What academic degree is needed to become an ordained minister?
In most mainline American denominations, the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree is required for ordination. This degree usually involves a course of three to four years of study after the Bachelors degree. It is not simply an academic degree (like a Master of Arts) but rather a professional degree (like a J.D. or M.D.) which includes in its curriculum practical, supervised ministry experience as well as classroom study. Can you go to theological school without planning to be ordained? Yes. Most seminaries and divinity schools offer a variety of degrees. These include: • M.A. (Master of Arts) or M.T.S. (Master of Theological Studies)–one to two years; sometimes in Christian education, sometimes more generally in “religion”, sometimes in special areas such as religion and the arts • M.Div. (Master of Divinity)–three to four years; the professional degree usually needed for ordination • M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)–one to two years, usually in conjunction with the M.Div. • Th.M. (Mas
