There are master’s degrees in divinity for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Regardless of your faith, many of the jobs for graduates are similar. In this post, we will explore some of the areas where you can apply for the degree. Some college, university, and seminary programs allow specialization, which, depending on your choice, will have a bearing on vocation opportunities.
One learning institution with a generous amount of concentrations in the M.Div. at Regent University located on 70 acres in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top schools, it offers all levels of degrees to over 11,000 students. Founded in 1978 by Pat Robertson, the televangelist, media mogul, and former Republican presidential candidate – the university has a staunch Christian emphasis.
Regent lists 14 concentrations, some of which are scarce in divinity programs. Examples are Cyber Theology, Worship & Media, Marketplace Ministry, and Missiology. The latter is the study of missions, as in Christ’s message to spread the gospel to all nations. In the New Testament, Matthew 28:19, Jesus instructs to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Cyber theology refers to social media and online sources to disseminate and communicate Christian values and doctrines. This specialized area might interest those with an aptitude for computers and online media, as Facebook and Twitter, to reach a broader audience with religion-themed topics. Since digital media is so pervasive, why not pursue this as a medium to encourage discussion about theology. Students interested in the subject should check on the book titled – Cybertheology by Antonio Spadaro on Amazon.
The following are job titles gleaned from online employment sites, like SimplyHired and Indeed.
Senior Dean of Ministry
Individuals who aspire for advancement in a leadership role may reach the above title. A Senior Dean Associate on Indeed has a salary range of $77,000 to $110,000, which is higher than many in ministry. Memorial Church at Stanford University requires the applicants to have an M.Div., a minimum of five years of experience in higher education chaplaincy. Some of the duties include spiritual care for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other university community members.
Hospice Chaplain
A regular job posting is a need for hospice chaplains at hospitals and hospice facilities. Candidates will provide spiritual care for patients and family members and conduct pastoral education to staff, clergy, and local organizations. Experience or training in counseling, especially for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Working with staff and community groups to enhance their sensitivity to patients’ and families’ spiritual needs are other responsibilities for these jobs.
Pastor
The pastor is a broad category that encompasses titles as Youth Pastor, Executive Pastor, Digital Pastor, Full-Time Pastor, Children’s and Family Pastor, and Worship Pastor. Many of these, particularly the worship, family, and children’s pastor, have similar roles: conduct church services, provide leadership, encourage children’s involvement in the church, train volunteer staff, and reach new families in the community.
Pastoral Counselor
Most ministry positions that involve interaction with congregants will have the occasion to advise, counsel, or merely be a compassionate listener. To enhance a career in this field, a Master of Divinity specialization in Pastoral Counseling would provide the needed skills. Liberty University offers this degree online, which also prepares graduates for evangelism, sermonizing, bible study, and discipleship. Some of the courses are Human Sexuality, Gerontology, Counseling Women, and Multicultural Issues.
Missionary Work
There are job opportunities in Christianity and Judaism for missionaries domestically and internationally. Graduates of the Jewish faith can seek employment at Chosen People Ministries, which reaches Jewish people with the Gospel worldwide.
Christians might find international missionary work through Navigators that have spread the faith across the globe since 1949. There are also domestic jobs and two-year international ministry training internships for graduates.
Imam
The distinguished position of Imam or Chaplain in the Muslim faith is a commitment to serve Allah. Graduates with a Master of Divinity from The Islamic Seminary of America in Richardson, Texas, will have the qualifications to seek these positions. Chaplains work in hospitals, the military, and prisons as counselors and teachers of the Quran. Additional training might be necessary to assume leadership roles as a Youth Director, Director of Muslim Nonprofits, and Mosque Executive Director.
There are jobs at Islamic Centers for Muslims to educate, preach, conduct recreational activities, supervise youth groups, and more are one of the Centers. For example, the Islamic Center in Little Rock posted an opening for a Resident Imam. Applicants need at least a bachelor’s degree, knowledge of Islamic Shari’ah (legal system of Islam), and Assistant Imam experience.
Conclusion
Students who haven’t embarked on their graduate studies in divinity will weigh the job prospects and potential salary. Individuals who intend to use their degree in religious studies, theology, or divinity for ministry-related jobs are not doing so for financial means. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the clergy occupation has a median wage of $55,190 (May 2019). But then, becoming a messenger of God or Allah’s teachings is a calling – not an occupation.
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