Studies & Degrees in Theology
Theology Study Programs
Theology is the systematic study of religious faith: its sacred texts, its doctrines, its history and the way it is lived and practised. In universities the word usually refers to Christian theology, and most faculties belong to or work with a particular church tradition, although Jewish and Islamic theology are also taught. Theology is often compared with religious studies. The usual distinction is one of perspective: theology studies a faith from within its own tradition, while religious studies looks at religions from the outside, with the tools of history, sociology and anthropology. Many faculties now teach both.
The Faculty of Theology of the University of Basel sums up the content of a theology degree as the study of languages, the historical and cultural foundations of biblical texts, current ethical questions, history, philosophy, Christian doctrine, church practice and religious culture. The classic subject areas are Old Testament, New Testament, church history, systematic theology (dogmatics and ethics) and practical theology. Students read sources closely, usually learn the languages of the biblical texts, and write a great deal.
Qualifications and levels
Degree structures differ more in theology than in most subjects, because churches as well as states regulate them.
- Catholic ecclesiastical degrees. Faculties approved by the Holy See award three degrees: Baccalaureate, Licentiate and Doctorate. The first cycle lasts five years, or three years when a two-year philosophy course is required beforehand. The second cycle is a two-year specialisation, and the third ends with a doctoral dissertation. The Pontificia Università Gregoriana in Rome, where the first theology lesson was held in 1553, and the Faculty of Theology of the Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona follow this model. At Navarra the Bachiller en Teología takes five years, the first two devoted to philosophy, and the Licenciatura takes two academic years (120 ECTS credits) with specialisations in dogmatic, moral and biblical theology.
- Bachelor's and master's degrees at state and private universities. In much of Europe theology is studied as a regular bachelor's and master's degree, often alongside religious studies, as at the University of Basel.
- Divinity schools in the United States. Theology is mainly a graduate subject. At Vanderbilt University the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a three-year professional degree for students preparing for ordained ministry, and the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) is a two-year degree. Its Divinity School is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The university also awards an M.A. and a Ph.D. in religion.
Recognition of the degree
Ask every school two questions: which church or authority approves the degree, and what civil recognition it has. In Spain, Real Decreto 1619/2011 gives civil effects to Catholic ecclesiastical degrees. The Baccalaureatus in Theologia is equivalent to an official bachelor's degree (grado) if it has at least 240 ECTS credits, the Licentiatus in Theologia to an official master's degree, and the Doctor in Theologia to a doctorate. For comparison, a standard Spanish bachelor's degree has 240 ECTS credits and master's degrees have 60, 90 or 120. In other countries the rules differ, and a degree from a seminary or Bible college is not always a state-recognised university degree. Students who want to be ordained should also check with their own church which studies it requires.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 124 active schools for theology. The United States has 20, the United Kingdom 14, Spain 8, Germany 6, and Canada and Switzerland 4 each; Belgium, Chile, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe have 3 each. The list includes pontifical universities, church-related universities and public universities with a theology or religion department. The language of instruction is normally the language of the country. Applicants to pontifical universities in Rome should check the language requirements, since the Gregoriana, for instance, holds modern-language tests for its students.
When comparing schools, look at the tradition the faculty belongs to, whether the programme is aimed at ministry or at academic study, the languages you will have to learn, and the recognition of the degree in the country where you plan to work.
Careers
Many graduates work for a church: as priests, pastors or ministers, as chaplains in hospitals, prisons, schools and the armed forces, or in religious education. Others teach religion in schools, work for charities and non-profit organisations, in publishing and the media, or continue to a doctorate and an academic career. Ordination depends on each church, not on the degree alone. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 242,000 clergy in 2025 and projects growth of 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between theology and religious studies?
Theology studies a faith from within its tradition: its texts, doctrine and practice. Religious studies describes and compares religions from the outside. Many universities offer both, sometimes in the same faculty.
How long does a theology degree take?
It depends on the system. In Catholic ecclesiastical faculties the first cycle lasts five years, or three after two years of philosophy, and the Licentiate adds two more. At Vanderbilt University the M.Div. takes three years and the M.T.S. two.
Is a Catholic theology degree officially recognised in Spain?
Yes, under conditions. Real Decreto 1619/2011 makes the Baccalaureatus in Theologia equivalent to an official bachelor's degree when it has at least 240 ECTS credits, and the Licentiatus in Theologia equivalent to an official master's degree.
Do I have to be religious to study theology?
That depends on the school. Public universities generally admit students on academic grounds, while seminaries and some church faculties train candidates for ministry. Check the admission requirements of each school.