What Kinds of Theology Degrees are Available?
Because theology can be the study of one or many religions, there are diverse options for students seeking a theology degree. Degrees of all levels and all types are offered on the subject. The lowest level theology degree is the associate’s degree. It takes two years to earn an associate’s and is often awarded by community colleges, vocational schools, or even some religious institutions.
Bachelor’s degrees in theology are also available. Most often the bachelor’s degree in theology will be a BA, or Bachelor of Arts. It differs from a Bachelor of Science degree in that the first two years of core classes focus more on the arts than sciences. Some of the available bachelor’s in theology degrees are the Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, and many others.
Those seeking a graduate degree in theology have several options: They can earn a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Leadership, and others, or a Master of Divinity.
There are doctorate level degrees in theology as well. A few of them include the PhD in Theology, PhD in Theology/Religious Education, and PhD in Pastoral Counseling. These are the terminal degrees in theology, and will allow you to become a professor or highly respected academic in the field. There are also combined or accelerated programs that can help those going for a PhD earn a master’s degree in theology while going for their doctorate.
Types of Theology Degree Programs
Many people are interested in expanding their religious knowledge with a degree in theology. You may wonder what types of theology degrees there are. Theology degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Here are just a few of the theology degrees available:
- Associate Degrees in Religion
- Associate Degrees in Ministry
- Bachelor Degrees in Religion
- Bachelor Degrees in Christian and Bible Studies
- Bachelor Degrees in Ministry and Leadership
- Master Degrees in Religion and Divinity
- Master Degrees in Christian and Bible Studies
- Master Degrees in Ministry and Leadership
- Master Degrees in Christian Counseling
- Master Degrees in Theology
What is the Difference Between a Theology Degree and Divinity Degree?
One of the most popular theology degrees out there is the Master of Divinity degree. Although it is based in theological principles, it is very different from a traditional theology degree. The Master of Divinity, or M. Div., is the degree you would get if choosing to become a pastor. Many Christian faiths use the M. Div as the standard for becoming an ordained pastor, preacher, revered, etc. It is offered in both seminaries and divinity schools. Even the Roman Catholic Church uses a Master of Divinity when ordaining priests as the standard.
Since the Master of Divinity is a graduate degree, an undergraduate degree is needed before studies can begin in divinity. Many who choose to get the M. Div. can choose to get their undergraduate degree in theology, although it is not necessary. Other degrees M. Div. candidates can choose include history, philosophy, religious studies, or related area.
Other degrees that can lead to a Master’s in Divinity include Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Master of Religion, and there are even programs where students can get both the Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the same school. Those who study Sacred Theology are those who go onto become Catholic priests or deacons. In contrast, the traditional theology degree is for those who want to study religion, not practice it, although each denomination has its own preferences on what degrees they want their holy men and women to have.
What Theology Degree Scholarships and Grants are Available?
If looking for financial aid for a theology degree, the best place to start is the school you plan on attending. Once you get in, be sure and ask what financial aid options are available to you before choosing to enroll. This way if you were accepted into more than one school, you can see which offer the best financial aid options because total tuition costs can be less if there is more financial aid available to you.
In addition, the financial aid office can help you apply for all the grants and scholarships you are eligible for. They can answer questions, help fill out forms, and more. Although scholarships are highly competitive and not everyone gets one, everyone who qualifies for and applies for a grant gets it. Scholarships are money for education handed out based on academic performance, need, or both. Grants are based on need, and neither grants nor scholarships have to be paid back if the student completes their studies.
There are many national scholarships for theology students as well. One such is the Catholic United Financial Scholarship. Those who are members and studying for an undergraduate degree can apply and over 5,000 have been awarded. Students can attend a Catholic or non-Catholic university to be eligible.
Vision International Education Network offers scholarships to Christian students. They have two special scholarships: The Joseph J. Bohac Memorial Scholarship and The Karen S. DeKoven Memorial Scholarship. They are awarded each year to up to ten students each who wish to continue or start a Christian education.
Those studying Jewish theology can also find scholarships. One of the best known ones is the JCC of North America Graduate Scholarships. It provides merit based aid to students who are going onto careers that will enhance the Jewish Community Center movement.
More Free Resources for Those Interested in Theology?
- Beliefnet – No matter which religion you are interested in, there are resources here. Get information on every topic from traditional religions to alternative. The massive online community has representatives in every religion. There are also expert blogs, videos, prayers, and much more.
- The Holy See – If looking for official Catholic resources, this is the site of The Vatican. You can get many items and letters from The Pope himself. There are also encyclopedias with more information on everything Catholic and much more to be found on the site.
- Theology Forum – Want to hear from others studying theology? Then stop by this forum and take part in one of their many discussions. In addition to active threads, they even have Battle Royales where hot topics of debate are discussed.
- Religion Facts – If interested in just the numbers concerning theology, this is one of the better sites. It can give you an A to Z index of religions from Aladura to Zoroastrianism. They even have a Big Religion Chart where you can compare 40 religions at a glance.
- Religion News – Visit here to get the latest headlines in religious news from the UK paper “The Guardian.” They have the most recent, featured stories, commentary, and much more. You can even narrow the search by denomination.
- Christianity Today – If looking to get your news on the Christian side of theology, stop here. They have the latest headlines here. You can also get opinions, blogs, reviews, and more with a visit.