Master's Degree in Theology?

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Journeyman:
Anyone here have a Master’s degree in Theology? I am thinking about entering a Master’s program in Theological studies after 20 years in another unrelated field. It will take time to earn the Master’s and it is something I feel drawn towards, but I am not sure of all the ways that one can use such a degree for another career. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated. I feel as though God wants me to work towards such a degree to use the degree to help others. But I am stumped as to what I might do in six years or so if I do finish a Master’s program.
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I’ll soon be finishing my Master’s degree in TheologyIt is the most rewarding thing I have ever done, and I too felt that God wanted me to do this.

I have no idea what I am going to use my degree for. Perhaps take a Ph.D, or become a teacher. Or a writer or a journalist? Maybe God wants my to become a missionary? Time will tell, I trust in God.

Anyway, taking a Master’s in Theology is REWARDING and EXCITING! Go for it! 🙂
 
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Journeyman:
Anyone here have a Master’s degree in Theology? I am thinking about entering a Master’s program in Theological studies after 20 years in another unrelated field. It will take time to earn the Master’s and it is something I feel drawn towards, but I am not sure of all the ways that one can use such a degree for another career. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated. I feel as though God wants me to work towards such a degree to use the degree to help others. But I am stumped as to what I might do in six years or so if I do finish a Master’s program.
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I have a Masters of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from a Roman Catholic Seminary. The program is a combination of Sacred Scripture, Dogma, Moral Theology, and Liturgy and Sacraments. I concentrated in Sacred Scripture.

Before I embarked on this program in 1997, I was thinking of going for a professional degree like an MBA, or JD. Add 5 other degrees I thought about and yes - I was driving my wife crazy. Finally, I came across this MA in Religious studies program for lay people, clergy,and religious.

I’m gainfully employed (although I could always do better 😉 ) . Like you, I was at a crossroad in my life because I was confused about what to do about my professional educaton. Finally, after speaking to my wife about it - I decided to “jump in” the MA in Religious Studies! It took me five years to complete on a part time basis. Needless to say, the program was one of best things I ever did in my life! I’m thoroughly happy with my training in the MA program!

Now, professionally speaking, what can you do with an MA in Religious Studies or Theology? Hardly anything unless you’re teaching or in some kind of ministry. But don’t size up the value of the degree in the secular world just because it’s “Theology” or “Religious Studies”. The skills you learn while earning the degree are all important for the labor market. For example, the quality of my work improved because I was able to hone my professional skills in the following areas:

(1) Critical Thinking
(2) Writing
(3) Research
(4) Oral presentation
(5) Debating and arguementation skills
(6) Synthesizing large amounts of information into logical parts.

These are just some of the professional skills which will take you far in your career - it did for me. And guess what, I never discuss the content of my graduate training unless I’m asked.

Granted, it’s hard for many to make the connection between a degree in Theology and professional work other than academia or ministry, but it offers you an excellent foundation. In essence, it’s a fantastic liberal arts program and very few people today concentrate on honing their liberal arts skills.

If your wife is o.k. with it, and you’re earning decent income where nothing in the household will fall short as far as finances - GO FOR IT! I believe that it is indeed a calling from God for you to work on a MA in Theology. You can always work on an professional degree later. Currently, I’m working on my second masters - a masters in public administration (MPA). I’m having a great time because of the great preparation I had in my MA in Religious Studies.

By the way, an MA in Theology can lead you to other careers that require critical thinking such as law, mathematics, academia, etc.

Lastly, I’m also using my MA for teaching Sacred Scripture in Adult Education courses at night.

GO FOR IT!

Plato
 
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Plato:
I have a Masters of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from a Roman Catholic Seminary. The program is a combination of Sacred Scripture, Dogma, Moral Theology, and Liturgy and Sacraments. I concentrated in Sacred Scripture.

Before I embarked on this program in 1997, I was thinking of going for a professional degree like an MBA, or JD. Add 5 other degrees I thought about and yes - I was driving my wife crazy. Finally, I came across this MA in Religious studies program for lay people, clergy,and religious.

I’m gainfully employed (although I could always do better 😉 ) . Like you, I was at a crossroad in my life because I was confused about what to do about my professional educaton. Finally, after speaking to my wife about it - I decided to “jump in” the MA in Religious Studies! It took me five years to complete on a part time basis. Needless to say, the program was one of best things I ever did in my life! I’m thoroughly happy with my training in the MA program!

Now, professionally speaking, what can you do with an MA in Religious Studies or Theology? Hardly anything unless you’re teaching or in some kind of ministry. But don’t size up the value of the degree in the secular world just because it’s “Theology” or “Religious Studies”. The skills you learn while earning the degree are all important for the labor market. For example, the quality of my work improved because I was able to hone my professional skills in the following areas:

(1) Critical Thinking
(2) Writing
(3) Research
(4) Oral presentation
(5) Debating and arguementation skills
(6) Synthesizing large amounts of information into logical parts.

