Seminary Degree Options
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
The M.Div. program is the foundational professional degree for ministry. It is designed to prepare
students for a variety of ministries such as parish ministry, various types of chaplaincy, mission work at
home and abroad, and other forms of church vocation. The M.Div. program is also designed to prepare
students for graduate study in theology and related disciplines.
1. Calvin offers
a. https://www.calvinseminary.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/
2. Duke offers:
a. http://divinity.duke.edu/academics/degrees/master-divinity
3. Fuller offers:
a. http://www.fuller.edu/mdiv/
b. Areas of focus:
i. Ancient Context of the Old Testament
ii. Anglican Studies
iii. Children at Risk
iv. Christian Ethics
v. Church in Contemporary Culture
vi. De Pree Emphasis in Leadership
vii. Islamic Studies
viii. Recovery Ministry
ix. Theology and the Arts
x. US Military Chaplaincy
xi. Worship Music Ministry
xii. Worship, Theology, and the Arts
xiii. Youth, Family, and Culture
4. Gordon-Conwell offers:
a. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/Master-of-Divinity.cfm
5. Princeton offers:
a. http://www.ptsem.edu/Student_Life/Admissions_and_Financial_Aid/Admissions/index.
aspx?menu_id=142&id=1679&admpg=4715
6. Western offers:
a. http://www.westernsem.edu/about/programs/mdiv/
Joint M.Div. and Master in Social Work Program
The M.Div.-MSW Dual track degree program can prepare you for professional ministry where Christian
theology and faith meet the pain and struggle of human life. You will learn to integrate the theory,
knowledge, and skills required of pastors and social workers as they seek to be instruments of grace and
peace.
1. Princeton offers:
a. http://www.ptsem.edu/Student_Life/Admissions_and_Financial_Aid/Admissions/index.
aspx?menu_id=142&id=1679&admpg=4715
2. Western offers:
a. http://www.westernsem.edu/about/programs/dual-track/
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) is an academic program that is designed either for those who
intend to go on for further academic studies or for those who desire a strong theological education for
various vocational goals. Possible vocations include teaching, theological research, and editing.
1. Calvin offers:
a. https://www.calvinseminary.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/
2. Duke offers:
a. http://divinity.duke.edu/academics/degrees/master-theological-studies
Master of Theology (Th.M)
The Master of Theology (Th.M.) is a post-M.Div./M.T.S. degree program designed for advanced study
and academic research in a specialized area of the theological curriculum. It gives seminary graduates
the opportunity to extend their education in a particular field or to prepare for doctoral-level work.
1. Calvin offers
a. https://www.calvinseminary.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/
b. Areas of specialization
i. Old Testament
ii. Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature
iii. New Testament
iv. History of Christianity
v. Systematic Theology
vi. Philosophical and Moral Theology
vii. Pastoral Care
viii. Pastoral Leadership
ix. Preaching
x. Worship
xi. Evangelism
xii. Educational Ministry
2. Duke offers:
a. http://divinity.duke.edu/academics/degrees/master-theology
3. Fuller offers:
a. http://www.fuller.edu/mat/
b. Areas of Focus:
i. Ancient Context of the Old Testament
ii. Ancient Near Eastern Studies
iii. Anglican Studies
iv. Biblical Studies
v. Children at Risk
vi. Christian Ethics
vii. Church in Contemporary Culture
viii. De Pree Emphasis in Leadership
ix. International Development and Urban Studies
x. Islamic Studies
xi. Recovery Ministry
xii. Theology and the Arts
xiii. Worship Music Ministry
xiv. Worship, Theology, and the Arts
xv. Youth, Family, and Culture
4. Gordon-Conwell offers:
a. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/Master-of-Theology.cfm
b. Areas of Focus:
i. Division of Biblical Studies
ii. Division of Christian Thought
iii. Division of Practical Theology
5. Princeton offers:
a. http://www.ptsem.edu/Student_Life/Admissions_and_Financial_Aid/Admissions/inde
x.aspx?menu_id=142&id=1679&admpg=4715
6. Western offers:
a. http://www.westernsem.edu/about/programs/thm/
Master of Arts (M.A.)
The Academic Master of Arts degrees are intended for students who desire knowledge in a particular
field and are not planning to enter into pastoral ministry. Typically, individuals enrolled in these
programs plan to pursue university doctoral studies, or to serve as teachers or Christian leaders in other
professions. The Professional Master of Arts degrees are intended for individuals who desire to prepare
themselves for professional ministry in church or para-church contexts.
