The Best Graduate Schools Offering Theology Programs
Higher Education Articles February 4, 2017Overview of Top Graduate Schools offering Theology Programs
Those seeking careers in education, religious ministry, or research would benefit from earning a graduate degree in theology. Most of the program coursework comes from the specific religious traditions with which the school connects itself. Similarly, students select the school with the religious affiliation that most interests them. Multiple accredited theology degrees and various concentration areas within them are available at the graduate level by the schools discussed below.
In this article, we take a look at these top theology graduate schools in the United States that are ranked highly by Forbes.com:
Harvard University in Cambridge, MA
In 2010, Forbes.com ranked Harvard University 8th on its list of best colleges and universities. Harvard Divinity School at Harvard University – the nation’s first non-sectarian theological school — was founded in 1816. The theology programs at Harvard are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). A Master of Theology (Th.M.) and a Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) are two master’s programs that the school offers. There are 19 concentrations offered at MTS, such as Biblical studies, philosophy of religion, and comparative studies.
A Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) is also available at the Harvard Divinity School. The theories and methods of religion are highlighted, making the program ideal for those seeking to enter administration or teach theology at the seminary or college level.
University of Notre Dame in Indiana
In 2010, Forbes.com ranked Notre Dame 33rd on its list of best universities and colleges. The University of Notre Dame — a Catholic school in northern Indiana accredited by ATS — accepts non-Catholic incoming students. An MTS program is available to prepare students for teaching careers at high schools. Five areas of concentration are offered, including Biblical studies, systematic and moral theology, liturgical studies, and Christianity’s history.
At the doctoral level, the school offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Theology with six concentrations. These concentrations include the study of systematic and moral theology, Christianity and Judaism, world religions, liturgical studies, and Christianity’s history. Program graduates from the Ph.D. are ready for jobs in research, church ministry, and teaching.
Top Schools offering Theology Programs in 2016
| School Name | Tuition Cost | Location |
| Harvard University | $43,938 | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Yale University | $45,800 | New Haven, Connecticut |
| Duke University | $47,243 | Durham, North Carolina |
| University of Chicago | $49,380 | Chicago, Illinois |
| University of Notre Dame | $46,237 | Notre Dame, Indiana |
| Vanderbilt University | $43,838 | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Boston College | $47,436 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts |
| Emory University | $45,008 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Boston University | $46,664 | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Santa Clara University | 11,684 | Santa Clara, California |
