Master's In theology vs master's of Pastoral Studies?

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Ok here’s is the situation. I could attend graduate school for a master’s of theology or a master’s of pastoral studies. My question is this. Which is more usefull all around?

Which would help me get a quality job?

What are the pros and cons of each?

Any help would be welcomed!

~RSF
 
what kind of job?
do you have a vocation for pastoral work?
do you have a vocation to study theology on that level?
it will probably be more helpful to discern your vocation, and the duties involved and needs of that vocation, then discern the preparation necessary and desireable.
 
Well I have been acepted into both graduate programs so I’m trying to discern which one I should go to. I feel I can handle the school work for both programs. I wish that God would hit me over a head with a 2by4 saying which college to attend. 🤷

Unfortuneatly, I doubt this is going to happen so one avenue I’m going to check out what popular opinion holds. Thanks all!
 
I guess it depends on how each school defines those programs, and what professions they are designed to prepare you for, sorry can’t help more w/o more info. I would guess, judging by similar programs, pastoral studies is more “applied theology” why the MA in Theology is more “theory”. Pastoral careers would be obviously priesthood, or any of the lay professions that assist in care of souls. I would be very careful about how your college and program define lay pastoral work, and that the distinctions between ordained priesthood and laity are retained and honored.
 
Both schools have a good reputation, which means good education from Jesuits who sadly don’t always force thier schools to conform with the teachings of the magisterium.

My current job is working in a group home. Once I go to college I’m done in this line of work. I’m glad I did it, but need a new start in a different field.
 
I was going through the same dilemma. It really depends on what you want to do. I chose the MA in theology as I be more specific in the classes that I take toward my interest in Moral Theology.

IMHO, the MA in theology is probably best for teaching in an academic setting, Religious Ed and such, maybe teaching theology at high school level.

MAPS is better, methinks, if you want to do more pastoral stuff; parish work.
 
I agree with Newbie2. If your aim is toward education, theology seems more appropriate. If you’re thinking parish work than the pastoral degree makes sense.

I have a degree in pastoral theology, sort of a blend of the two. But I had no intention to go on for a doctorate or to teach (which would have required theology). When I see job ads for positions in parishes they seem to require degrees in theology, religious studies, or a related field so there are some options.
 
I also agree. I have degree in Theology and an advanced certificate in Pastoral Ministry (which included most of the MAPS courses) and also a D. Min (and a second MA in theology with a concentration in liturgical studies God willing next summer). If you are going to be doing parish ministry the MAPS is very helpful since while you do get the theology you also get much of the practical stuff you need to know in parish life. THe MA in Theology or Theological Studies allows you to go on for further studies or to teach on a high school or even on an undergraduate level. Both are probably very good programs and share a lot of similar courses. My husband is going for his MAPS and except for 6 courses his core courses are all similar to the ones I took for my MA in Theology.
 
I would suggest you look at what type of job you want when you get the degree and where you want to work.

I know someone said that if you wish to do parish sort of work that the Pastoral Studies might be better but I know of at least one diocese that requires a Masters of Theology for those who want to work as parish administrators.
 
Look at the curricula. Which one prepares you for what you want to be doing twenty years from now?

Matthew
 
Thank you all who have responded. I am leaning more towards the theology. A dream job would be teaching catechism to adults, perhaps also as a college professor. Though that will likely make it necessary for me to get a doctorate to teach at the college level.

God Bless!
RSF
 
RedSoxFan said:
Thank you all who have responded. I am leaning more towards the theology. A dream job would be teaching catechism to adults, perhaps also as a college professor. Though that will likely make it necessary for me to get a doctorate to teach at the college level.

God Bless!
RSF
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In regard to teaching, and the mention of the catechism, did you ever consider a Masters in Catechetics? Franciscan University has such a program. It seems to me this might be good to consider because that degree is all about learning how to pass on the faith and catechize.

Good luck! Keep us informed!
 
I would have loved to go there, but it wasn’t in the cards. The other two schools I am debating are both much closer to home, so that’s probably the best for us.
 
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