Advice for a beginner

[Christlove]

I'm an Indian pursuing my undergraduate degree, BA in triple majors (Journalism, Psychology, English). I was born in a Christian missionary family. This has influenced me a lot and it's my dream to pursue a degree in theology from the ivy league schools. The diversity and course structure of divinity schools in the US really attracted me.

I was blessed to be a part of four mission trips across the length and breadth of my country. The exposure I gained through it is something which not everyone is fortunate to have. It really moved my heart and inspired me to contribute to the society.

I manage to maintain a score of 3.3 to 3.4 GPA in my undergrad courses. I'm also an active member of my church. Apart from that I don't have much exposure to theology. I've just begun to study theology from different available resources.

I'm confident that I could meet the English language requirements for international students but not sure about other factors in getting accepted. I read that a degree in theology or RS is not an essential to apply for masters in divinity schools. Is there any chances of getting into top divinity schools for MDiv or MTS? Other than building a basic foundation in theology, what else should I focus now?

Your advices would be a great help and motivation for my future. 

[Christlove]

It would be a great help if you could suggest few books or journals from where I could gain an in-depth knowledge of the basics of different beanches across the spectrum of theology.

I also wanted to know which are the best divinity schools in terms of funding scholarships and grants.

Looking forward to your answers.

[xypathos]

On 3/19/2021 at 5:50 AM, Christlove said:

I read that a degree in theology or RS is not an essential to apply for masters in divinity schools. Is there any chances of getting into top divinity schools for MDiv or MTS? Other than building a basic foundation in theology, what else should I focus now?

That's correct, a theological degree is not required and in fact a few of your colleagues will have little to no coursework in religion. These programs assume as such and begin everyone with Intro courses to NT and HB, history, and theology. If you've taken them in undergrad there's often ways to place out of them.

How much time do you have left in your undergrad program? If possible, I'd look at seeing if you can take a religion course. Otherwise, your degrees provide a really good wide spread of skills that will be useful in your graduate studies.

On 3/19/2021 at 5:50 AM, Christlove said:

Is there any chances of getting into top divinity schools for MDiv or MTS?

What are you wanting to do with your degree? If you had to choose right now, what's your gut/inclination say? (Don't worry! It'll surely change later!) Also, what are you wanting to study or focus on?

Traditionally the MDiv is for working in a church and a MTS is for those looking at a PhD. That said, plenty of MDiv students go onto PhD programs and MTS students go onto church work or other fields entirely. I had a classmate that went to a Top 3 law school after their MTS and they're now working for the UN!

That said, your chances of getting in are probably pretty good, based on what you've offered here so far.

Something that you need to consider is what "kind" of Christian you are. If you are deeply conservative/traditional, you're going to struggle in the top divinity schools. You'll find friends but a lot more colleagues wanting to push and challenge your beliefs.

On 3/19/2021 at 12:20 PM, Christlove said:

I also wanted to know which are the best divinity schools in terms of funding scholarships and grants.

This is hard. Harvard and Yale have full scholarships and stipends available but there's no rhyme or reason as to how they pick. You just have to apply and hope. That said, sometimes international students get decent funding. Sometimes they get little to none.

I would strongly advise you to apply to schools outside of the ivy league, too.

I'd say look at: Harvard, Yale, Chicago (their MDiv takes 12'ish students but often receives less than 30 applications per the director), Duke, PTS. Possibly consider schools like Vanderbilt and Emory.

On 3/19/2021 at 12:20 PM, Christlove said:

It would be a great help if you could suggest few books or journals from where I could gain an in-depth knowledge of the basics of different beanches across the spectrum of theology.

At this point I would use something like Z-Books and get copies of things like The Oxford Handbook and browse them to get a topical knowledge. It'll also help you with your vocabulary come essay time. Gotta show those Admissions people you're serious!

[Christlove]

2 hours ago, xypathos said:

 

How much time do you have left in your undergrad program? If possible, I'd look at seeing if you can take a religion course. Otherwise, your degrees provide a really good wide spread of skills that will be useful in your graduate studies.

What are you wanting to do with your degree? If you had to choose right now, what's your gut/inclination say? (Don't worry! It'll surely change later!) Also, what are you wanting to study or focus on?

That said, your chances of getting in are probably pretty good, based on what you've offered here so far.

Something that you need to consider is what "kind" of Christian you are. If you are deeply conservative/traditional, you're going to struggle in the top divinity schools. You'll find friends but a lot more colleagues wanting to push and challenge your beliefs.

Thanks for your guidance. 

I come from a Pentecostal background but I am also open-minded to other sects. But still, as you mentioned, top tier schools will surely be challenging to anyone. And that's what I'm looking for since I've not got much opportunity to know more about other faiths.

This April I'll get into the third year of my degree. In India, we have only three-year degrees. So, that would be my final year at undergrad university. But I've done many extra electives to gain as many credits as possible so that it can be equivalent to a four year degree in the USA. It is valid in US because my college has a NAARC A grade accreditation.

Actually I have plans of taking chaplaincy and getting into ministry back in India. But apart from that I also wanted to make sure that I also leave an option for PhD. So, I prefer a balanced degree both vocationally and academically.

To be specific about my area of interest, I'm interested in systematic theology. I would also like to do research in comparative theology as I am from India. But these are from the basic knowledge I've gained so far. Hence, I'm trying to do a diploma from any of the accredited theological center in India. I hope that will help me in building a good essay also.

[Christlove]

3 hours ago, xypathos said:

This is hard. Harvard and Yale have full scholarships and stipends available but there's no rhyme or reason as to how they pick. You just have to apply and hope. That said, sometimes international students get decent funding. Sometimes they get little to none.

I would strongly advise you to apply to schools outside of the ivy league, too.

Glad to hear that there financial aids for international students. I thought it's only for residents of US and int'l students had to get any separate scholarship to fund their degrees. I'll research about others schools also. I could think about others only if they are able to offer me a fully funded degree.

Once again, thanks for your response. It really encourages me to hope for the best.

[crossroadsph]

2 hours ago, Christlove said:

Thanks for your guidance. 

I come from a Pentecostal background but I am also open-minded to other sects. But still, as you mentioned, top tier schools will surely be challenging to anyone. And that's what I'm looking for since I've not got much opportunity to know more about other faiths.

This April I'll get into the third year of my degree. In India, we have only three-year degrees. So, that would be my final year at undergrad university. But I've done many extra electives to gain as many credits as possible so that it can be equivalent to a four year degree in the USA. It is valid in US because my college has a NAARC A grade accreditation.

Actually I have plans of taking chaplaincy and getting into ministry back in India. But apart from that I also wanted to make sure that I also leave an option for PhD. So, I prefer a balanced degree both vocationally and academically.

To be specific about my area of interest, I'm interested in systematic theology. I would also like to do research in comparative theology as I am from India. But these are from the basic knowledge I've gained so far. Hence, I'm trying to do a diploma from any of the accredited theological center in India. I hope that will help me in building a good essay also.

I am moved to reply, but I think it's best that some of what I am about to share has to be in a private message. Do check your inbox in a few minutes.