How to Earn a Doctorate in Theology
Earning a doctorate in theology degree can be a rewarding experience. Aside from the personal satisfaction of finishing the degree, you can find positions in ministry and teaching that can advance your career with this degree. Whether you seek a degree to pursue a career in the ministry or one as a professor of religious dogma, the two to six years it takes to finish the doctorate in theology degree can strengthen your personal beliefs. Writing your theology dissertation allows you to become an expert in a theological area of study of your choice.
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Instructions
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Prepare for Admission
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1
Complete your master of arts degree in religion, theology or philosophy. While most divinity schools accept these as prerequisite areas of concentration in a master's degree, other schools require that the applicant have a master of divinity (M.Div.) degree in theology.
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2
Locate a divinity school that offers the curriculum you want. Doctor of theology degree programs are available online; however, you may need to arrange to do some activities in person. Do find a school that offers the liberal or conservative viewpoint most in line with your own philosophy.
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3
Submit the required application documents. Often these include letters of recommendation, your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores and a statement of purpose.
Attend Divinity School
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Study the history of Christianity during your first year of study. You may have few course electives during this year. Very few divinity schools offer training outside of Catholic or Protestant beliefs.
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Choose areas of interest for your second year in divinity school. Some common selections include Christianity in the modern world; medieval Christianity; social justice; bioethics; knowing God; Middle Eastern history and the role of Christianity in politics.
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Participate in field training activities as required by your divinity school. These activities might include mission work or case studies.
Finish Your Degree
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7
Complete the 40 to 60 hours of coursework required by your divinity school. Some institutions grant up to 10 hours of credit for life experiences, such as pastoring a church.
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8
Write your theology dissertation. Depending on how much time you can devote to writing, you may have two to four years to complete the process.
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Participate in a capstone activity. Many divinity schools require their doctoral candidates to participate in some final activity, such as teaching a class to first-year divinity school students. Some type of service to a church or community may also be a requirement of the capstone activity.
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Tips & Warnings
Some divinity schools require your full-time participation whereas others allow you to continue to work as a pastor or in another capacity while you seek your degree.
References
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