Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) program is an integrative theological degree designed to provide a foundation for researching and teaching Bible and Theology. This degree educates those who are pursuing the vocation of teaching Bible and Theology in academic institutions, as well as those who want focused graduate study in Bible (Old or New Testament) or Theology. Persons training for pastoral ministry may also benefit from this program.

The student in an MTS program specializes in either theology or biblical studies (Old or New Testament).  This specialization is declared on application and expressed academically in a final thesis. The student is also required to do advanced studies in the other two disciplines. All students do advanced studies in both biblical languages. Although the thesis reflects a student’s chosen specialization, the program is designed to ensure that the student understands the connectedness of the three disciplines.

Admission to the MTS program requires approval of the program faculty.

A student may apply to the MTS program without the required prerequisites and will be admitted as a Pre- MTS student until the prerequisites for the MTS are completed (with an average of GPA of 3.0 or higher).
 

Graduates of the MTS program are expected to:

• understand the content of Christian Scriptures and Theology;
• understand the historical development of key issues in the biblical and theological disciplines;
• understand and use the key resources for the academic study of the biblical and theological disciplines;
• articulate an informed and considered theological hermeneutic;
• exegete and translate biblical texts in the original languages;
• engage in theological scholarship in a critical and integrative fashion;
• research and write at the graduate level;
• articulate a personal philosophy of theological education and vocation;
• be able to construct and teach a course in one of the biblical or theological disciplines.

Master of Theological Studies Program Requirements (60 credits)

Prerequisite Studies
6 credits in Biblical Greek
6 credits in Biblical Hebrew
3 credits in New Testament
3 credits in Old Testament
6 credits in New Testament, Old Testament or Biblical Theology
6 credits in Theology

Specialization Studies (36 credits)
Students are required to take 36 credits in one of the following fields of specializations: New Testament, Old Testament, Theology

Specialization studies must include:

• BT 700/THEO 700 Advanced Hermeneutics

• 15 credits in advanced (600-700 level) electives in the chosen specialization:

  • Old Testament: 9 credits in OT of which 3 credits may be in BT, and 6 credits in Old Testament Hebrew (HB)

  • New Testament: 9 credits in NT of which 3 credits may be in BT, and 6 credits in New Testament Greek (GK)

  • Theology: 12 credits in THEO and RL 601

• NT 720/OT 720/THEO 720 Advanced Reading: Specialization Comprehensive Examination
• THEO 675 Theological Research Seminar
• NT 790/OT 790/THEO 790 Thesis (12 credits)

Cognate Studies (21 credits)
Students are required to pursue advanced (600-700) level course work in two program fields which are not in their area of specialization as follows:

General Requirements for Completion and Graduation

• Completion of a total of 60 credits (as outlined above)
• A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 3.0