus in one of several fields, like practical theology, systematic theology, church history, Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament, etc.

However, it is also possible to earn a M.T.S. (Master of Theological Studies), which does not include pastoral coursework, and thus is not the usual path toward ordination. It is usually a two year degree, and limited to coursework in theology. Students also have a focus, usually in systematic theology, church history, Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament.

After an M.Div., some students continue on to a D.Min. (which has a pastoral component) or a Th.D. (which does not), or most commonly, a Ph.D. in Theology, or Hebrew Scriptures, or New Testament, or Church History, or whatever (none of which have a pastoral component).

After an M.T.S., some students continue on to a Th.D, or more often, a Ph.D.

The S.T.D. is another doctoral degree in theology, conferred by Catholic pontifical university system. So the only holders of this degree are Catholic clergy and nuns.