Theology Masters programs with good funding?

[Isaac32]

I will be applying for religious studies PhD programs this winter and am also looking for masters programs in theology that offer good funding. I am specifically looking for programs with strengths in Eastern Christianity as well as programs I have a shot at getting into. 

M.A. in History

Grad GPA: 3.8

GRE Scores: 162 (V) 156 (Q) 5 (AW)

[xypathos]

Given your basic stats provided, what's to be gained from doing another M*? Is it a language issue? Was your MA in history focused on (loosely even) early Christianity?

[Isaac32]

Two of my top choices, Marquette and Fordham, require a masters in theology prior to enrolling in their PhD programs, or at least that is what I was told by the heads of each department. In addition, a masters in theology would open the door for a lot of other divinity schools. My other worry is that, even if all my application materials are superb, I am coming out of a relatively unknown history program. 

My study centered on patristics and reformed theology, so at least I have that going for me.

Edited October 25, 2014 by Isaac32

[GREman]

I am not sure how often something as great as 100% funding is achieved at institutions and I really am not sure how well Eastern Christianity is represented at each institution, but I can mention the following basic insights.

 

1. There is a lot more funding for denominationally-affiliated institutions if you are from that particular denomination (e.g., Presbyterian and going to Princeton, Methodist and going to Duke), especially if you consider ordination a possibility.

 

2. The older the school and the bigger the endowment, the better the funding. This essentially means focusing on top tier programs, which I am confident you can easily get into. I don't think there is a need to bother with any back-up institutions that might be second-tier.

 

3. Every school set in the Western tradition (vast majority of schools) will have some Eastern Church representation, but you will be hard-pressed to find it represented as a main area of interests by many professors. At schools I have been Eastern Christianity specialists have been at best adjuncts teaching a course every year or two. That said, there does seem to be a lot of Patristic scholars who focus on early church fathers and mothers who are very competent in Eastern studies.

 

4. ThMs across the board have no funding.

 

 

 

That said, here is what I know specifically:

U. Chicago (MA) - 50%, goes up for many students

Boston (MTS) - At least 60%

Duke Department of Religion (MA) - 50% for every admitted student

Duke Divinity School (MTS) - 22% if there is financial need, four students get 100% out of the 20 or so who end up attending

Emory/Candler (MTS) - At least 60%

Vanderbilt (MTS) - At least 60%

 

I wish I knew more about the northeast region, but I can't say anything with confidence regarding masters programs.

[xypathos]

Vanderbilt does offer some full-funding awards but they're few and far in-between, generally one student per award though some award as high as three. That being said, the vast majority of merit awards only cover tuition and do not assist with university and Divinity School fees, living allowances, etc. So, you're still looking at about $20-30k/year in loans with no outside assistance.

Edited October 27, 2014 by xypathos