sacklunch

Me? I told them I had an MTS from BC (48 hrs). They told me that the entry requirement was an MDiv or equivalent (three years or more of religion/theology graduate study). Again, as I said above, the only *well-ranked* divinity school that I found that would allow an MTS student entrance into a ThM was U of Toronto. best

Weird. They told me the same, but to another an MTS is sufficient? I don't understand why that wouldn't be enough.

The only reason I can think of getting an MDiv would be the possibility of more funding. We all know that many doctoral students nowadays have an MDiv +ThM. But, I would think that an MTS + MA (or some other combo of 4 years) would be more beneficial given 1) no ministry requirements and 2) IMO it shows you have been exposed to multiple traditions/opinions of profs. Again, I totally understand why folks go the MDiv route since they generally receive much better aid. Also, Ghost/anyone, does YDS really not require any ministry requirements for the MDiv? I find it hard to believe you can craft essentially an MTS +1 type of program. Anyone actually tried this in an MDiv program? Everyone I know/knew in an MDiv program doesn't seem to have much wiggle room in their schedule. The only place that comes to mind would be at HDS. cheers

Wait, I'm confused. You already have a doctorate in theology??

I, too, can't imagine being considered without at least one masters. I'm on my second one and I even did theology/classics in UG with both Greek and Latin before my first masters. I didn't even apply to doctoral programs before my first masters because almost everyone I know in a doctoral program in bible has 3-5 years of masters work before they started.

Seems to work. Most of the people I know in doctoral programs have told me they did something similar. It would be too difficult, I think, to construct an original SOP for every school.

I'm not sure if there is any other solution than taking on debt. You might consider applying to more schools in hopes of not having to take on so much debt (or at all). Or even consider an MDiv just to get more aid. Also, maybe apply to fully funded programs like ND? good luck

As an alumnus of the program all i can say is, well, good luck. Most of the folks I knew took out substantial debt for their MTS. In fact I think only one of my good friends there (I know there was more, overall) got a full ride for her MTS. The rest of us went into crushing debt, to be honest. Unfortunately if you have no interest in ministry (as I don't) the fact remains that going into debt is a very real solution (or problem) for most of us. Sadly (or not?) I knew a lot more MDivs who had full rides. Which seemed odd given that many of them had absolutely no background in theology, philosophy, classics, ect. Not to get too deep into my finances, but I will just flat out never be able to pay off my debt. From what I owe from undergrad, dept from BC, and now debt at Duke (no total funded spots), I have come to the conclusion that I will be one of those sad bastards paying the minimum payment for most of my life. This, unfortunately, is how many of my peers will live out their days. Is it worth it in a terrible economy with terrible job prospects? To me it is. But to you it might not be. My only 'tip' would be try to sell yourself as someone unique. Those MTS folks I knew that got the most money/full rides were those studying hot issues, which generally included (in the Catholic realm) sexual ethics, feminism, et cetera. cheers

Who knew? That is odd given that PTS told me the opposite! I have always wondered why every school doesn't allow MTS/MA students admission. But, anyways, that's great news! thanks

I have actually talked to PTS specifically about their entrance requirements for the ThM and you just need a total of three years of graduate study in religion or theology. So, it seems you could apply! Tangential note: the only ThM/STM that will allow entrance with a two year degree (MTS/MA) is University of Toronto (Toronto School of Theology). All the other big names require a combined three years of study (Duke, BC, BU, YDS, HDS, et cetera). best

Head over to the SOP section. There are quite a few really helpful writeups other folks have done, or if you have something specific to ask you may do so there. best

You may want to give some more information about your interests so folks can best advise you on what school(s) is appropriate. Just FYI, St. John's is fairly conservative, from what I could gather while I was at BC. They are (as you might imagine) mostly male seminarians that take more of a pastoral role, rather than the 'historical-critical' approach you would find at the other seminaries listed. As far as faculty broadly in 'history' BC, ND, YDS, and Chicago are going to dominate the others (with many more students, too). The running joke, which I *think* still applies, is the Protestant schools are always great for bible and the Catholic schools good for history; my time at BC and now Duke confirms this theory! Anyways, all joking aside, others who have experience at the others listed will chime in I'm sure. cheers

I looked at Iliff not too long ago and didn't see too many people in bible/historical. A good friend from BC is there now doing a PhD in sexual ethics and has nothing but great things to say about the program, though as I said, they don't seem to have enough folks in the area that (I think) 11Q13 is in. Things may have changed recently that their website doesn't reflect?

.

