Majoring in Theology

[tempus]

Hey everyone

This isn’t really a thread about the religious life / becoming a priest as I am still not ready to make that decision yet. I am 20 years old and a Sophomore in college. I have realized this year that I am probably in the wrong major, and have been thinking very seriously the past few months about what would be the best fit for me. After much internal reflection, prayer, and talking to others I think that I am leaning towards majoring in Theology. It seems like a good fit because I am very close with my Catholic faith and I have a deep desire to help others.

The point of this post is to get different perspectives on this major, as I’m sure a lot of you have insights into it that I don’t have at this point. If anyone here has majored in Theology, I’d love to here your experiences! I also realize that by posting on these forums, that most of us are religious anyways. So if you know of anyone who hated the major in Theology, that could perhaps be useful too! More specifically, if you could answer some of the following questions, that would be excellent!

1. Would I be employable? How hard for me would it be to find a job? Are the jobs satisfying and rewarding?
2. Is there a need for Theology majors? Would you say more or less people are majoring in Theology these days?
3. What have been some of your previous jobs with this major?
4. Would I need a Master’s degree to do anything?
5. How important is the university when it comes to Theology? For some majors, you can get A LOT further depending on what college you go to - does this also apply?
6. Is the major only for the cream of the crop intellectuals? For example, I just went to a huge debate on God at our university, and the two debaters were incredibly brilliant. I know for sure I wouldn’t stand up to some of these atheists who spend their whole lives crafting elegant arguments. I consider myself smart, but I’m more down to earth in my approach and really enjoy the service side of it a lot more so than debates and that sort of stuff.
7. In retrospect, would you pick this major again? Would you recommend it to others?

Thanks guys, I really appreciate any help!

 

[mjs1987]

Without becoming a priest or grad school, you can work at McDonalds or Taco Bell. I hear Starbucks takes philosophy and theology majors too. You can understand the deeper meaning behind being unemployed as well. Only take theology if you dont have to make a living outside the church or academia OR if you use it for grad school/law school.

 

[Montalo]

Without being as humourous about the situation as above

The only option, outside of the clergy, is within the church

You could become a professor of Theology, but to do that you need an STD(docterate of Sacred Theology)

to do that though, you need multiple foreign languages mastered, and a literary understanding of Latin and Biblical Greek

trs.cua.edu/academic/grad/ecclesiastical-degrees/std-genreqs.cfm

 

[Joannm]

Hey everyone

1. Would I be employable? How hard for me would it be to find a job? Are the jobs satisfying and rewarding?

I would say a lot has to do with the diocese. In our diocese there is a great need for people with degrees in Theology, especially as DRE’s and Youth Ministers, but it is expected that one go on for their Masters Degree

1. Is there a need for Theology majors? Would you say more or less people are majoring in Theology these days?

Again depends on the diocese. There probably are a good number of people getting a BA in Theology but less going for graduate work

1. What have been some of your previous jobs with this major?

Director of Spirituality, RCIA director, Adult Faith Formation director, diaconate instructor, lay formation instructor - but then that was all with graduate degrees

1. Would I need a Master’s degree to do anything?

Probably not, depends on what you want to do

1. How important is the university when it comes to Theology? For some majors, you can get A LOT further depending on what college you go to - does this also apply?

I went to a seminary that offered a lay MA and DMin, and to Notre Dame for my other MA in liturgy. Both offered a lot. Notre Dame opened up a few more doors for me especially with regard to publishing

1. Is the major only for the cream of the crop intellectuals? For example, I just went to a huge debate on God at our university, and the two debaters were incredibly brilliant. I know for sure I wouldn’t stand up to some of these atheists who spend their whole lives crafting elegant arguments. I consider myself smart, but I’m more down to earth in my approach and really enjoy the service side of it a lot more so than debates and that sort of stuff.

If you go for the MA you can focus on Pastoral Studies which is academic but not so intellectual and focuses more on ministry

1. In retrospect, would you pick this major again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would do it again

Thanks guys, I really appreciate any help!

 

[Young_Thinker]

Or maybe with the intention to medical school(of course, there are about 43 credit-hrs. in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics which you also need to fulfill) or the like.

 

[Jacob21]

Don’t mean to hack the thread lol, but I thought this would fit. (If not I’m sorry, feel free to ignore me haha.)

Say one majors in Theology, what careers are there in the Church? Or say one doesn’t major in Theology but wants to work in the Church. What options are there for lay people, and what are the odds of actually getting the job hah.

 

[Young_Thinker]

Don’t mean to hack the thread lol, but I thought this would fit. (If not I’m sorry, feel free to ignore me haha.)

Say one majors in Theology, what careers are there in the Church? Or say one doesn’t major in Theology but wants to work in the Church. What options are there for lay people, and what are the odds of actually getting the job hah.

