A Master's of Christian Education is an education degree, and with this degree, a person could teach in a religious school or in a church setting. Often, associate pastors of education have this degree. The degree provides a broad knowledge of church education programs and discipleship ministries. Other areas where this degree would be useful is in curriculum development, Sunday School administration and religious school administration. This is normally a two-year Master's program after a person has completed a four-year college degree.
The Master's of Divinity is the most common religious education degree in the United States. These degrees also have areas of emphasis, such as pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, counseling, preaching and several others. This degree is normally a three-year degree that requires completion of a four-year undergraduate degree for admission into the program. Most senior pastors and assistant pastors have this degree.
The Master's of Arts in Theological Studies is a degree for people seeking church positions, though not one of senior pastor. Associate pastors often have this degree. This degree is also designed for people working in a secular business setting, who may be involved in counseling or chaplain-like activities.
A degree in religious studies is one that studies many religious belief systems, including the history and politics involved in each. The courses study a wide variety of religions along with their history and cultural backgrounds. Philosophy courses are also included, as well as studies of various ancient texts. People with this degree could become a missionary or a religious leader within a church. This could fit a a variety of different religions.
One of the most advanced degrees in religious education is the doctorate in religious education. This degree focuses on education theory and practices and usually centers around a particular religion. People with this degree would supervise instruction at a high school or college or be a college professor. A person might also develop instructional materials and administer education programs with this degree. This degree focuses more on education than religion itself.