Lay and ordained ministers serve faith communities or provide spiritual services in public settings. These can include parishes or congregations, religiously-affiliated organizations, or non-sectarian institutions with chaplaincy programs such as hospitals and prisons. You can help members of religious communities understand the connections between their activities in the world and their theological values.

Alumni of the Theology Department serve a variety of roles in religious settings, including youth ministers, liturgical coordinators, retreat center staff, parish administrators, and members of the Catholic and Protestant clergy. Other career tracks in ministry for both laypeople and clergy include hospital and prison chaplains, campus ministers, and spiritual directors.

Your theology studies have given you skills and perspectives that are helpful in this field:

• Reflecting upon religious tradition critically in light of experience and practice.

• Cultivating an understanding and respect of different cultures and perspectives.

• Articulating and showing a commitment to values of human flourishing and the common good.

Although this guide is oriented primarily toward ministry in Christian settings, these considerations are relevant to other faith traditions as well.

While at Fordham

• Consult a leader in your faith community about opportunities in spiritual formation and discernment. Fordham’s Campus Ministry has connections to communities of faith in various traditions and can point you in the right direction.

• Contact Campus Ministry about volunteer opportunities in local religious communities, which can give you a taste of ministry. Campus Ministry also occasionally has part-time paid jobs available during the academic year for those interested in supporting its various liturgical and service ministries.

• Refer to Catholic NYC. This site is administered by the archdiocese and includes volunteer opportunities with local Catholic organizations and parishes. Opportunities include tutoring, teaching catechism, and mentoring children with special needs.

• Consider a summer of service. The Catholic Volunteer Network contains a database of volunteer opportunities around the country.

Following Graduation

Some students who have a clear idea of a career in lay or ordained ministry go directly to divinity school after graduation. Others sign up for a service program of 1–2 years in order to gain work experience and continue their discernment about their future path. For more information about the possibility of signing up for a year or two of service, refer to this page.

Many ministry positions require additional training and schooling. In most cases, you pursue one of the following degrees:

• Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
  This is a two-year degree that requires you to specialize in a particular facet of theology, scripture, or religious studies.

• Master of Arts (MA) in a field of ministry (such as Christian Spirituality, Pastoral Studies, or Religious Education)
  This is a two-year degree focused on professional development and practice.

• Master of Divinity (MDiv)
  This is a three-year degree that involves both graduate studies in theology and internships in ministerial settings. This degree is not only for those seeking ordination. Lay ministries such as chaplaincy and spiritual direction often require an MDiv or equivalent.

Recent Fordham Theology alumni have attended the following divinity schools:

• Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

• Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

• Harvard Divinity School

• Notre Dame

• Union Theological Seminary

• Yale Divinity School

When considering divinity school programs, keep the following factors in mind:

• Do you want a program steeped in a particular tradition (eg. Boston College and Notre Dame are predominantly Catholic), or with an ecumenical and interfaith focus (eg. Union and Harvard)? There are benefits and challenges involved in each option. For example, if you intend on working in a specific denominational setting, it might be necessary to “go deep” in your own tradition, particularly if there are specific requirements you need to meet for ordination. If you’re planning on pursuing ministry in pluralistic settings, breadth in familiarity with a range of traditions and skills in interfaith dialogue might be your priority.

• Does the program help you meet the particular requirements of your intended career path? For example, if you want to pursue prison chaplaincy, does the school include partnerships and training that are appropriate for these settings?

• Do you intend on seeking ordination? If so, consult the organizational body of your denomination. Most faiths, denominations, and religious communities require a formal period of discernment and sponsorship. Some religious organizations specify a theological school, others give you a choice. Verify that the divinity school meets the educational requirements of your denomination.

• Does the program offer competitive financial aid? Be realistic about your income following graduation and strategic about planning for student loans.