From what I have recently learned, one can become a priest(it is, assume, a lot easier to become a monk)
after so many years of studying theology or canon law. For instance, one might first major in theology or philosophy(or in one or more of the natural sciences if one is interested in Society of Jesus, or even in, say, psychology) and then seek a Baccalaureat of Sacred Theology or J.D. and then a Licentate and (finally) Doctor of Canon Law. That is, of course, if one wants a doctorate. Academia is open, but jobs can be difficult to obtain. Another option for theo. majors is to afterward obtain a master’s degree in education with the intention of become a teacher in a religious school. In addition, religious magazines or newspapers may seek employees with some training in theo./religious studies. As for becoming a priest, I think that it would be exciting to enter the Vatican diplomatic corps. Anyway, this list of possibilities is certainly not exclusive.

 

[CDNowak]

From what I have recently learned, one can become a priest(it is, assume, a lot easier to become a monk)
after so many years of studying theology or canon law. For instance, one might first major in theology or philosophy(or in one or more of the natural sciences if one is interested in Society of Jesus, or even in, say, psychology) and then seek a Baccalaureat of Sacred Theology or J.D. and then a Licentate and (finally) Doctor of Canon Law. That is, of course, if one wants a doctorate. Academia is open, but jobs can be difficult to obtain. Another option for theo. majors is to afterward obtain a master’s degree in education with the intention of become a teacher in a religious school. In addition, religious magazines or newspapers may seek employees with some training in theo./religious studies. As for becoming a priest, I think that it would be exciting to enter the Vatican diplomatic corps. Anyway, this list of possibilities is certainly not exclusive.

It is **not **easier to become a monk, different perhaps, but not easier (particularly as many monasteries assume the dual vocation to the priesthood and the monastery).

Studies for the priesthood before major seminary require philosophy much more than theology (8 courses in PHL vs 2 in THE). These are usually done in a college seminary setting, even if you have a degree (the period specified for formation is longer than the 4 years it takes to do the academics in major seminary).

The primary use of a theology degree would be to go on to further education, working for the Church as a catechist, or in education. FUS required (perhaps they still do) their Philosophy and Theology students to sign a waver, noting that they would probably not make more with those degrees than someone make without a degree. (At least phl is useful for pre-law and general political involvement, not so theology).

As to what degrees are needed to teach theology, only in the seminary do you need a canonical degree, and then the STL is sufficient. Otherwise a Masters in Theology would allow you to teach theology at the highschool-undergrad level.

 

[Joannm]

Don’t mean to hack the thread lol, but I thought this would fit. (If not I’m sorry, feel free to ignore me haha.)

Say one majors in Theology, what careers are there in the Church? Or say one doesn’t major in Theology but wants to work in the Church. What options are there for lay people, and what are the odds of actually getting the job hah.

As a lay person with three graduate degrees in theology I think I can speak for at least what it will get you in my area of the country (Northeast). Most of our DREs are expected to have degrees in Theology or at least working toward them, preferable an MA. Pastoral Associates are expected to have an MA. All diocesan Adult Formation instructors are required to have an MA. These would be the people who teach the catechists and other lay people in ministry. Most diocesan office heads that deal with faith formation or worship or evangelization are requried to have the MA. One can also be an adjunt professor on the undergraduate level with an MA.

Without the degree there are also many opportunities for lay people to work for the Church but not usually in the positions I outlined above. I know people without the degree who work as Outreach coordinators, Stewardship, music ministry, as coordinators (as opposed to directors) of Religious Education, in administrative roles, also as RCIA coordinators (if the parish sees this as a salaried position).

 

[Young_Thinker]

It is **not **easier to become a monk, different perhaps, but not easier (particularly as many monasteries assume the dual vocation to the priesthood and the monastery).

Studies for the priesthood before major seminary require philosophy much more than theology (8 courses in PHL vs 2 in THE). These are usually done in a college seminary setting, even if you have a degree (the period specified for formation is longer than the 4 years it takes to do the academics in major seminary).

The primary use of a theology degree would be to go on to further education, working for the Church as a catechist, or in education. FUS required (perhaps they still do) their Philosophy and Theology students to sign a waver, noting that they would probably not make more with those degrees than someone make without a degree. (At least phl is useful for pre-law and general political involvement, not so theology).

As to what degrees are needed to teach theology, only in the seminary do you need a canonical degree, and then the STL is sufficient. Otherwise a Masters in Theology would allow you to teach theology at the highschool-undergrad level.

All right.

 

[bettyg51]

Last fall, at age 58, I began a Masters in Pastoral Theology with Ave Maria University’s Institute of Pastoral Theology. It is a part-time, three year program.

I already have a BA in English and an MBA. I have worked as a Technical Writer for 30 years. I long to serve the church as a married lay woman, so I am doing what God is calling me to do by studying. If I am going to serve, I want to be a professional.

I love what I am studying. The more I learn, the more I love God and His church. So my time is not a waste. If nothing else, this will make a great retirement job that will let me do a competent job of teaching adults. I love working with the RCIA and adult faith groups.

