Chances at a good theology school in the Northeast?

[Joncantarero]

Hey everyone, Im really confused on which schools I should apply to or my chances. Any advice for masters/Ph.D programs in theology/religion or the like would be highly appreciated. I dont have the greatest stats but I was looking into Fordham, Temple, BC and Union (NYC). What do you thinkg my chances are for fall '12? I know some school have direct Ph.d degrees from UG but I assume there harder to get into and im trying to find some state schools ,because tuition is getting higher every year.

UG: Major: Dual in Phil. of Religion and Psychology

GPA: 3.5

Gre: not yet

Extra stuff (I dont know how much of this is relavant) :

2 years at a bible institute,

TA for an ethics class,

beginners understanding of biblical hebrew,

Student aide at a highschool,

Sundayschool teacher

Let me know what you think, be as blunt as need be =)

[JonathanEdwards]

Hi Jon,

The programs you’re looking at are all generally fine ones. I'm particularly fond of Boston College. However, for any of these you’ll likely need to prove yourself in a master’s program to be competitive. I’d encourage you to focus on quality master’s applications instead although that doesn’t mean you can’t take the long shot and apply to your favorite PhD program as well.

Read the Princeton Guide to the GRE and take it as soon as you’re ready. That way you may have time to take it again if you feel you need improvement. European universities don’t require the GRE, but all or most American universities will, and if you do well, it’s another form of validation even if it’s not required.

When you do submit, de-emphasize or perhaps don’t even mention the Bible institute, as they tend to have a very poor academic reputation. However, you can emphasize the skills you learned there, such as ‘I have a reading knowledge of Hebrew and Greek.’

Likewise, emphasize the teaching experience as a university teaching assistant and at the high school. I wouldn’t mention the Sunday school teaching, to be honest.

Last but certainly not least, share with us or give some thought to what specifically you’re interested in studying. That not only helps those of us here give more focused advice, but will direct your search for well-suited programs as you track down the experts in your desired subfield that you want to study under.

Best of luck on the journey!

Westcott

[Joncantarero]

That helps a great deal. I'm extending my library and researching the languages as we speak. Thank you!

[11Q13]

applying to PhD's would be a waste of your money. You should talk to your advisor/religion professors you study with for guidance.

[Mathētēs]

The programs you’re looking at are all generally fine ones. I'm particularly fond of Boston College.

Westcott, for what reasons are you particularly fond of Boston College? I am beginning to explore BC's offerings and am considering applying to their PhD program in Biblical Studies. Thank you.

Mathetes

Edited June 26, 2011 by Mathētēs

[JonathanEdwards]

Westcott, for what reasons are you particularly fond of Boston College? I am beginning to explore BC's offerings and am considering applying to their PhD program in Biblical Studies. Thank you.

Mathetes

Hi Mathetes,

I took a theology seminar course there during my Th.M. at Gordon-Conwell, and looked closely at their Ph.D. program. I came away extremely impressed with the caliber of their students and their very talented faculty in my area (Patristics). While I would assume their Bib Studies program is very solid, I don’t have more current and specific knowledge for you.