Theology degree overview

Are you fascinated by gods and deities? By how people across cultures express their faith? By how religion affects the way we interact with the world?

Theology is the critical study of spiritual belief. It explores the many different ways people experience religion. It also examines different belief systems and how they influence society. This knowledge lets us understand other cultures better. But it also helps us understand our own.

Part history, part anthropology, and part philosophy, theology is like no other degree. Students learn to discuss and compare different religions with insight and integrity. They also learn to open their minds to new ways of thinking. Finally, they practice taking on some of life’s most complex questions. They delve deep into the meaning of God, belief, and religion.

Some theology students specialize in one faith, like Buddhism or Judaism. Others explore many religions. Most theology degrees involve the deep study of at least one religious text, like the Quran or the Torah. In some cases, students take courses in Hebrew, Arabic, or ancient Greek to read the text in its original form.

If you’re considering a degree in theology, read on. There are lots of exciting paths to explore.

Theology degrees come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the most common ones.

Bachelor’s Degree in Theology - Four Year Duration
You can study theology at either a university or a theology school. These undergraduate degrees usually take about four years of full-time study to complete. Example bachelor degrees include: - Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Classical and Theological Studies - BA in Theology and Film Studies - BA Theology (with/without a foreign language) - BA with Minor in Theology - Dual degree (e.g. Theology/Social Work, or Theology/Business)

Master of Theology (MTh or ThM) - Two Year Duration
To deepen their religious knowledge, some students pursue further studies. Theology master’s programs are research-oriented and intensive. They’re required training for work in many religious institutions. They’re also the next step toward pursuing a ThD.

Doctor of Theology (ThD or DTh) - Three to Seven Year Duration
ThD is a rigorous research degree, much like a PhD. Students conduct advanced, independent studies in a topic of their choosing. Other options include Doctor of Philosophy, Practical Theology, Ministry, or Sacred Theology.

Online/Self-Study - Varying Durations
Finally, there are lots of ways to dive into religion on your own terms. You can explore free online courses or enrol in a full diploma program. You can read books and speak with religious leaders in your community. Set your own goals, pace, and depth!

It can be hard to understand the difference between theology and philosophy. At first glance, they seem very similar. Both explore different beliefs and ways of thinking about the world. Both tackle complex questions about ethics and morality.

But in reality, they are two distinct disciplines. Theology touches on philosophy. But although it often asks similar questions, it does so within a religious context. In this sense, philosophy is a broader field. It can be a secular pursuit; theology cannot.

Theology also often gets confused with religious studies. True, both examine spiritual belief systems. But unlike religious studies, theology explores faiths from the perspective of believers. Religious studies takes more of an "outsider" perspective. This wide-ranging approach to faith overlaps with sociology, psychology, and other disciplines.

During your degree, you’ll do more than deepen your knowledge of spirituality. You’ll also gain key transferrable skills, including:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Empathy, listening, and social awareness
• Problem solving
• Research, evaluation, and critical analysis
• Communication (written and oral)
• Time management and self-motivation
• Creative thinking
• Cultural sensitivity
• And more.

Religious careers are the obvious next step after a theology degree. But they aren’t the only option. Here are a few key career areas available to a theology student:

Clergy
Many students study theology to become a leader within a religious institution. After graduation, they go on to become rabbis, pastors, imams, and more. Using their deep knowledge of their faith, they help others find clarity and support.

Education
For theology students who love to help others, an education career can be ideal. Many end up teaching religion in high school classrooms. Others find work in universities, sharing knowledge with future theology graduates.

Counseling and Social Work
During their studies, theology students practice patience and empathy. They learn to understand different world views and perspectives. With open minds and open hearts, they make great counselors and social workers.

Journalism and Writing
Religion is more newsworthy than you’d think! Religious journalists can cover everything from local church news to major faith-based uprisings. Theology students have strong writing and research skills. In this career, they can use them to pitch stories, conduct interviews, and more.