Online master of divinity degrees and master of theology degrees are often thought to be the same thing but they are not. Each prepares you for unique career paths and each focuses on different aspects of religious thought and practice. Learning the differences between the two will help you to understand these two degrees and which one might be able to help you to achieve your career goals.
Master Of Divinity Degree
A master of divinity degree is primarily for those who wish to be ministers of teachers. This type of degree focuses on the topics and concerns that come along with the typical activities of the ministry and include these activities along with pastoral counseling and teaching. This type of degree will educate you on topics related to providing services for your congregation and administering the sacraments. This type of degree is made for ministers and teachers who wish to gain a fuller understanding of their duties in these two roles and how to best perform those duties.
Master Of Theology Degree
The master of theology degree is a degree with a wholly different focus. In this degree program you will immerse yourself in the study of religion from a more mystical perspective. You will zero in on the theological underpinnings of all the physical practices of your faith. This program is meant for those who have ambitions in the research and more academic side of religion as opposed to those who work in the ministry. For an in-depth look at the theological reasoning and the philosophy behind religion, turn to this type of degree.
Beyond Career Goals
When you look past the career goals then these two types of degree may point toward the type of person you are. Perhaps you enjoy the everyday working of the ministry. You enjoy working directly with the people and you wish to be there in their times of need to provide spiritual counseling.
On the other hand, maybe you prefer to concentrate on philosophy. Academic pursuits may be more your style which would make research and deeper study of religious thought a natural route for you. These degrees may be seen as a separation of thought and action.
When you choose your degree it will be based on your career goals. Both degrees can lead to a lifetime of work in the church. In the end, everyone serves in their own way.
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
More Degrees...
|
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.
|
MA: Christian Studies
MA: Christian Leadership
MA: Pastoral Ministry
MA: Urban Ministry
MA: Youth Ministry
|
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.
|
MA: Spiritual Leadership
|
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.
|
MA: Ministry
|
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.
|
MA: Pastoral Care
MA: Religious Education
|
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.
|
MA: Religion
MA: Christian Ministry
|
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.
|
|
Click here to learn about more divinity degrees
|
Use the degree finder below, and we'll help you find a Master of Divinity program.
