Is a Master of Theological Studies Right for You?
Theological studies provide a strong foundation for careers in education, healthcare, counseling, conflict resolution, chaplaincy, nonprofit outreach, advocacy, and many more fields. Graduates with a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree may wish to move on to seminary, ordination, or another kind of religious career that may or may not require additional schooling. However, many other graduate students choose to earn an MTS degree and apply it to careers unrelated to religion.
Whatever your chosen career path, there are some important factors to consider when determining if an MTS degree will help you fulfill your professional — and personal — goals.
What is Theological Studies?
Theology is the academic study of religion, addressing the philosophical, ethical, and metaphysical questions ever-present in faith. Students of theology seek to understand how the divine relates to our world today, throughout history, and into the future. Theologians examine religious thought and traditions as expressed through:
- Language
- Worship
- Literature
- Art
In graduate-level theological studies programs, there is usually a strong emphasis on intellectual discussions, debates, and academic presentations of students’ findings and conclusions. While not necessarily the track for those who want to enter ministry, theology master’s degree programs are often aligned with a specific faith, denomination, or charism.
Should You Earn a Master of Theological Studies?
19 Considerations
Where to begin? With your most pressing questions, both large and small.
“Ask questions,” advises Dr. Darleen Pryds, PhD, Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and History at the Franciscan School of Theology (FST), which offers an online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology degree. “There are no stupid questions; and if you have a question, someone else [probably] does too, so always ask the questions.”
Before you settle on a master’s degree program, here are some key questions to ask yourself during your search:
1. What are your personal criteria for a master’s program?
Practical considerations can include location, course format, cost, and program length. You may also choose to prioritize programs with high alumni placement rates, a field work component, or frequently published faculty members. Consider which, if any, specializations you’d like your ideal program to have — are you interested in liturgy, for example, or diversity and inclusion in worship? For theological programs in particular, think about how much (or whether) the particular faith framework matters to you.
2. What have graduates of the program gone on to do?
Alumni are some of your most valuable resources when you’re exploring theology degree programs. If a large portion of alumni from a certain theological school have entered teaching professions, you know the program likely has a strong educational component. Admissions counselors can provide you with contact information of alumni who would be willing to share their academic and post-grad experiences.
3. Does the program have a capstone or thesis component?
This unit serves as the culmination of a course of study, and gives students the opportunity to put everything they’ve learned into practice. Thesis projects can have written and practical components, both of which graduates can draw upon in subsequent professional pursuits.
4. Are there practical components to the program?
Before the thesis or capstone unit, there may be an opportunity to apply theological course content in a real-world context. Field study opportunities can include internships, apprenticeships, volunteering, or temporary placements in relevant professional settings, such as churches or schools.
5. Does the program align with your specific values or beliefs? Is this important to you?
Since theology usually examines faith through a specific religious lens, this is an important factor to consider. For example, while a program like the Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology is designed for students of all faiths, course content will immerse students in the compassionate, service-oriented teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, and a reasonable familiarity with Catholicism is helpful.
6. What do you want to do after you earn your degree?
If you’d like to teach, participate in community ministry, counsel others, or assist in your parish, a theological studies program would provide ideal preparation. If you would like to become an ordained clergy member, however, be aware that additional schooling is required beyond an MTS.
It’s also fine if you don’t know the answer yet. “Vocational discernment is a really tricky and wonderful process at the same time,” says Dr. Maureen Day, PhD, Assistant Professor of Religion and Society at FST. “Sometimes, when you are on the fence, [just] trying something out is really the way to go. [See] how those feelings … sit with you, and you will have a better sense of how to discern your next semester.”
7. What kind of difference do you want to make in your community or the world?
Think about where your passions lie. Are you a strong advocate for social justice? Do you want to work to end homelessness? Are you passionate about mental health awareness? If you are unsure about which degree program to choose, consider the issues that move you — this will help you identify programs that offer relevant opportunities and concentrations.
8. What are you naturally good at?
For example, do you excel at public speaking, listening, writing, giving advice, conducting research, working with children, or personal reflection? If you have a natural affinity or innate skill for something, choose a degree program that will allow you to exercise and further develop your skills and interests.
9. Which program prerequisites apply to you?
Any graduate program will require that you have an undergraduate degree and can provide letters of recommendation. Some MTS programs require that applicants’ letters be from church leaders or people affiliated with faith-based organizations. Preference may also be shown to applicants who have an academic background in philosophy or religious studies.
10. How much time and money can you commit to a degree program?
If you’re a busy working professional or are on a limited budget, part-time and/or online programs are both convenient and economical while offering the same quality instruction as on-campus programs. In fact, even on a part-time schedule, the 100% online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology program at USD can be completed in just two years. Many of the students in this program use federal financial aid or scholarships to help cover the two-year tuition ($28,800).
If you find that any of these questions give you pause, the following considerations may help you clarify your goals and options:
11. Theological studies programs can offer different styles of degrees.
MTS degrees can be classified as either academic or professional; an academic MTS program prioritizes the theoretical and intellectual aspects of theology and prepares graduates for further study (such as a PhD), while a professional MTS program prepares graduates to enter the workforce. MTS programs can also focus on a specific theological system that may align with your personal values.
12. You can develop an extensive set of skills.
The work of earning your MTS degree can help foster a wide range of skills, from course-specific to practical and cross-disciplinary.
| Theological studies students develop their skills of: | These skills can then be applied to course facets such as: |
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13. There are countless careers available to theological studies graduates.