These are just some of the professional skills which will take you far in your career - it did for me. And guess what, I never discuss the content of my graduate training unless I’m asked.

Granted, it’s hard for many to make the connection between a degree in Theology and professional work other than academia or ministry, but it offers you an excellent foundation. In essence, it’s a fantastic liberal arts program and very few people today concentrate on honing their liberal arts skills.

If your wife is o.k. with it, and you’re earning decent income where nothing in the household will fall short as far as finances - GO FOR IT! I believe that it is indeed a calling from God for you to work on a MA in Theology. You can always work on an professional degree later. Currently, I’m working on my second masters - a masters in public administration (MPA). I’m having a great time because of the great preparation I had in my MA in Religious Studies.

By the way, an MA in Theology can lead you to other careers that require critical thinking such as law, mathematics, academia, etc.

Lastly, I’m also using my MA for teaching Sacred Scripture in Adult Education courses at night.

GO FOR IT!

Plato
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Thanks Plato! I am not too worried about making much money with an MA in Theology. Having the credentials to teach something important such as scripture is another thing I have in mind. An MA will do that.

Your points on how your MA prepared you for other things is well taken. If nothing else, an MA in Theology will change my life and make me a better person.
 
What’s that? My diocese, Rockville Center, is considered ‘progressive?’ Where did they ever get that idea from?
 
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Lux_et_veritas:
It’s really sad Monoghan pulled out of Michigan.
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It is even more sad that he broke so many “promises” and withdrew his support from so many worthwhile programs. Be very very cautious of any committment to anything connected with TM.

Thankfully, the Law School is still in place… but he controls it like the “sole proprietorship” of a pizza store owner.

Best wishes with your distance learning program… you will get quality without the remnants of the charismatic. It seems to have leveled off after Fr Scanlon retired. If you get a chance to learn from Sr Johanna… grab it!!
 
If you are thinking about getting a master’s in theology, plan to learn Latin and/or a biblical language (e.g. Hebrew) if you have not already. I go to Catholic University in DC and I know that for advanced degrees in theology, you need to know Latin. Also (assuming you want your theology degree from an orthodox Catholic school), look into getting a pontifical degree. These degrees are granted by the Holy See. I myself am interested in getting a pontifical degree in Sacred Scripture (either an S.S.L. or S.S.D.) To get one of those degrees, however, I will have to go to the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (the only school in the world-that I am aware of-that grants this degree). In terms of pontifical degrees in theology, Catholic U. offers the S.T.B., S.T.L., etc. Lastly, when choosing a school, I would google the term “Land of Lakes Statement” and make sure that the school you want to attend does not adhere to it. Good luck!

Pax tecum
~Stephen
 
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MrS:
It is even more sad that he broke so many “promises” and withdrew his support from so many worthwhile programs. Be very very cautious of any committment to anything connected with TM.

Thankfully, the Law School is still in place… but he controls it like the “sole proprietorship” of a pizza store owner.

Best wishes with your distance learning program… you will get quality without the remnants of the charismatic. It seems to have leveled off after Fr Scanlon retired. If you get a chance to learn from Sr Johanna… grab it!!
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I hear you on TM

Thanks for the info on FUS.
 
Stephen T:
If you are thinking about getting a master’s in theology, plan to learn Latin and/or a biblical language (e.g. Hebrew) if you have not already. I go to Catholic University in DC and I know that for advanced degrees in theology, you need to know Latin. Also (assuming you want your theology degree from an orthodox Catholic school), look into getting a pontifical degree. These degrees are granted by the Holy See. I myself am interested in getting a pontifical degree in Sacred Scripture (either an S.S.L. or S.S.D.) To get one of those degrees, however, I will have to go to the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (the only school in the world-that I am aware of-that grants this degree). In terms of pontifical degrees in theology, Catholic U. offers the S.T.B., S.T.L., etc. Lastly, when choosing a school, I would google the term “Land of Lakes Statement” and make sure that the school you want to attend does not adhere to it. Good luck!

Pax tecum
~Stephen
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There is some very good advice here, although, as you pointed out, obtaining a pontifical degree in the US is difficult at best. Unless I am mistaken, Catholic U is the ONLY institution in the United States which grants such a degree. (And not everyone there is orthodox, by any stretch of the imagination!)

In my experience, Biblical languages are typically not required unless one aspires specifically to a Biblical languages degree. An MA in Systematic Theology or Ethics for example, would most likely require French or German; a PhD in Systematics would require both.

I would offer this side note: There are many colleges/universities I could name which are not, in some respects, fully “orthodox”. It does NOT necessarily follow that there are no “orthodox” professors in such schools, or that an “orthodox” Catholic education cannot be obtained.

