Barnabas File

In February 2023, the Association of Theological Schools reported that for the first time in its history, the Master of Arts degree enrollment of 27,790 students exceeded the Master of Divinity enrollment of 27,634 students.     The Master of Divinity has long been the degree that most mainline denominations require of their ministers and ministerial candidates.  Although the structure, delivery methods, and required hours have changed in recent years, this degree has offered training in the biblical, historical, theological, and ministry skills expected of full-time ministers.   Although theological schools have offered a number of Master’s degrees in the past (such as the Master of Religious Education, the Master of Church Music, or the Master of Theology), in recent years the number of professional programs such as the Master of Arts in Ministry or the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry have proliferated.  These degrees usually require fewer hours tha...