What are my chances for getting into a good theology program?

[littleg00se]

Hello all,

 

I am a student at Master's College (a small private fundamentalistic/ evangelical Christian college) with about another year of schooling left. I'm getting my bachelors in Christian Ministries and I originally wanted to go towards ministry but the past year I've kind of become interested in going to grad school to try to get into academia. I wasn't trying to get the best grades originally so my GPA won't be as good as it could have been. And I can't help but feel like coming from a small fundamentalistic school won't help me getting into a good program either. I don't expect I have much chance (which is fine), but just out of curiosity, what are my chances for getting into Princeton Theological Seminary, Yale Divinity, Chandler, or any other top tier theology school. This question applies to a typical 2 year MA or MTS or even the MDiv program if that makes a difference. I'm just wondering if I even have a chance. If I somehow did have a chance, would I have to pay full tuition?

 

GPA: 3.75

Bachelors in Christian Ministries

 

*I don't think the following makes much of a difference but in case there's anything to be said about church involvement:

Church Intern for one year 

Taught Adult Sunday school for three semesters

Served as a deacon for two years

Served as the high school ministry leader for 2 years

 

Thanks,

Kevin

Edited January 23, 2014 by littleg00se

[marXian]

Though I didn't attend one of those schools for my MA, it seems that in general, there is quite a diversity of backgrounds of students who are admitted to those programs, which means that a degree from Master's College would not automatically disqualify you from being admitted and wouldn't even necessarily be a huge hindrance. Others on the forum who did/do attend those programs will probably be able to offer more detailed info, especially about tuition.

 

I do want to add, however, that the transition from Master's College to a place like Yale or PTS may be quite a shock if you're not prepared for it. I do know a few people who have been able to make that "jump" without an issue. But I think for the vast majority of students at places like Master's, Moody, etc., going straight from their very conservative undergrad institutions to an Ivy div school or seminary probably wouldn't be possible for them spiritually. Since you've self-identified Master's as fundamentalist, it sounds like you're maybe aware of the vast difference in approaches to biblical and theological studies that you'll likely encounter at places like Yale or PTS.

 

For what it's worth, if you want to go into academia, I think you're on the right track by thinking you should go to a top tier school for your MA or MDiv. I know someone who is currently in a PhD program at a top tier school who went to a very conservative undergrad institution (along the lines of Master's) but made the mistake of getting an MDiv at that same institution. That person then went on to get two more master's degrees (one in philosophy from a very good MA program and an MA in theology from a top tier div school.) However, he/she was applying to Ph.D programs after each degree--just couldn't get into a top tier program until the very conservative background was basically buried. At least, that's how he/she felt about it.

[diazalon]

You would be in good company at YDS, where many students come from top tier secular institutions, but just as many come from small, conservative (or even fundamentalist) institutions. YDS has it's share of Harvard/Yale/Princeton undergrads, and also its share of Moody/Liberty/Covenant students. Go ahead and apply - your undergrad institution will not be held against you whatsoever. 

Edited January 23, 2014 by diazalon

[runthejewels]

There aren't many from the CA fundamentalist background at PTS, but it is not an absent bunch either.  Last year, two people went on to PhD's (UCSD-History; Notre Dame-Sociology) who came from King's University in CA.  And, we have a few from Moody every year at least check out the place.

 

My advice would be to apply for an M.Div.  Other's may disagree.  But, that extra year would enable you to cultivate strong letters of rec if you're looking to go on.

 

Not sure about the other schools, but no, at PTS you would (99% sure) not have to pay full tuition.  

Edited January 24, 2014 by runthejewels

[littleg00se]

@Marxian, yah I'm at least somewhat aware and hopefully prepared for a big theological shift. Your friend's story is informative. Many thanks.

 

@runthejewels, how would getting an mdiv compare with getting two MA's in different areas? both ways would take up 3 to 4 years and the two MA's are supposed to be more academic (that's how it is characterized to me). Some have told me that its still better to get an mdiv (even for academic purposes) but I don't understand why. 

 

the feedback is encouraging so far. Thanks very much

[marXian]

@Marxian, yah I'm at least somewhat aware and hopefully prepared for a big theological shift. Your friend's story is informative. Many thanks.

 

@runthejewels, how would getting an mdiv compare with getting two MA's in different areas? both ways would take up 3 to 4 years and the two MA's are supposed to be more academic (that's how it is characterized to me). Some have told me that its still better to get an mdiv (even for academic purposes) but I don't understand why. 

 

the feedback is encouraging so far. Thanks very much

 

Regarding the MDiv vs. two MAs, it really depends on what you want to do. If you want to do something more on the biblical studies side of things, what's most important is your language prep. Depending on what preparation you've done already, you may be able to do enough prep in the time of an MDiv. I know some people on this forum have done an MA and an MTS (or something like that) in order to get even more prep in among a wider range of languages.

 

If you're going to do something in theology, two MAs in different disciplines is certainly not going to hurt, especially if they're in theology and philosophy. I have an MA in English and one in theology. The English degree gave me a good background in critical theory which has become integral to my work now and was a factor in my admittance to my program.

 

Of course, there are other directions (church history, etc.) If you figure out early on in your master's program what you want to do (or if you're pretty sure already), you can get to know professors in that area and see what they think. 

 

But it's really difficult to say for sure. When I was applying to Ph.D programs two years ago, I was also considering staying at Fuller for a Th.M and I was in conversation with some faculty at philosophy programs (for an MA.) Ultimately, I decided that I just needed to go on to a Ph.D. This may sound a little crazy, but people do get sucked into earning master's degrees, especially if they cross disciplines. If you set a plan for yourself now (and continue to talk through it with other students and related faculty wherever you end up), it should become clear (or at least clearer) to you what you need to do.

[runthejewels]

@Marxian, yah I'm at least somewhat aware and hopefully prepared for a big theological shift. Your friend's story is informative. Many thanks.

 

@runthejewels, how would getting an mdiv compare with getting two MA's in different areas? both ways would take up 3 to 4 years and the two MA's are supposed to be more academic (that's how it is characterized to me). Some have told me that its still better to get an mdiv (even for academic purposes) but I don't understand why. 

 

the feedback is encouraging so far. Thanks very much

 

I suppose if you want to get two MAs then it doesn't make that much of a difference, except maybe in the bank account.  If you do choose to apply and get into a top M.Div. program, you have many opportunities to make it as rigorous and "academic" as you want it.  As marXian said, this all really depends on what you want to do.  At PTS, I've been able to take quite a few independent studies (critical theory and post-colonial stuff) and PhD courses at Princeton University (History and Religion depts.).  The M.Div is flexible and can be "academic" if you want it to be.

 

Again, it really all depends on what you're looking to study and, ultimately, where'd you like to end up.