The School of Theology and Ministry's most prominent programs - Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Master of Theological Studies - are designed to meet the needs for any student who is interested in studying theology, regardless of his or her educational background. The most common question prospective students have is "what is the right program for me?" The answer is usually influenced by your educational background, where your greatest gift meets the world's greatest need, and a realistic assessment of what opportunities you would like available to you after graduation and throughout your career.
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program is the flagship degree at any theological school. Students graduating with an M.Div. have received the most comprehensive theological and ministerial training available at the Master level at the STM. The M.Div. was originally created to prepare religious for ordination and continues to be the most common vehicle for ordination into the priesthood in the Catholic Church. Lay women and men choose the M.Div. to receive the same theological and ministerial training in order to take on leadership roles which historically were only reserved for clerics. Students applying into the M.Div. program should have an undergraduate education heavy in the humanities that specifically included courses in philosophy, and ideally theology. M.Div. students have a demonstrated passion for the ministry and service to the world. M.Div. candidates must have ministerial experience after college of at least one year. Graduates of the M.Div. program go on to careers in parish ministry, campus ministry, chaplaincy, teaching, non-profit work, among others, but are also prepared for doctoral studies.
Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (M.A. in Pastoral Ministry) program is a professional degree that provides the theological understanding and fosters a well-informed pastoral practice necessary for effective service in a focused ministry in the Church. It is designed for people of all ages and careers who desire to work professionally as lay ecclesial ministers or who are already engaged in ministerial work and wish to improve their theological understanding and pastoral competency. The program combines theological study, a focus on developing pastoral arts, and the integration of these two areas. Students applying into the M.A. Pastoral Ministry have bachelor's degrees in varied disciplines and diverse levels of experience in ministry – from little or no vocational ministerial experience to life-long careers dedicated to ministry. Working with an advisor, each student’s background and experience is considered in creating a meaningful course of study that meets the objectives of the individual student. Students may pursue their degree with or without a concentration in a specific area of ministry. Graduates of the M.A. Pastoral Ministry program go on to careers in parish ministry and administration, campus ministry, religious education, spiritual direction, and hospital chaplaincy, among many others.
Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program is an academic degree that provides students with a course of study that offers both a well-rounded theological education and the option for concentrated coursework and research in a specific theological discipline. The flexibility of the curriculum and the focus on research makes this degree especially appropriate for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies in theology and those who would like to teach at the high school or college/university level. The program is also appropriate for students seeking personal reflection and theological development. Students applying into the M.T.S. program normally have an academic background in the humanities (that preferably includes theology, philosophy, or a related discipline) and/or in the social sciences. Students in the program will work closely with their advisor to craft a curriculum that both meet the academic requirements of the degree and the educational and vocational goals of the student. Graduates of the program go on to doctoral study at the most competitive institutions in the country, teach religion or theology at the high school, undergraduate and graduate level, or return to their careers with a more sound theological grounding for the work they do.
Still Not Sure?
We have fifteen other programs - including a Master of Education in Religious Education, a Master of Theology, a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Education, a number of dual and joint degrees with other BC professional schools, our three canonical degrees - and a host of other certificate and general education programs. Please visit our academic programs for information on each of these programs.
Also, know that we are here to help you. While we are proud of our comprehensive educational offerings we know that having so many options can often be overwhelming for prospective students. Please do not hesitate to contact the staff at the Admissions Office. They will be happy to meet with you in person or over the phone to help you with your discernment.