Masters in Theology

What Do You Learn in a Masters in Theology?

A Master of Theology (Th.M) is a graduate education program that typically offers a deeper level of education and skill training in theology. In this type of degree, students typically choose one of several concentrations. Some of those options may include Biblical studies, theology, history and ecumenic, religion and society, and practical theology. Students typically learn more than they would in a bachelor’s degree. Some students go on to complete a secondary master’s degree program such as an MA(TS) or MDiv.

Students may find a wide range of educational opportunities for them in completing a masters in theology. Often, they may be able to study areas that are important and interesting to them. This may include courses that are in a particular area of interest as well as those to prepare them to work in a wide range of jobs and in various career paths.

Theology Courses May Include

Each school sets their own requirements for what students learn in this program and path. This includes the types of courses and the number of credits needed. Aside from skills developed through scholarly research and critical thinking, students may take courses such as the following as a part of their master’s degree in theology.

Apologetics

In this course students typically learn a defense for the Christian worldview, which may include how to respond to objections of the Christian belief using different tools and rationale. Scripture and reason are often the two primary tools discussed as defense mechanisms.

Major Approaches to Theology

This course usually provides an introduction into theological study, looking at items through a Christian lens and focusing on the study of God. Areas of discussion may include the nature of context, organization, and existential issues in the study of theology.

Systemic Theology

This course typically covers the in-depth study of Christian Doctrines. Topics covered may include but are not limited to sin, revelation, humanity, and God.

Theological Hermeneutics

The primary focus of this course is usually the study and interpretation of scripture. The different types of applications used to interpret scripture as well as how to build upon the current understanding of theological approaches, may be discussed.

Christian History

This course typically covers the history of Christianity. It is usually divided into two portions. The first covers the first century AD all the way through the Reformation. The second portion of this course covers the Reformation all the way through current times.

Christian Ethics

This course encompasses a number of categories but typically focuses primarily on the study of theology and how to apply the ethics and values of Christian beliefs in teaching and interpretation of scripture.

Find Funding for Theology Masters Programs

Completing a master’s degree in theology may require some students to seek out funding options. According to data from NCES for the 2019/2020 school year, the average master’s degree tuition for that year was $19,792. To pay for that, many students need to consider funding options. There may be more than one option available. To help, here are some examples of available funding that may apply.

Scholarships

Scholarships may be an attractive option for many students. These are typically never paid back. Students may need to meet specific requirements to obtain and maintain them. They are offered by a wide range of organizations who wish to encourage people to enter a specific area of study. There may be options available to those completing master’s degrees. Check out available scholarships for theology students.

Federal Loans

Federal student loans are a common option for many students. These loans are backed by the U.S. federal reserve. That means that they typically have terms and conditions that meet specific requirements. Student loans for graduate students are available, though they may be a bit different from those for undergraduate students. Nevertheless, they often offer the flexibility that students need as they attend graduate school.

Here is a look at some of the options for graduate degree programs through federal student loans

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans often do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
• Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

Another potential tool to help cover the cost of a graduate education is the use of a private student loan. Private loans are not under the same regulatory control as federal student loans. As a result, the terms and conditions of these loans are based on what the lender sets. Various lenders exist all with a range of different loans to potentially offer.

When considering a private student loan, be sure to learn about all requirements including when repayment begins and if it is possible to refinance the loans later. Also important is to learn the qualifications. Some of these lenders require a specific credit score, GRE score, or GPA. Other rules and regulations may apply as well.

Is clergy a good career?

A person completing a master’s degree in theology may be able to work as a clergy member. This may include working as a Catholic priest, congregational care pastor, missionary coordinator, pastor, rabbi, or other positions. They typically conduct religious worship and perform spiritual functions associated with the denomination they are a member of, including any associated functions with beliefs and practices of the religious faith. In addition to this, a clergy member typically provides spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members as well.

They pray and promote spirituality. Clergy members also read from sacred texts, such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran. They may also prepare and deliver talks and sermons to groups of people. Some also organize and lead religious services and plan or lead religious education programs.

Some of the day to day work of a person in the clergy may include leading classes or community events following the beliefs and requirements of their denomination or religious faith. They may also develop educational programs based on those beliefs. They or others may carry out those lessons. Clergy also often counsel clients and patients regarding personal issues often related to their beliefs. They may also develop promotional strategies for the organizations they are a part of in an effort to raise awareness or funding. Often, they also visit people in their homes to provide support.

To work as a member of the clergy, a person typically needs extensive education, including a master’s degree and, in some cases, a work history. There may be some skills learned on the job, but students are expected to have a strong foundation of knowledge before heading into this type of career path that comes from their educational background. 

• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.

2020 Median Salary for Clergy

The median salary for a person working as a clergy member in 2020 for each state is listed below, and it is obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is religious activities director a good career?

Another potential career path for those with a theology master’s degree may include working as a religious activities director. This may include working as an adult ministries director, a chidlren’s minsitries director, religious education coordinator, senior adults director, or one of numerous other specific roles. A person in this type of work typically coordinates or designs programs and conducts outreach to promote education based on their religion or belief system, often based on the faith or denomination. Many times, their work includes providing counsel and guidance to others, along with leadership, in areas of religious, marital, health, or financial problems.

A religious activities director’s job is often specific to their faith but typically includes identifying and recruiting potential volunteer workers and training and supervising religious education instructional staff. They may also develop as well as direct the study of religious education programs within groups or full congregations. They may also publicize programs through various sources like mailings, bulletins, and newsletters, to encourage others to participate. Often, they also select the curricula or the class structure for the programs they are promoting.

The work activities of a religious activities director may include developing educational programs and leading classes or community events. They may also work hand-in-hand with others to train staff members for the various social service skills needed. They may present social service programs to the public and supervisors workers who are providing those services to the patient or client.

To do the work of a religious activities director, a person typically needs to have a bachelor’s degree, though not all positions require this. Some may desire a master’s degree, while other organizations may choose someone with ample work history in the field. Some education and skill development is provided as a component of the job, in many cases.

• Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2020 Median Salary for Religious Activities Directors

The following is the median salary for a person working as a religious activities director in 2020 by state, based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.