Question for my Theological Scholars

I have noticed that when looking at some biographies or you know where the individual lists their credentials that it is listed entirely different from what the normal path is.

Let me elaborate. In theological education/seminary one is told by the majority of seminaries or religious institutions in order to enter into a Doctor of Theology program that one needs to have a M.Div. Is this suppose to be the norm or is it possible for people to go into a Doctor of Theology without an M.Div?

The reason why I bring it up is because I see where a few people graduated with a Doctor of Theology, but an M.Div isn't listed as part of their own educational credentials. Has anyone on this board done a Doctor of Theology without having an M.Div?

Is there any justification for one way v. the other (pros and cons)?

I thought I would get some insight. Please enlighten me on this. Thank you.

 

one reason might be . . .

I have checked in to a few (three) Doctor of Theology programs and I only have an MBA. The admission person at 1 school said I could not enroll because I did not have a MDiv. The other 2 said that I could enroll and enter the Doctorate program, but I would have to take several MDiv classes in addition to the Doctorate classes, and my enrollment status would show I was in the Doctor of Theology program.

Make sense?

Regards,
Michael

 

potpourri,

There is no clear cut answer on this. The individual schools set the admission criteria, so it is possible that school A requires an M.Div while school B only requires a graduate level theological degree.

 

What made you do the Master of Arts in Religion instead of the Master of Divinity? Have you considered doing the Master of Divinity? Most seminaries require at least 90+ hours to earn one.

I wonder why there's so much in difference from one place requiring a Master of Divinity in order to do a Doctor of Theology and one wouldn't require it? It seems like it would be more universal. Also wouldn't a person who holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Theology look more favorable than someone who has a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Theology?

Have any of you had personal experience with these issues?

 

My person theological educational journey (readers digest version): planning on pursuing ordination in my denomination (Presbyterian Church in America). Two years in, I started doubting my calling and took a step back. I was already approx 50% done with the M.Div and I could apply those hours to the M.A.R.

Most Seminaries/Divinity Schools offer either the Doctor of Philosophy (academic research degree) or Doctor of Ministry (more project based with more direct, immediate application). In the USA it seems the schools that offer a Doctor of Theology (which are few and far between) it seems to be somewhere between the Ph.D and the D.Min. That may account for some of the reason for the requirement of the M.Div.

As far as favorability, that depends on what you're doing with it. If you are seeking to be ordained by an ecclesiastical body, then whatever the requirements of that body should be adhered to. If you're wanting to teach, then the M.A. and Th.D should suffice, though some seminaries do required ordination and M.Div from their professors.