Blessings,
 
David Zampino:
I would offer this side note: There are many colleges/universities I could name which are not, in some respects, fully “orthodox”. It does NOT necessarily follow that there are no “orthodox” professors in such schools, or that an “orthodox” Catholic education cannot be obtained.

Blessings,
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I would definitely agree with this. Even though I do not want to go to Sacred Heart Seminary at this time, I can vouch for the fact that there are many outstandingly orthodox professors, priests and nuns teaching there today. They are solid - all the way. And, this was a hotbed for progressives in the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s.

Unfortunately, when I looked at the roster for a few classes I needed to take, wouldn’t you know that it would be with professors that are more progressive in their ideologies. It brings back bad memories of the bad experience I had there. I think if my first few classes, such as intro Theology could have been with one of the more orthodox professors, I might have started out at Sacred Heart. But the ones I wanted weren’t teaching in the evening or in locations as accessible to me on the days I needed.

In fact, I would like to convey that I have heard some very positive things happening at Sacred Heart Major Seminary that have turned it around. I am really hoping it will go the rest of the way in a few years in time for me to enterain the new STL being offered there in the New Evangelization. I’ll have to get some language classes in prior to that, but FUS should set me up reasonably well, outside of those language classes and one or two others.

I think after this ad limina visit, more corrections will come and new personnel will be seen, God willing.
 
Well . . .can anyone name some unorthodox seminaries, colleges and universities in the U.S.A.?

Luckily, I studied at an orthodox seminary - St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York. Anyone ever heard of Monsignor William Smith? A highly regarded moral theologian? Avery Cardinal Dulles has also taught in my MA program too!

Also, several of my professors had Ph.D degrees from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, Jerusalem, Catholic University, Fordham University (in Philosophy), Gregorian, etc.

Plato
 
For those who have a Masters in Theology…could you provide a few samples of the books you read during your studies?
 
Sugar Ray:
For those who have a Masters in Theology…could you provide a few samples of the books you read during your studies?
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Good question. And/or authors.
 
I know this is going a bit off-topic, but Lux et Veritas, do you know if Ave Maria will still be offering its law program in Michigan? I was thinking about going back to school for a law degree and Ave Maria was at the top of my list, but I thought I heard that the entire program was moving down to Florida. Thanks for any insight you may be able to offer!
 
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Lux_et_veritas:
I’ve just applied to the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s distance learning program because I know that the theology program is sound. In order to get residency requirement, I will have to go there two summers for just 3 weeks each time. They have compacted several classes into 3 weeks in order to facilitate these summer sessions. The rest are taken at home via video taped sessions.

I did this because I do not fully trust the professors at my home town seminary yet (Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit). I started to take theology about 20 years ago there and ran into an unsuspected pocket of heavy progressiveness and feminism.
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I went to FUS for my undergrad and my Dad received both a Masters in Theology and Philosophy from the Detroit Seminary. He voiced some similar concerns with liberalism and feminism at the seminary but was able to find good professors to study under.
 
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maryalene:
I know this is going a bit off-topic, but Lux et Veritas, do you know if Ave Maria will still be offering its law program in Michigan? I was thinking about going back to school for a law degree and Ave Maria was at the top of my list, but I thought I heard that the entire program was moving down to Florida. Thanks for any insight you may be able to offer!
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I’m not Lux et Veritas, but I know they are still in Michigan. avemarialaw.edu/
 
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JGheen:
I went to FUS for my undergrad and my Dad received both a Masters in Theology and Philosophy from the Detroit Seminary. He voiced some similar concerns with liberalism and feminism at the seminary but was able to find good professors to study under.
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JGheen, how did you like FUS?
 
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JGheen:
I went to FUS for my undergrad and my Dad received both a Masters in Theology and Philosophy from the Detroit Seminary. He voiced some similar concerns with liberalism and feminism at the seminary but was able to find good professors to study under.
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How long ago did your dad go there?

I do know that people have told me that there have been significant improvements. Its just that I could not get away from some of the very people I wanted to avoid based on the first semester schedule. It was not how I wanted to start out.
 
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maryalene:
I know this is going a bit off-topic, but Lux et Veritas, do you know if Ave Maria will still be offering its law program in Michigan? I was thinking about going back to school for a law degree and Ave Maria was at the top of my list, but I thought I heard that the entire program was moving down to Florida. Thanks for any insight you may be able to offer!
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I can’t be sure because I don’t keep up on the law school. Seems to me it may very well all be headed for Florida, but don’t take my word on it.

Consider making a new thread with Ave Maria Law School in the title.
 
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Journeyman:
JGheen, how did you like FUS?
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Loved it! I was always Catholic (and even charismatic) but those years were pivotal for my life. I would not be the person I am today in many significant ways, if I had gone to another school.
 
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