Speaking with my past friends at HDS, their biggest 'problem' with the school was while, yes, it is very diverse, but it also looses the homogeneity that many people actually want at a Divinity School. For instance, if you happen to be of a particular Christian tradition, say Methodist, many students want a seminary experience that immerses them in a purely Methodist environment (exceptions are welcome, of course, but they want much of the student body to be of a similar group). And, truly, I do not mention this because it is what I want/wanted at a theological school; in fact I would have loved to be a HDS because of this 'problem,' which I don't find to be a problem at all (I'm agnostic). But I mention it because I have heard from countless folks in different Divinity Schools that they came to X school, in large part, because that aspect of community is an important part of their theological development. A quick anecdotal: I went to HDS' welcome students deal last year with a friend who was (at the time) a second year MTS there and his friend made a comment after I said I went to BC and not HDS, "OH, one of the places where theology is actually being done!" Again, don't let this color the entire school's ethos, but the comment stuck with me and has only been supported by other comments from HDS students. Strangely enough, I would have much rather been at the place that 'didn't do theology' (HDS). cheers

Seat, What you posted in another thread (about academia) sounds like a good start. As far as their 'theological bent,' I would say overall liberal, which is not surprising (it's Boston, right?). Many of the men and women I knew in the MTS were gay/lesbians and had an interest in sexual ethics (many within the Catholic tradition). Also not surprising is the number of folks interested in systematics/philosophy. Still, I knew some of the more conservative ones fairly well (had some as roommates), which was a nice change from all the, more or less, liberal Catholics. I don't have an idea of what your general interests are, so it's difficult to really help you; but as many folks on this board will say: just be honest and speak about what interests you. You may go over to the SOP section of this board for specifics. good luck

Which degree? I was told they are letting in fewer students these days, than say a couple years ago (when I started there), but I'm sure as long as your SOP isn't complete garbage you will get in. I have come to find out that certain schools have infinitely more M* degree seeking students than others. For instance EVERYONE here at Duke (in the Divinity school, of course) is getting an MDiv; whereas at BC MANY more people were getting an MTS. I imagine this may have to do with the clergy being only male, plus they offer an MA in pastoral ministry (although I did know some women MDivs, just not nearly as many as men). So who knows. I was told that BC's MDiv is actually more selective than their MTS, which seems counter to what is usually said on this forum. I actually knew two (women) at BC who tried to switch from the MTS to the MDiv and were denied. From what I understand they are fairly serious about the minimum one year of service requirement for incoming MDivs. In short, if you apply to the MTS you stand a good chance. cheers

I'm in the Dept. of Religion, not the Divinity School. So I'm not sure how much I can really tell you about their program. I'm agnostic and thus didn't want any religious affiliation to be an issue wherever I went; and I've found the Dept/Duke as a whole to be, more or less, a seamless transition from BC's Theology Department, which is more or less (in biblical studies) secular (not their seminary, of course). There are a few other folks on here in the Divinity School, so you may ask them specifics about DSS.

For what it's worth, it doesn't sound like as good a fit as YDS and PTS. Just taking a few classes at HDS when I was at BC I can tell you the student climate is quite different, than say Duke (where I'm at now). If you are 'conservative,' as you say you are, then I'm not sure how well you'd like it. Actual HDS students/alumnae feel free to chime in. But, really, if you want to eventually get a PhD and teach: go to the place that has the best professors in your prospective area. If that happens to HDS, then apply. It just seems like HDS may be more of a Department of Religion, rather than a divinity school (I'm not saying this is bad, just noting that it may not be the right place for everyone). cheers

Contact the school(s) you are interested in and just ask. They should give you a good indicator of what's 'acceptable' and what's not.

Try and get in contact with current students. They will be the best people to talk to concerning the programs' foci.

I agree with the above post. Your GRE scores are fine, I think. The rest of your stats are obviously very impressive, and quite honestly your area of interest will likely set you apart from the bulk of applicants (who are doing, presumably, Judeo-Christian stuff). Spend the time honing your SOP and writing sample, and instead of spending the money on another GRE exam, fly to Cambridge and meet with some professors. best

Be aware that many MTS programs will require you to take certain prereqs (some more than others). YDS has a concentration in philosophy (MAR), and HDS allows its students a lot of flexibility. The others listed vary. Just make sure the program will allow you take enough courses outside 'theology'. You may look into philosophy MA programs, as well, specifically those connected with institutions well-known for theology. As a graduate of BC's MTS program, I recommend it for your above reasons. The program is fairly flexible, plus you have access to the BTI courses (this goes for any other Boston school, too), which will allow you to more or less tailor any type of degree you may want. This is reason enough to apply to HDS, BC, and BU (funding varies). Also you may look into Duke's MA in the Dept. of Religion. The degree only has one required course and allows its students to take courses from all departments of Duke/UNC (I'm in the program now). cheers

I would advise against getting anything terribly noticeable. Unfortunately professors and other grad students (like anyone else) might judge you based off of this. I just don't want to deal with it. Thus, I have been undergoing tattoo removal on my arms for the past couple months. Oh, and I also got plastic surgery on my ears to close the (giant) holes from my (dumb) youth. I have found that people take you less seriously if you have a bunch of art/piercings often (for better or worse) associated with people that have 'issues.' My .02.

There is a long thread about this somewhere in the Lobby, I think. Most of the people I know just wear tshirts and jeans. It really isn't terribly different from anywhere else.