Bachelor of Theology

{{Short description|Academic degree}}
The '''Bachelor of Theology''' degree ('''BTh''', '''ThB''', or '''BTheol''') is a three- to five-year [[undergraduate degree]] or [[graduate degree]] in [[Theology|theological]] disciplines and is typically (but not exclusively<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burton |first=Tara Isabella |date=2013-10-30 |title=Study Theology, Even If You Don't Believe in God |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/10/study-theology-even-if-you-dont-believe-in-god/280999/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}</ref>) pursued by those seeking ordination for ministry in a church, denomination, or parachurch organization.<ref>[https://study.com/articles/Bachelors_Degree_in_Theology_Program_Overview.html Bachelor's Degree in Theology: Program Overview], Study.com</ref>  Candidates for this degree typically must complete course work in [[Greek language|Greek]] and(or) [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], as well as [[systematic theology]], [[biblical theology]], ethics, [[homiletics]], [[hermeneutics]], [[Counseling psychology|counseling]] and [[Christian ministry]]. The Bachelor of Theology may include a [[thesis]] component and may consist of an additional year beyond the coursework requirements for the degrees of [[Bachelor of Religious Education]] and [[Bachelor of Arts]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bachelor in de theologie en de religiewetenschappen (Leuven) - KU Leuven |url=https://onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be/opleidingen/n/CQ_50074162.htm#activetab=diploma_omschrijving |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be}}</ref> In some denominations, such as the [[Church of England]] or the [[Presbyterian Church in America]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Criteria for Selection for the Ordained Ministry in the Church of England |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-10/selection_criteria_for_ordained_ministry.pdf |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Church of England}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Book of Church Order |url=https://www.pcaac.org/bco/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=PCA Administrative Committee |page=73 |language=en-US}}</ref> it is considered sufficient qualification for formal [[ordination]]. 

== UK and Europe ==
In the United Kingdom and other European nations, the Bachelor of Theology is a three to five year degree for students pursuing ordination.

BTh is currently offered at:
* [[The University of Oxford]] as a graduate degree offered at two [[Colleges of the University of Oxford|colleges]]
* [[The University of Cambridge]] as Bachelor of Theology for Ministry offered at five [[Colleges of the University of Cambridge|colleges]] 
* [[Edinburgh Theological Seminary]] validated by the [[University of Glasgow]]
* [[University of Aberdeen]] as a distance learning degree
* [[South West Baptist College]]
* [[Cardiff Baptist College]]
* [[St Padarn's Institute|St Padarn’s Institute]] for the Church in Wales, validated by [[University of Wales Trinity Saint David|University of Wales, Trinity Saint David]]
* [[St Patrick's College, Maynooth]] as a three-year, Level 8 degree
* [[Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland]]

== United States ==
Within the United States, the Bachelor of Theology (or [[Bachelor of Divinity]]) is generally identical in coursework and requirements to the [[Master of Divinity]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bachelor of Theology |url=https://tms.edu/academics/bachelor-of-theology/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=The Master's Seminary}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |title=Degrees and Programs |url=https://gpts.edu/degrees-programs/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary}}</ref> More common than the Bachelor of Theology in the US are dual-degree programs where one may earn an undergraduate degree in Bible and(or) theology and a Master of Divinity simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seminary Track Program - Earn a Degree in 5 Years |url=https://boycecollege.com/academics/seminary-track/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Boyce College |language=en-US}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |title=CIU Offering Five-Year M.Div. |url=https://www.ciu.edu/newsstory/ciu-offering-five-year-mdiv |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Columbia International University |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notable BTh graduates ==
* [[Susan Gillingham|Rev. Canon Prof. Susan Gillingham]]
* [[Rachel Treweek]], Bishop of Gloucester (2015-present)
* [[Saju Muthalaly|Rt Reverend Saju Muthulaly]], Bishop of Loughborough (2022-present)
* [[Martyn Snow]], Bishop of Tewkesbury (2013-2016), Bishop of Leicester (2016-present)
* [[Henry Richmond (bishop)]], Bishop of Repton (1985-1999)
* [[Ric Thorpe]], Bishop of Islington (2015-present)
* [[David Hawkins (bishop)]], Bishop of Barking (2002-2014)
* [[Robert Springett]], Bishop of Tewkesbury (2016-present)
* [[Simon Burton-Jones]], Bishop of Tonbridge (2018-present)
* [[John McDowell (bishop)]], Archbishop of Armagh (2020-present)
* [[William Wright (Australian bishop)]], Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle in Australia (2011-2021)
* [[Arthur Jeffery]], Australian Methodist minister and renowned scholar of Middle Eastern languages and manuscripts

== See also ==
*Associate of Theology
*[[Bachelor of Divinity]]
*[[Bible college|Bible College]]
*[[Ordination]]
*[[Licentiate in Theology]]
*[[Seminary]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Bachelor's degrees|Theology]]
[[Category:Religious degrees]]