Duke MTS vs MA

[alem]

Hello,

I am applying to schools for fall 2012 and my top choice is Duke, however, I was wondering if someone could clarify what the differences were between the MTS offered through the divinity school and the MA offered through the religion department. Would the MA be better for future Ph.D. work? or funding?

[sacklunch]

Great question. I also have wondered the difference. Looking at the religion department's website seems like the MA is more geared toward research, thus perhaps better for someone seeking doctoral work. I wonder how many students they take versus the MTS? And how many of them receive free money?

[11Q13]

Both programs will look the same to PhD committees. I don't know about the funding for the MA, but the funding for the MTS is abysmal: ~20% for all admittances except for 5 that receive a full tuition. I applied knowing I was really only applying for 1 of 5 spots, if you are applying to the MTS as well, I suggest you adopt a similar mentality. The MDiv on the other hand has better funding.

[LateAntique]

The MTS has great success in landing people in great Ph.D programs. The best the MA will do on money is 50% tuition reduction. I would go with the MTS.

[alem]

Thanks for all the great advice, I think I will be applying to the MTS.