1. Calvin offers:
a. https://www.calvinseminary.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/
b. Areas of Focus:
i. Evangelism & Missions
ii. Educational Ministries
iii. Worship
iv. Pastoral Care
v. Youth & Family Ministries
vi. Bible & Theology
2. Duke offers:
a. M.A. in Christian Studies (M.A.C.S.)
i. http://divinity.duke.edu/academics/degrees/master-arts-christian-studies
b. M.A. in Christian Practice (M.A.C.P.)
i. http://divinity.duke.edu/academics/degrees/master-arts-christian-practice
3. Fuller offers:
a. M.A. in Family Studies (M.A.F.S.)
i. http://www.fuller.edu/mafs/
b. M.A. in Theology (MAT)
i. http://www.fuller.edu/mat/
c. M.A. in Theology and Ministry (M.A.T.M.)
i. http://www.fuller.edu/matm/
d. M.A. in Martial and Family Therapy (M.S.M.F.T.)
i. http://fuller.edu/master-of-science-marital-family-therapy/
e. M.A. in Intercultural Studies (M.A.I.C.S.)
i. http://www.fuller.edu/maics/
f. Korean Language MA in Intercultural Studies
i. www.fuller.edu/koreanprograms
g. M.A. in Global Leadership (M.A.G.L.)
i. http://www.fuller.edu/campuses-online/fuller-online/magl.aspx
4. Gordon-Conwell offers:
a. M.A. in Old Testament (M.A.O.T.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Old-Testament.cfm
b. M.A. in New Testament (M.A.N.T)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-New-Testament.cfm
c. M.A. in Biblical Languages (M.A.B.L.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Biblical-Languages.cfm
d. M.A. in Church History(M.A.C.H.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Church-History.cfm
e. M.A. in Theology (M.A.T.H.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Theology.cfm
f. M.A. in Ethics and Society (M.A.E.T.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Ethics-and-Society.cfm
g. M.A. in Biblical Studies (M.A.B.S.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Biblical-Studies.cfm
h. M.A. in Christian Thought (M.A.C.T.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Christian-Thought.cfm
i. M.A. in Spiritual Formation (M.A.S.F.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Spiritual-Formation.cfm
j. M.A. in Christian Leadership (M.A.C.L.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Christian-Leadership.cfm
k. Master of Arts in Urban Ministry Leadership (M.A.U.M.L.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Urban-Ministry.cfm
l. M.A. in Educational Ministries (M.A.E.M.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Educational-Ministries.cfm
m. M.A. in World Missions and Evangelism (M.A.M.E.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-World-Missions-andEvangelism.cfm
n. M.A. in Counseling (M.A.C.O.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Counseling.cfm
o. M.A. in Christian Counseling (M.A.C.C.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Christian-Counseling.cfm
p. M.A. in Religion (M.A.R.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Religion.cfm
q. M.A. in Religion—Workplace Theology, Ethics and Leadership (M.A.R.-W.T.E.L.)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MAR-Workplace-Theology.cfm
r. M.A. in Religion (Hispanic Ministries Program)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MAR-Hispanic-MinistriesProgram.cfm
s. M.A. in Christian Ministries (MACM)
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/MA-Christian-Ministries.cfm
t. Online M.A. in Christian Ministries
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/online/MA-Christian-Ministries.cfm
5. Princeton offers:
i. http://www.ptsem.edu/Student_Life/Admissions_and_Financial_Aid/Admissions/i
ndex.aspx?menu_id=142&id=1679&admpg=4715
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
The Doctor of Philosophy degree equips scholars for teaching and research in colleges, theological
seminaries and universities, as well as for general church leadership.
1. Calvin offers
a. https://www.calvinseminary.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/
2. Duke offers:
a. http://divinity.duke.edu/academics/degrees/doctor-philosophy
3. Princeton offers:
a. http://www.ptsem.edu/Student_Life/Admissions_and_Financial_Aid/Admissions/index.
aspx?menu_id=142&id=1679&admpg=4715
b. Areas of Focus:
i. Biblical Studies
1. Old Testament
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
2. New Testament
History and Ecumenics
1. Church History and History of Doctrine Mission
2. Mission, Ecumenics, and History of Religions
Theology
1. Systematic Theology
2. Philosophy and Theology
3. Christian Ethics
4. History of Doctrine
Religion and Society
Practical Theology
1. Christian Education
2. Pastoral Theology
3. Homiletics
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min)
Strengthen your practice of ministry by developing your capacity in critical biblical and theological
reflection, reliable social research and cultural discernment, and missional vision and practice in
ministry.
1. Fuller offers:
a. http://www.fuller.edu/academics/school-of-theology/dmin/dmin.aspx
2. Gordon-Conwell offers:
a. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/doctor-ministry/index.cfm
3. Western offers:
a. http://www.westernsem.edu/about/programs/dmin/
Doctor of Theology (Th.D)
The PhD is the foundational degree program for teaching at a seminary, college or university. The PhD in
Theology prepares students for a vocation in theological teaching and scholarship by equipping them
with the essential tools for high-level scholarship, guiding them in a major research project in the area of
their major concentration, and supporting the development of teaching skills.
