Jump to content

B-612

Members
  • Posts

    105
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by B-612

  1. Hi all, I appreciate your thoughts. Last year, all second year MDiv students had what was called a "middler review" in which they chatted with the dean of students, their academic advisors, and their field placement supervisors to chat about how they had progressed and to where they were progressing. The dean and faculty made it a point to tell students how difficult it was to get into doctoral programs and encouraged both the pursuing of a second master's and/or work experience in the fields of ministry, social justice advocacy, or non-profit work. Many of my current classmates already have one master's (one classmate even has a PhD in a field of science) and a PhD student who taught my Biblical Hebrew class has three master's (including a master's in passing). I think it's growing increasingly common; whether or not there is that much of a payoff is a serious question. I think the thing I'm concerned about the most is finding a school who'll fund me. One degree at a private university like Vanderbilt already has me in debt. I'm also wondering if there is a way I can study Christian existentialism while obtaining a degree/certificate that would make viable for ordination if that was a path I wanted to take. Hmm... Sorry, just thinking out loud here. Ramble ramble ramble.
  2. Hi all, I'm a 3rd year MDiv student at Vanderbilt who has a desire to get a PhD but, recognizing how competitive graduate programs are, am considering a second master's degree beforehand. A few facts about me: * Graduated cum laude from undergraduate university with majors in English, writing, philosophy and religion and a minor in global studies. * In undergrad, worked at the Writing Center and as public relations officer for our gay-straight alliance. * In graduate school, participated in ecological concerns group and as co-chair of our gay-straight alliance. * Served internships as a chaplain/religion programmer for the university office of LGBT concerns and with the city's human rights commission. * Graduate GPA is around a 3.5 (all Bs my first semester unfortunately were a bit of a blot on my record). My interests lie in practical theology, theology of the body, Christianity in the world, and especially Christian existentialism. On top of this, my childhood dream has always been to be a writer, predominately for children or young adults. I'm currently considering four types of degrees--MAs in religion (theology), philosophy (existentialism) or English (religious literature)--or a master of sacred theology with an Anglican studies focus. I was originally leaning toward the master of sacred theology, because if I studied at an Episcopal school I could gauge whether or not I felt a calling for ordination, but I'm also concerned about which degree would make me the strongest candidate for a PhD program where I could pursue studies in Christian existentialism. Also of importance to me is a program where I would be eligible for scholarships/grants, since having already obtained one master's degree will have placed me in student loan debt and whatever might ease this debt would be helpful. Any recommendations for which degree would be most suitable and what universities would provide good scholarships/grants/funding for my purposes? Many, many thanks!
  3. Good evening, all. I'm about to complete a Master of Divinity program at a top divinity school in the United States. I started out as a Master of Theological Studies student but the well-rounded MDiv with its focus on Christianity and fusion of research and praxis eventually became so appealing that I switched (I must admit my professors noting the MDiv is more widely renowned with regard to doctoral programs was also a boon). As a gay individual, I've had my struggles with the Church and had thus locked the prospect of ordination away--but as the program wore on I began to realize that I not only am in a good position to give voice to a community historically silenced by the Church, but also feel morally obligated--given my training--to do so. Because my divinity school is not affiliated with a particular denomination and I am Episcopal (an anglophile since birth), I have considered pursuing a Master of Sacred Theology degree in Anglican Studies (since some study beyond the MDiv is required so that you understand your background and theology). The STM is usually a one or two year program targeted at individuals either seeking ordination or to enhance the lay ministry in which they engage. The reason I find it appealing is because it is practice-oriented and the liberation theology I developed during constructive theology courses during my MDiv program was a practical theology. Here's my background: My GPA is currently a 3.5--which doesn't make me an academic superstar of any sort. I received a B+ and an A in Constructive Christian Theology I and II respectively, an A in Pastoral Care & Theology, and grades of Honors in my first year of Supervised Ministry internship and my second year of an Advanced Supervised Ministry internship. I have been active in social justice issues, most notably LGBT equality. I have served as a chair of the divinity school's