Saturday, March 19, 2011

MTS or MDiv?

A brief update in the midst of my furious paper writing pace this semester. I am considering switching from the Master of Theological Studies program to the Master of Divinity program. The difference is the latter would allow me to flesh out the theological and ministerial aspects of my education which, as I said in my last blog, I have found lacking in my current degree which is catered specifically to academia. It would also make the possibility of ordination easier and might reflect the balance I have tried to strike between academia and serving in the Church. The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is three years as opposed to the two years of the Master of Theological Studies (MTS). Academically speaking this may also be beneficial by giving me an additional year to fit in more classes, languages and get more acquainted with professors for PhD applications. One difficulty is that, because my focus has been Jewish Studies, I may have a hard time filling the degree requirements for an MDiv in Christianity. The other more looming concern is, of course, finances. I would need to find a way to pay for a third year of grad school here at Harvard. In order to manage that I can do nothing but throw my hands up to God. I hope you will join me and pray for me in sorting this out, and that if it is God’s will, a source of provision will make itself apparent. I will likely need to make a decision in the coming weeks, and as things stand right now, I will certainly be staying an MTS.

1 comment:

  1. Hello Justin. I am currently applying for Harvard Divinity School and having a really tough time deciding between MTS vs. MDiv. I have heard that people switch from MTS to MDiv, but I would be concerned about finances as well. I am wondering, what is the protocol/application process/petitioning process for switching, and how did this affect your finances? My deadline is Jan. 15. I'd love to talk to you! Or email!

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