Centering on the study of religious theology — with full intent to train and guide those looking toward a career in the pastoral profession — the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is the most common academic degree offered by North American seminaries and divinity schools. It is widely considered to be the first professional degree of the pastoral profession, replacing a Bachelor of Divinity on that front at most seminaries and universities nationwide. The varying nature of most religious organizations and followings themselves is precisely the reason most M.Div. degrees vary by type of study and institution.
Career Outlook & Salaries with This Degree
For a large number of religious denominations, including many Christian sects, the Master of Divinity is a standard expectation for those with aspirations of becoming priests or pastors, or ascending into other leadership opportunities. Typically, most pastors in the United States will find themselves earning anywhere between $70,000 and $98,000, with approximately $85,000 serving as the mean for such a calling.
Job Responsibilities with This Degree
Pastors and other religious denominational leaders are the most typical candidates for a Master of Divinity, but those seeking careers as pastoral counselors or theological researches also might find use.
Course Requirements and Prerequisites for Earning This Degree
In a vast majority of United States M.Div. programs, students will apply coursework in philosophy, theology, church history and church growth to their program of study, with many programs also focusing on liturgical studies, Latin, Hebrew, and evangelism — with specific offerings usually a product of the type of divinity study at hand. While a bachelor’s degree is, at present time, still a requirement for admission to most graduate divinity programs, it should be noted that typical Master of Divinity programs are significantly longer and more thorough than most other master’s degree programs. Requiring between 70 and approximately 106 credit hours, most M.Div. programs, even those at the low end of the spectrum, require nearly double the credit hours — traditionally 36 to 48 — of other master’s programs.
Online Masters of Divinity Degree Programs
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree involves the study of Christian theology. This degree is the first professional degree of the pastoral profession in the United States. Holders of this degree are typically prepared for pastorship, priesthood, or professional ministry. Studies include Scripture studies, pastoral theology, Hebrew, liturgical studies, canon law, philosophy, and more. Below is a list of the most popular online colleges offering an M.Div. or related degree.
MDiv
MDiv: Biblical Studies
MDiv: Chaplaincy
MDiv: Church Ministries
MDiv: Leadership
MDiv: Missional Studies
MDiv: Pastoral Counseling
MDiv: Theology
Master of Sacred Theology
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Liberty University offers online theological Masters degrees in Christian Leadership, Discipleship Ministries, Evangelism & Church Planting, Intercultural Studies, Marketplace Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling, Worship Studies, and Theological Studies. There is also a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Religious Education (MRE), and Master of Sacred Theology. Programs are well suited for pastors, Christian educators, small group leaders, evangelical leaders, and even Christian musicians. In fact, the M.Div. in Worship Studies has a faculty of top Christian leaders in worship music, song writing and arranging. Another unique MA is in Pastoral Counseling, in which students learn biblical counseling principles and strategies they can apply to help people in churches, rescue missions and shelters.
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MA: Christian Studies
MA: Christian Leadership
MA: Pastoral Ministry
MA: Urban Ministry
MA: Youth Ministry
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Grand Canyon University is among the top online education programs according to the Online Education Database. Students in the Masters of Arts in Christian Studies program can choose an emphasis in Christian Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Urban Ministry, and Youth Ministry, all online. The Christian Leadership emphasis prepares religious, professional and secular leaders in biblical and theological knowledge and its application in leadership settings. Pastoral Ministry students has some of the same courses, like Old Testament Foundations, but specializes in mentoring, the work of the pastor, and sermon preparation. Urban Ministry includes a course titled "Issues in Urban Ministry," but is otherwise similar to Pastoral Ministry, and Youth Ministry includes courses on Youth Issues and Crisis, and Mentoring and Counseling Youth.
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MA: Spiritual Leadership
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Spring Arbor University's MA in spiritual formation and leadership combines the principles of "Christian spiritual formation and growth" with "evangelical perspective on discipleship." Students need not be pastors or ministers, but simply those looking to promote their own abilities to spiritually lead others in faith and practice. Students will strive to develop the communication, skills, and values needed to carry out duties of leadership positions.
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MA: Ministry
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The MA in ministry program from Hope International University prepares students looking for training in a second career by providing the means to be become more effective leaders in their local church or para-church organization. Students experience a combination of biblical development, professional development, and personal development courses that equip them with a solid foundation for Christian leadership. Classes are offered both on campus and online for convenience.
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MA: Pastoral Care
MA: Religious Education
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The MA in Pastoral Care at Fordham University combines the studies of theology and psychology to increase the effectiveness of pastoral ministry. This comprehensive program looks at philosophy, theology, history, sociology and culture to help inform future ministers of how best to serve their communities. The MA in Religious Education focuses on Youth and Young Adult Ministry and encourages strong values and improvement of human interaction and communication skills.
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MA: Religion
MA: Christian Ministry
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Graceland University's MA in Religion program is mostly online, but requires one three-week residential session. The Curriculum includes Christian Theology, Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament, Survey of the History of Christian Thought as well as three to four electives and is meant to give students a strong foundation for Christian ministry or doctoral study. The MA in Christian Ministry is more devoted towards teaching students practical ministerial skills in pastoral care, worship leadership and preaching.
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Liberty University: Master of Divinity