A Master of Arts degree, or M.A., is best for those who plan to pursue a doctoral degree or who wish to teach religion in high school or community college. M.A. students can focus on several religions or specialize in one. The M.A. in religion allows the student to study religion in a manner that emphasizes the scientific approach, whereas other degrees in religion emphasize theology and ministry.
The Master of Divinity degree, or M.Div., is best suited for those who wish to pursue a spiritual vocation as a priest, deacon, or other religious occupation. M.Div. students are expected to be religious believers, and they study in depth the religious tradition to which they belong. Some of the primary focuses of this degree are religious history, ritual practices, and ethics. Students also learn how to give sermons and how to work with the religious public.
The Doctorate of Ministry degree, or D.Min., is geared especially for those who have an M.Div. and want to conduct research as well as minister to a religious congregation. This degree helps religious leaders develop a methodology to deal with new issues as they arise on the job. As with the M.Div. degree, students are expected to be a member of the faith community that they are studying.
The Doctorate of Philosophy, of Ph.D., degree is best for students who want to become professors of religion at the university level. It is not a requirement to be a practitioner of the religion that they study. Students are expected to acquire a basic knowledge of all religions, but they must specialize in one. The Ph.D. require students to learn one or more languages, as well as relevant ethics, history, and methodologies.
The Doctorate of Theology degree, or Th.D., can be described as a hybrid of the Ph.D and the M.Div. It provides rigorous academic instruction, but it does not confine the student to the scientific or academic method(s) only. Along with ethics, methodology, and history, students receive advanced instruction in spiritual vocation. This degree is ideal for those who wish to work in a university setting but also minister to a religious congregation.
The Universal Life Church allows people to complete an online form and become an ordained minister free of charge. This certification is useful for people who wish to officiate at a friend or family member's wedding, baptism, or funeral. Not all states legally recognize Universal Life Church credentials, but many states, such a do, including Florida and Nevada. This is ideal for people who wish to pursue a spiritual ministry independent of major organized religions.