Since an MTS degree does not prepare graduates for one specific career, their professional options are almost limitless. MTS graduates have gone on to become:
- Religious studies teachers
- K-12 educators
- University lecturers
- Chaplains/clerics (military, police, hospital, hospice)
- Ministers/pastors/clergy members
- Missionaries
- Youth workers
- Bereavement coordinators
- Counselors
- Lawyers
- Civil servants
- Community development workers
- Charity fundraisers
- Publishers
- Diplomats
- Church administrators/parish support staff
- Nonprofit leaders
- Healthcare professionals
- Musician/music directors
- And many more
14. Almost anyone can enter a theological studies graduate program.
Theological studies are generally of interest to religious individuals, but since theology is an inherently intellectual pursuit, anyone can benefit from an MTS program. Theological studies is especially ideal for those who:
- Wish to teach religion at the secondary school level
- Want to take an academic approach to theology
- Are interested in or familiar with the tenets of a specific religion or denomination and want to explore further
- Seek to form a deeper professional connection to their faith
- Have a philosophy background
- Want to reflect more deeply on their faith for personal reasons
MTS programs will occasionally stipulate some general prior experience, such as:
- Four-year undergraduate degree
- A familiarity with the relevant religion
- An academic background in philosophy
- An active and positive membership with a church
15. Theological studies faculty members are excellent resources for career-seekers.
Many university faculty members and instructors have worked in or currently hold positions available to MTS graduates. Faculty members are perhaps the most valuable resources to prospective MTS students, since they can speak about this type of degree from both personal and professional experience.
16. Class sizes are often small.
Due to small in-person or virtual class sizes, MTS students can get sufficient one-on-one time with faculty and develop close relationships with classmates. The nature of theological studies also presents unique opportunities for vulnerability and personal connection in the classroom.
17. There’s immense professional and personal value in a theological studies degree.
Theology is unique in that it can apply just as much to a person’s personal growth as to their professional path. Unlike other academic disciplines, theological studies encourage introspection and prompt the examination of one’s own beliefs and those of others. Alumni of the Franciscan School of Theology at USD, for example, can attest to the far-reaching impacts of a theology graduate program, both at work and at home.
“In my daily life of service to others in the public sector, I have found [the] values that I learned and saw expressed … during my time at the Franciscan School of Theology to be invaluable,” says Jeff Durham, who holds a Master of Ministry and has a passion for effecting societal change.
Asher Marron, a high school campus minister and 2014 MTS graduate, connects their intellectual pursuits directly to their faith. “I have great respect for the discipline of history, and I will forever identify as a historian,” Marron says. “However, my time at FST expanded my mind and heart beyond the classroom.”
Brother Bill Short, PhD, OFM, and Professor of Christian Spirituality at FST, counsels prospective MTS students to consider the bigger picture when the details get overwhelming. “Don’t study theology in order to advance yourself,” he advises. “Don’t do it just because you can get a job or a ministry placement out of it.
“I think what is really going to get you through the times when the exams are coming; when you have that paper to write; when you have lots of other duties — and you think ‘Why did I ever agree to get into this program?’ — that’s when you realize you are doing it for the love of learning. That there is something beautiful about learning itself, whether it [leads to] a paycheck or not. It is a worthwhile thing to do because you grow in wisdom.”
18. You can finish a Master of Theological Studies degree in two years, from anywhere.
This degree program usually takes two years to complete, compared to a three-year Master of Divinity or a four-year PhD. The Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology program at USD is available in a part-time, flexible, 100% online format, making it accessible for busy professionals who live anywhere in the U.S. and beyond.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic and faith journey, start a conversation with a USD advisor today — new and exciting possibilities await.
Master of Theological Studies FAQs
Q. What do people who study theology do after graduation?
A. Graduates with an MTS degree go on to teach, participate in community ministry, counsel others, assist in their parish, or apply their degree in any number of secular professions. Be aware that, if you would like to become an ordained clergy member, additional schooling is required beyond an MTS.
Q. Do I need a theology master’s degree to teach?
A. Most religious secondary schools require teachers to hold an MTS, and some community and Bible colleges consider this degree the minimum requirement for instructors. Elementary schools typically do not require an MTS to teach. If you desire to become a professor at the university level, you will need to earn your PhD in the applicable field.
Q. How long does a theology master’s degree program take?
A. An MTS typically takes two years to complete. The 100% online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology program can be completed in two years on a part-time schedule, which is ideal for busy working professionals.
Q. I am an “X” major. Can I enter a postgraduate theology program?
A. While MTS programs are open to anyone with an undergraduate degree, applicants with a background in philosophy or religious studies are more likely to be considered, due to the philosophical aspects inherent to theology.
Q. Should I get a degree in divinity or theology?
A. The answer depends on your career goals. A Master of Divinity prepares graduates for ordination and the clergy, while an MTS provides a much broader academic focus.
Q. I am a layperson. Can I consider a program like this?
A. Theological studies are generally of interest to religious individuals, but since theology is an inherently intellectual pursuit, anyone can benefit from an MTS program. Theology can provide a valuable foundation for careers in counseling, law, healthcare, nonprofit work, community outreach, and other secular professions.
Q. What prior experience do I need for a Master of Theological Studies program?
A. As stated above, an academic background in philosophy or religious studies is helpful when entering an MTS program. A familiarity with the program-specific religion will also help students to connect with lessons in a more meaningful way. Some programs prefer applicants to be active church members in good standing.
Q. How much does a Master of Theological Studies program cost?
A. The cost of an MTS varies widely depending on the school, location, and other factors. Part-time and/or online programs are both convenient and economical options for working professionals. For example, the 100% online Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology program at USD costs $28,800 before potential scholarships and financial aid.