1. Fuller offers:
a. http://www.fuller.edu/academics/school-of-theology/cats/phd-in-theology.aspx
b. Areas of Concentration:
i. Christian Ethics
ii. Church History/Historical Theology
iii. New Testament
iv. Old Testament
v. Philosophy/Philosophical Theology
vi. Practical Theology
vii. Theology (Systematic Theology)
viii. Theology and Culture
2. Gordon-Conwell offers:
a. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/ThD-in-Missiology.cfm
3. Princeton offers:
a. http://www.ptsem.edu/Student_Life/Admissions_and_Financial_Aid/Admissions/index.
aspx?menu_id=142&id=1679&admpg=4715
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
1. Fuller offers:
a. Clinical Psychology
http://www.fuller.edu/Academics/School_of_Psychology/Clinical_Psychology/Doctor_o
f_Psychology/
Certificates
Certificate Programs provide an opportunity for church staff, volunteer ministry staff and other
interested people to enhance their understanding and training. These are not degree programs, but
courses of study intended for ministry and personal enrichment. The courses being offered in Certificate
Programs are graduate level.
1. Calvin offers:
a. Certificate in Ministry
b. Certificate in Church Planting
c. Certificate in Youth Ministry
d. Certificate in Worship
e. Certificate in Missions & Evangelism
f. Certificate in Educational Ministries
g. Certificate in Pastoral Care
h. Certificate in Theology
i. Certificate in English Bible
2. Duke offers:
a. Certificate in Anglican Studies
b. Certificate in Baptist Studies
c. Certificate in Gender, Theology, and Ministry
d. Certificate in Prison Studies
3. Fuller offers:
a. Certificate in Anglican Studies
b. Certificate of Christian Studies (SIS)
c. Certificate of Christian Studies (SOT)
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Certificate in Recovery Ministry
Certificate in Theology and the Arts
Certificate of Youth Ministry
Certificate of Youth Ministry: Young Life Concentration
Certificate in Marriage and Family Enrichment
Certificate of Christian Studies
Certificate in Urban Youth Ministry
i. http://www.fuller.edu/offices/academic_advising/certificate_programs/
ii. http://www.fuller.edu/academics/
4. Gordon-Conwell offers:
a. Certificate in Christian Studies
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/degree-programs/Charlotte-Certificates.cfm
b. Urban Christian Streetworkers Certificate Program
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/boston/future/Lay-Ministry-Training.cfm
5. Western offers:
a. Urban Pastoral Ministry
i. http://www.westernsem.edu/about/programs/cupm/
Diploma Programs
Designed for lay people seeking to serve in Christian ministry, the Diploma Program provides a basic
overview of theological education for holistic ministry in an urban context.
The program provides the student with a basic overview of theological education for ministry and
consists of nine (9) required courses and one (1) elective. The Diploma in Foundational Christian Studies
may be applied toward coursework in one of the M.A. degrees or the M.Div. degree once a student is
accepted to one of those degrees.
1. Calvin offers:
a. Diploma in Ministry
i. https://www.calvinseminary.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/
2. Gordon-Conwell offers:
a. Diploma in Christian Studies
b. Diploma in Urban Ministry
c. Life and Ministry Diploma
i. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/boston/future/Lay-Ministry-Training.cfm
ii. http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/Diploma-Program.cfm
Other Degrees:
Dallas Baptist University – Doctorate in Christian Leadership
The Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is a minimum 60-hour research doctorate program. Students attend
three monthly weekend seminars per semester and one summer institute per year. The institutes are 714 days and rotate from Dallas; Washington, DC; and Oxford, England.
The program develops and enhances essential 21st century servant leadership competencies, including a
broader global and cultural perspective as well as an emphasis on professional development as a leader.
Concentrations are available in Business, Higher Education, Ministry, or General Leadership.
The experienced faculty at the Gary Cook School of Leadership incorporates your particular interests and
life experience to guide you to the next level of excellence in your chosen field.
Gary Cook School of Leadership at Dallas Baptist University - http://www3.dbu.edu/lead/
Duke- Concentration in Christian Education
The Concentration in Christian Education benefits persons seeking to practice as church educators,
teachers, college chaplains, youth workers, or health care workers. Since educational ministry is rightly
understood as organic to the church’s ministries of outreach, worship, mission, and nurture, persons
called to parish ministry will find the concentration equally beneficial in preparing them for
congregational leadership. In addition, the Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Christian
Education will satisfy ordination requirements for deacons and elders in the United Methodist Church
AND qualify them for “certification” in areas of Christian Education. Students in the M.Div. program
interested in the Concentration in Christian Education should declare that interest to the Office of
Academic Formation and Programs (108 Gray).
Fuller- The Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy (MSMFT) provides Christian individuals
with the professional training and clinical skills necessary for licensure or certification as a marital and
family therapist. Students are challenged to integrate their therapeutic practice into a faith-filled
theological vision of wholeness in human relationships.