LGBT-straight alliance. I've also spoken on panels regarding issues of sexuality and religion with scholars of theology and area ministers. I've also served as a chaplain for the broader university's LGBT student life office and am currently working for my city's governmental human rights commission. During my program, I will have worked with Rev. Mel White, Bishop Gene Robinson, and Grammy-award winning Christian music artist Jennifer Knapp--all of whom are notable for their work in areas of sexuality and religion. I'm also serving on my school's policy committee to amend our commitments to LGBT students. I have good relationships with professors and employers and could probably garner some strong recommendations. On the side, I'm very passionate about creative writing. The way writers like Sartre and Camus convey their philosophies via fictional narrative--my goal is to do that with theology. My undergraduate GPA is a 3.68--a Bachelor of Arts with majors in English, Writing, Philosophy and Religion and a minor in Global Studies. So now we arrive at my question (finally!--sorry for the delay). I am interested in applying to a Master of Sacred Theology program in Anglican Studies but do not know my chances of being admitted to the universities of interest. I have done my research and can definitely write a good admission essay, but I don't know how strongly my GPAs will weigh in and if they will obliterate my chances. None of the websites gave any helpful clues about a minimum GPA from one master program to the next. I also want to be mindful of money. First, I don't want to send applications to schools that would reject me flat out because of my GPA. Second, I would love a program that could offer me some scholarship money, since I'm already going to need to pay off my MDiv degree. Here is a list of the schools I'm contemplating. You'll notice some are overseas. I've always wanted to study abroad and have the heart of a vagabond. Also, considering my Anglican tradition, what better place to study? For those of you who are familiar with graduate divinity school programs, would you mind telling me what schools you would apply to if you were in my shoes? In the United States: * Sewanee, University of the South * Virginia Theological Seminary * Berkeley Divinity School (at Yale University) In Canada: * University of Trinity College (University of Toronto) In the United Kingdom: * Ridley Hall (associated with Cambridge) * Wycliffe Hall (Oxford) * St. John's College (University of Durham) * Trinity College (University of Bristol) So what's the word? How many of these should I apply to and which ones? Thanks so much for taking the time to sort through my question.
  4. Hi all, I'm currently attending a top-ranked divinity school in the United States (I'm from the U.S. as well) and will soon receive my master of divinity degree. With the economy in shambles right now and a love of learning, I'm thinking it's probably wise to continue my education. I find myself unable to articulate a specific job I'd like to have, but my dream job would involve one foot in the academy and one foot in the church (with plenty of time for creative writing, social justice advocacy and travel on the side). Also, I have the spirit of a vagabond so I don't see myself planting my roots in one particular place for the rest of my life (that will come when I'm slightly older hopefully). Here's some background... * Undergraduate major in English, writing, philosophy and religion * Undergraduate minor in global studies * In undergraduate school, member of Philosophy & Religion Club, Free Association (art club), and co-founder/public relations officer of ALLIES (gay-straight alliance) * Graduate major in divinity with a focus on Christianity in the world, practical theology, and religion, gender and sexuality * Worked as a multi-faith chaplain for a LGBTQ student life office * Currently serving internship at Human Relations Commission, mostly involved in LGBTQ rights programming * Co-chair of divinity school's LGBTQ group, more infrequent member of Eco-Concerns, Economic Empowerment Coalition I'm deeply interested in theology as it applies to practice in the real world (especially in the face of discrimination, poverty, etc.). I also possess an absolute passion for literature and creative writing. I love the way these two fields converge and creative writing/art becomes a more abstract way of articulating one's theology. I've also researched schools overseas because a) I missed the study abroad opportunity in undergrad the architecture of divinity schools in the United Kingdom is gorgeous and I am a person who appreciates sacred space c) I find myself most comfortable in the Anglican tradition--which is rife over there, of course. I've been scouring religion degrees... I'm not sure if I'm yet fit for the research and writing capabilities required in a top PhD program... but I'm not sure what would be the most beneficial to my career path: the STM, the MA, the MAR, the MPhil, the MTS, etc. OR if I should try for an English degree of some kind. If there's anyone who knows the wide range of opportunities in the worlds of religion and literature, any advice would be appreciated.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use