Divinity schools may or may not be directly affiliated to a particular denomination. Many divinity schools have students who are not studying specifically for ordained ministry but rather plan to go into teaching or other careers. Students at a divinity school usually have the opportunity to take courses in other departments at the university of which the divinity school is a part. This degree usually involves a course of three to four years of study after the Bachelors degree. Most seminaries and divinity schools offer a variety of degrees.
Students come to theological schools from a variety of educational and employment backgrounds.
While majoring in Religious Studies is always a good option, most theological schools basically seek applicants with a broad educational background in the Humanities. A major in English or Art History or Psychology or Philosophy would be entirely appropriate. Undergraduate courses in Hebrew, Greek, and Psychology are also recommended. Theological schools generally have high academic standards and expect students to engage in rigorous academic study as well as practical training for ministry. Theological schools also understand that persons seeking a theological education are primarily interested in being well-educated pastors rather than scholars working in specialized fields in academia.