Is there any point to getting an MDiv if you're not going to be a priest?

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DJWhamo

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I’m considering going back to school, and feel drawn to the MDiv. However, I’m married, so I couldn’t be a priest. That being the case, what else could I do with the degree?
 
DJWhamo said:
I’m considering going back to school, and feel drawn to the MDiv. However, I’m married, so I couldn’t be a priest. That being the case, what else could I do with the degree?
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There’s a Director of Religious Education in a parish nearby who has a MDiv. I believe they are also useful if you want to become a Deacon as one of the fellow EMHCs in my parish has one and he’ll be ordained a deacon next year. Otherwise, you could probably become a professor at the seminary or Catholic college. You could become a lay chaplain at a hospital or the military.

If you’re not planning to become a priest or deacon, why not look at a Masters in Theological Studies instead? MDiv requires 90 credit hours instead of the regular 36 or 48 and a pastoral or practical course which really wouldn’t come in handy. MDiv is also more demanding.
 
DaughterOfMary6 said:
There’s a Director of Religious Education in a parish nearby who has a MDiv. I believe they are also useful if you want to become a Deacon as one of the fellow EMHCs in my parish has one and he’ll be ordained a deacon next year. Otherwise, you could probably become a professor at the seminary or Catholic college. You could become a lay chaplain at a hospital or the military.

If you’re not planning to become a priest or deacon, why not look at a Masters in Theological Studies instead? MDiv requires 90 credit hours instead of the regular 36 or 48 and a pastoral or practical course which really wouldn’t come in handy. MDiv is also more demanding.
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I’m sure people like Scott Hahn or other famous Bible scholars might find one useful.🤷
 
Actually, I read a post today on a Catholic site called “Encourage” that featured an interview between the pope and a Catholic priest journalist for a European Catholic publication, that stated Pope Francis intends to address the subject of allowing married priests at the meting with the Bishops this coming Fall. The quote from Pope Francis did NOT say that the pope was for or against such a change–however the pope pointed out that the majority of the original apostles were married men and that he, personally, was willing to address the subject this Fall and consider all ideas and suggestions–particularly in light of the current shortage of priests all through out the world presently. So, who knows? Maybe you COULD be a priest someday if that interested you!🤷
 
You might also consider a Masters of Arts in Ministry (MAM). It depends on what you feel your are called to do. If teaching,DRE or liturgist calls to you then MTS or MDiv might be good choices, though there are many in those positions without advanced degrees. For ministry in the parish or diocese or chaplaincy then MAM might fit. However you will still need many hours of practical experience before being a certified chaplain. It depends also on your resources (time but also tuition). As you are married do you have children? Are you looking into full time or part time study? What are the options near you?

God Bless!
 
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