What is the difference between a Master of Arts and Master of Divinity?

Within the category of formal degrees, seminaries offer master’s degrees of two or three types: Master of Divinity (MDiv) programs, Master of Arts (MA) programs, and Master of Theology (ThM) programs.  Beyond these, many seminaries offer post-graduate or doctoral programs.  These doctorates may specialize in ministry (DMin), education (EdD), missiology (DMiss), intercultural studies (DIcs), music arts (DMA), theology (ThD), and philosophy (Ph.D.).  It is important to consider all of the programs available when thinking about the difference between a Master of Arts and Master of Divinity.

At Grace Theological Seminary, students can pursue both a Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degree, designed to equip them for faithful ministry and deeper theological understanding. Each program serves different ministry goals and educational needs, making it important for prospective students to understand which path best aligns with their calling.

What is a Master of Divinity? What is a Master of Arts? In this article, we’ll learn about these two seminary degrees and the differences between the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity, which are also the subject of considerable confusion for many.

What is a Master of Divinity?

Divinity degrees are, not surprisingly, mostly about the “divine.”  Master of Divinity (MDiv) is when one ‘masters’ various subjects within the field of ‘divinity.’  These areas center primarily on the study of God, or upon special revelation.  Special Revelation has to do with the miraculous and supernatural ways that God has made Himself known through the inspiration of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ, for example.  

For this reason, divinity degrees, like the Master of Divinity, focus on preparing ministers at the highest level, especially for preaching, pastoral, and missions ministry.  

In order to do this, divinity students are expected to study in areas including the original biblical languages, a substantial amount of Bible and theology, Bible interpretation (hermeneutics and exegesis), and other topics related to the work of pastoral ministry, such as counseling, leadership, and ethics, among others.  

Upon completion, Divinity grads have a working knowledge of biblical Hebrew and Greek, the books of the Bible, Christian doctrine, and skills in Bible interpretation, preaching, and pastoral counseling.  In addition, many also have training in specialized fields such as pastoral studies, chaplaincy, Christian ministry, intercultural studies, women’s leadership, and so on.  This degree is especially useful for those whose primary work will be the preaching and teaching of God’s Word as the main responsibility of their work.

As a rule, the M.Div. is a program comprising 72-96 credit hours at the graduate level.  At Grace Seminary, our M.Div. is 75 units (81 if one has not already taken basic Greek grammar).  Depending on how many courses students take, this program can be completed in 3.5 to 6 years, though many complete it in 4-5 years on average.  

Grace Theological Seminary’s M.Div. can be completed through several pathways: residentially, online, or through our competency-based education program, Deploy. These pathways allow students to work in a format that supports their learning and lifestyle.

What is a Master of Arts?

The difference between the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity is that the Master of Arts focuses more on broad knowledge.  This expansive curriculum covers a combination of the Bible, theology, and the liberal arts.  Lots of people who take divinity degrees are planning to do some form of pastoral preaching or teaching ministry, whereas those taking arts degrees are usually focused on teaching in Christian higher education or serving in various areas of practical ministry within local church or parachurch settings.  This diversity of degrees is due to the broad expanse of subjects in the area of liberal arts.  

Master of Arts (MA) is when one ‘masters’ various subjects in the liberal arts. The curriculum in these programs typically includes basic graduate-level study in theology, Bible interpretation, introductory courses in Old and New Testament, discipleship, and personal spiritual formation.  Students then work to master other areas common to the liberal arts by studying in areas like communication, history, leadership, education, discipleship, and teaching, as well as practical ministry areas. 

Historically, Master of Arts degrees have been formally or informally described as either “academic” or “professional” degrees.  Academic MAs are those that focus strictly on theology or the biblical languages, but that omit practical courses needed by pastors in local church ministry.  Academic MAs are commonly sought by people who intend to teach as professors and to serve in higher education administration (others choose to take the more generalized Master of Divinity and then proceed into higher education).  

Professional MAs, the other category within the Master of Arts, provide broad training in philosophy, history, education, and psychology, in addition to an area of specialization.  These specializations are typically in an area of local church or parachurch-based ministry, including age-group ministries (like youth ministry, children’s ministry, and adult ministry), administration, camp ministry, urban studies, and much more.  

Discover Your Purpose

As you can see, this isn’t about competition regarding the difference between a Master of Arts and Master of Divinity, but about discovering your purpose. Since the Master of Arts does not require study in Hebrew, Greek, and exegesis (original language-based interpretation of the biblical text and individual Bible book study courses), the Master of Arts is the typical degree chosen for those who do not anticipate serving primarily in congregational Bible teaching and preaching. 

The needs of the local church, denominational agencies, educational institutions, Christian non-profits, faith-based organizations, and non-government agencies require very broad educational preparation across a host of fields.  Accredited academic institutions like Grace Theological Seminary stand ready to provide leadership to these ministries in order to help equip leaders to advance the Kingdom of God, for the Glory of God.

What is a Master of Divinity? What is a Master of Arts? Check out Grace Theological Seminary to learn more about these programs to fulfill your calling.