I wrote my archbishop about this same issue. What paying jobs are there for laity that want to teach adults? It seems unfair that there is such a need to catechize adults, but we are expected to be volunteers. It is no wonder to me that the adult faith development I see is the blind leading the blind. The church needs competent adult catechists and free classes for on-going conversion and growth in holiness. Without it, how can we have holy families that produce vocations to religious life? How can we counter-act the secularization of Catholics?

 

[joandarc2008]

I just applied for Masters of Pastoral Studies at University of New Orleans at Loyola. (LIM) Kind of amazing as I really feel that God took me there- it is a calling. I went to an Emmaus retreat I felt pulled - I got denied for PA school. I decided to apply for MPS - everything in fell into place. Today the Father that was doing my recommendation stopped by with a copy of it - he turned it in a week ago - don’t know why he stopped by today - but he did. An hour later I got my discharge packet from the US Army Reserves. It has been a day. But every time something has been taken away from my old life something new has been there from my new path to show me I am on God’s path and not my own. If you feel this way - keep going. If you don’t - discern some more.

 

[bettyg51]

I forgot to mention that a Masters in Theology is a qualification to be a board certified hospital chaplain. That is one of the possibilities I am considering. I did one unit of CPE (pastoral education) at a local hospital and I loved it. If you like visiting patients, this might be a good fit for you.

The reason I picked Ave Maria University’s Institute of Pastoral Theology is that it is solidly faithful to the magisterium, unlike many “Catholic In Name Only” universities. They have 4 remote sites, one of them is in my city. They are less expensive also.

 

[hxcCatholic413]

Actually you can teach Theology at an elementary school or high school with just a bachelor’s degree. My high school Theology teacher only had a bachelor’s degree.

 

[joandarc2008]

I forgot to mention that a Masters in Theology is a qualification to be a board certified hospital chaplain. That is one of the possibilities I am considering. I did one unit of CPE (pastoral education) at a local hospital and I loved it. If you like visiting patients, this might be a good fit for you.

The reason I picked Ave Maria University’s Institute of Pastoral Theology is that it is solidly faithful to the magisterium, unlike many “Catholic In Name Only” universities. They have 4 remote sites, one of them is in my city. They are less expensive also.

Just as a note - while laity may work for the Chaplaincy dept or as a Chaplain’s assistant this is only the Secular ruling. In the Catholic Faith only the Ordained can hold the titel of Chaplain.

Canon law defines a chaplain as “a priest to whom is entrusted in a stable manner the pastoral care, at least in part, of some community or special group of Christ’s faithful, to be exercised in accordance with universal and particular law” (Canon 564).

 

[srlucado]

A quick answer to this is to go to Monster.com or simplyhired.com and do a search on Theology; it’ll give you a list of jobs that are looking for or will accept a Theology degree.

If you can combine it with some other experience, a Theology degree definitely gets you over the hurdle of having no degree at all.

 

[Formosus]

Lol I am just finishing my Bachelors in theology and philosophy. They are definitely majors you take for the sake of wanting to study eternal truths, not monetary gain : p. There are a lot of jobs in different dioceses though. I know people who have taught religion in high school or have become paid youth ministers. There are plenty of other jobs too (just don’t expect to make a lot of cash : but hey I guess its all about saving up those spiritual treasures in heaven right:thumbsup.

 

[SteubieGirl]

I forgot to mention that a Masters in Theology is a qualification to be a board certified hospital chaplain. That is one of the possibilities I am considering. I did one unit of CPE (pastoral education) at a local hospital and I loved it. If you like visiting patients, this might be a good fit for you.

The reason I picked Ave Maria University’s Institute of Pastoral Theology is that it is solidly faithful to the magisterium, unlike many “Catholic In Name Only” universities. They have 4 remote sites, one of them is in my city. They are less expensive also.

Another good college I would suggest if you want to go into Theology is Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. They are also solidly faithful to the magisterium and are not a “Catholic In Name Only” university.
Good Luck!

 

[JoanREDirector]

I’d like to pose a question.

First, I’ll say - be careful where you get your degree. I majored in theology at a historically Catholic university. My heart ached for the dewy-eyed young students who were preparing for careers in youth ministry and liturgy. They knew they were ill-formed in Catholic doctrine and spirituality and they knew they weren’t getting it.

The department gathered us students together to solicit our our thoughts on how to improve the program. I heard the following exchange.

Young man, " I want to be a youth minister. I’m supposed to be leading teens to the Church and I don’t even know how to say the rosary. When are you going to teach us how to be Catholics?

Moderator, “We’re doing theology here. Catholic indoctrination is not appropriate.”

This happened in the late 90’s. Things may be different now. Here’s my question to you posters. Was she right?

 

[joandarc2008]

I don’t know about you but I didn’t learn to say the rosary in RCIA in 2008 which is where we should have learned the basics IMHO. I learned that off a card. That is why I have made the decision and promise that any youth I will sponsor in confirmation or adult for that matter will be going through the CCC chapter by chapter before the sacrament and doing some other reading. You would think a college program would be Catholicism 5.0 not 101.