By Barbara G. Wheeler, Sharon L. Miller, Daniel O. Aleshire
About this Issue
This study reports the results of the first-ever survey of graduates of theological and rabbinical schools in North America. The survey was sent to graduates from Protestant, Catholic and Jewish institutions who earned M.Div., M.A., Rabbinical or comparable degrees in 1995 and 2000. In addition, the Association of Theological Schools, the accrediting body for schools in the U.S. and Canada, provided data from their Entering and Graduating Student Questionnaires (ESQ and GSQ). In combination, these data provide answers to two crucial questions: 1) What do graduates do in the years after they complete their education and 2) How well do they think their theological training prepared them for their work?
Generally, the news from this study is good. Large percentages of graduates assume the primary professional role for which their education prepares: leadership in a congregation or other religious organization. Attrition is fairly low. There are, however, causes for concern. Women graduates do not fare as well as men, and interest in congregational ministry is decreasing among recent graduates, especially among the growing population of younger students. Other positive findings include high ratings by graduates of their theological education, though practical training is not as highly rated as academic preparation.
Single copies of this issue of Auburn Studies are free. Multiple copies are available for the cost of printing, mailing and handling ($5 per copy). To be placed on the mailing list of the Center for the Study of Theological Education or to request copies of Center publications, write to CSTE at Auburn Theological Seminary, 3041 Broadway at 121st Street, New York, NY 10027, or e-mail at ebg@auburnsem.org.
About the Authors
Barbara G. Wheeler is Director of the Center for the Study of Theological Education and President of Auburn Theological Seminary. Sharon L. Miller is Associate Director at the Center. Daniel O. Aleshire is the Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
©Auburn Theological Seminary. All rights reserved.
Auburn Studies, No. 13, November 2007
ISBN: 0-9747358-3-3
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