Are there religion-focused doctoral programs that don't require an M.Div as a prerequisite?

[Joshwinn]

I am graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies this year. I have been considering continuing my education because I would like to teach as a Professor while pursuing vocational ministry endeavors. Most Ph.D programs that I have found require a M.Div as a prerequisite. I don't mind going for my M.Div, but I would prefer not to spend an extra 2 and a half years in school and extra money on the degree if I don't have to. Are there any Christian Ph.D programs that do not require an M.Div?

[Laodiceans]

2 hours ago, Joshwinn said:

I am graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies this year. I have been considering continuing my education because I would like to teach as a Professor while pursuing vocational ministry endeavors. Most Ph.D programs that I have found require a M.Div as a prerequisite. I don't mind going for my M.Div, but I would prefer not to spend an extra 2 and a half years in school and extra money on the degree if I don't have to. Are there any Christian Ph.D programs that do not require an M.Div?

None of the Top Tier schools require an MDiv that I am aware. An MA in Theological Studies is fine. I have an MA from an evangelical seminary and I have been invited to Duke's PhD prospective student weekend (I applied for NT).

[theophany]

Generally, if they require an M.Div., it's more like "M.Div. or equivalent" which an MAR/MTS fits. 

For anyone who is reading this who may get the wrong idea, while few programs explicitly say they require a masters degree, it's typically an unwritten requirement for PhDs in religion except in cases of people with outstanding undergraduate careers.

[axiomness]

You can get in with an MA in Philosophy, too, if it's a more philosophically-oriented program you're applying to.

[sacklunch]

You are clearly interested in a more theological (confessional?) doctoral program. If you want to study/implement theological concerns into your program, then yes, I suspect having an MDiv will help you (be required?). For the purely academic doctoral programs (viz. PhD programs in religion/religious studies at every top school in this country), it makes no difference. One of the reasons folks complete an MDiv before an academic doctoral program is the three years, they say, allows them a bit more time. On the other hand, the rule is generally one does not get an MDiv unless s(he) has some pastoral interests. The fact that most MDivs require such a bloat of 'non-academic' courses negates the extra time one supposedly acquires from that additional year(s) of study. For better or for worse, it is nearly impossible to go straight from college to a doctoral program. This requires one to acquire M* in the field and nearly all the 'great' places to do so are theologically affiliated (however loosely). Thus many of us have 'theological' M*, though have never study theology a day in his/her life (I am such a one). It's also important to note that subfields demand a different amount of previous coursework (at the masters level). So, for example, someone working in American religions will likely not be expected to have 5 years of M* coursework, whereas those studying anything related to antiquity will be expected to have a slew of ancient languages (of which one cannot acquire without 3+ years of study, even beyond the undergraduate level). 

cheers

[Laodiceans]

19 minutes ago, sacklunch said:

You are clearly interested in a more theological (confessional?) doctoral program. If you want to study/implement theological concerns into your program, then yes, I suspect having an MDiv will help you (be required?). For the purely academic doctoral programs (viz. PhD programs in religion/religious studies at every top school in this country), it makes no difference. One of the reasons folks complete an MDiv before an academic doctoral program is the three years, they say, allows them a bit more time. On the other hand, the rule is generally one does not get an MDiv unless s(he) has some pastoral interests. The fact that most MDivs require such a bloat of 'non-academic' courses negates the extra time one supposedly acquires from that additional year(s) of study. For better or for worse, it is nearly impossible to go straight from college to a doctoral program. This requires one to acquire M* in the field and nearly all the 'great' places to do so are theologically affiliated (however loosely). Thus many of us have 'theological' M*, though have never study theology a day in his/her life (I am such a one). It's also important to note that subfields demand a different amount of previous coursework (at the masters level). So, for example, someone working in American religions will likely not be expected to have 5 years of M* coursework, whereas those studying anything related to antiquity will be expected to have a slew of ancient languages (of which one cannot acquire without 3+ years of study, even beyond the undergraduate level). 

cheers

Hi sacklunch,

Since you don't accept PM's and I don't feel like creeping your past posts I figured I would just contact you here...sorry to temporarily hijack the post!

I vaguely remember your name from being on these forums last year and I think you mentioned that you go to Duke (what subfield?). Anyways, I've just been admitted into the GPR's NT program so if I did remember correctly, just wanted to say hello since I'll be seeing you in the fall. If I remembered wrongly, oh well. Hi anyways! Feel free to PM me if you want then we can connect via email or whatever.