Christian Graduate Degrees and Programs

Our list highlights some of the more popular advanced degrees in ministry, theology and Christian-focused professions. Some degrees may have several specialty options depending on the institution. Schools offering each degree are listed and often considered by Hope students in their discernment of Christian-based graduate programs.

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.

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Duke Divinity School
• Fuller Theological Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
• New Brunswick Theological Seminary
• Princeton Theological Seminary
• Western Theological Seminary

MASTER OF DIVINITY DUAL TRACKS

M.Div. and Master of Arts in Counseling

• Gordon-Conwell

M.Div. and Master in Social Work

• Western Theological Seminary

M.Div. and Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation

• Princeton Theological Seminary

MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (MTS)

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) 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.

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Duke Divinity School

MASTER OF THEOLOGY (TH.M.)

The Master of Theology (Th.M.) is a post-M.Div./MTS 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.

The following schools offer this option, some with a wide range of specializations.

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Duke Divinity School
• Fuller Theological Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
• Princeton Theological Seminary
• Western Theological Seminary

MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.)

Academic Masters 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. Professional Masters of Arts degrees are intended for individuals who desire to prepare themselves for professional ministry in church or para-church contexts.

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Duke Divinity School
• Fuller Theological Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
• New Brunswick Theological Seminary - Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Princeton Theological Seminary
• University of Dubuque Theological Seminary - Christian Leadership; Mission and Discipleship
• Western Theological Seminary
  • Specific for Young Life staff

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.

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Duke Divinity School
• Princeton Theological Seminary

 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.

• Fuller Theological Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
• Western Theological Seminary

DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY (TH.D.)

The Th.D. is the foundational degree program for teaching at a seminary, college or university. The Th.D. 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.

• Fuller Theological Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary 
  Th.D. in History and Hermeneutics: Mission Studies Concentration with Boston University
• Princeton Theological Seminary

DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (PSY.D.)

Clinical Psychology

• Fuller Theological Seminary

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.

The following schools offer a wide range of certificate options such as ministry, worship, youth ministry, educational ministries, prison studies, recovery ministry, marriage and family enrichment, urban youth ministry, Anglican studies and English Bible.

Explore options from these schools:

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Duke Divinity School
• Fuller Theological Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (bottom of chart)
• New Brunswick Theological Seminary
• Western Theological Seminary – Pastoral Ministry; Disability and Ministry; Non-Degree Seeking

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

Designed for lay people seeking to serve in Christian ministry, diploma programs provides a basic overview of theological education for holistic ministry in an urban context. Courses taken are often applied toward advanced degrees undertaken later.

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (bottom of chart)
• Lay ministry 

 OTHER DEGREES

Doctorate in Christian Leadership

• Dallas Baptist University

Concentration in Christian Education

• Duke Divinity School

Mater of Science in Marital and Family Therapy (MSMFT)

• Fuller Theological Seminary

Young Adult Ministry Scholars - earn a theological graduate degree while actively working with young adults on campus

• University of Dubuque Theological Seminary