M.A.R. and M.T.S. programs

[existential_detective]

Hello,

I've been searching for master's programs that allow students to study both theology and philosophy of religion/philosophical theology. My academic background is in psychology, and I already have graduate degrees in clinical psychology. At this juncture, I'm considering returning to graduate school primarily due to personal interest in philosophy and theology, though I'm not opposed to the possibility of continuing for a Ph.D. after a master's program.

I've researched a few programs, such as Talbot, Claremont, Denver Seminary, YDS, and HDS, and YDS and HDS appear to be the most desirable due to the possibility of funding. Boston Univ, Boston College, and Duke Divinity School also seem to be worthy of consideration, but it's not clear to me how much opportunity there would be for their M.T.S. students to take philosophy classes.

Any advice or feedback you could provide about these or other programs would be greatly appreciated!

-Mike

[sacklunch]

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

[Joncantarero]

Boston University has a Philosophy, ethics and religion track for MTS students. You can take philosophy courses in the philosophy dept of the graduate school at BU as well, up to 20 credits I believe.

[drechie]

what is funding at BU like?

[existential_detective]

Thank you for the responses. The feedback is helpful, and the flexibility at BU and BC is certainly appealing. BU's website suggests tuition schlarships for MTS students would cover a little over 50% of their tuition, though it may be possible to receive additional merit-based scholarships.

[Joncantarero]

existential_detective is right. If you have a 3.3 gpa or above, you could receive a 55% tuition scholarship for the M.T.S (varies for other programs).

Theology/Divinity programs on the whole, are usually cheaper than the standard graduate tuition at a given school. So a scholarship on top of that is pretty appealing.

Don't forget, some larger denominations (if you belong to a church) may give grant scholarships to students going to theology school. (BU is methodist, HDS/YDS are espiscopalian and BC is Jesuit I believe).

[MsBOOM]

Have you looked into UVA? Their Theology, Ethics, and Culture (MA in Religion) track has a Philosophical Theology concentration. As for funding, however, I'm not too sure about.

[existential_detective]

Thanks for the responses. I had not given much consideration to UVA mainly due to their reputation for being extremely competitive.