Master of Theology
The Master of Theology degree is an advanced academic degree that requires the M.Div. as prerequisite, and may be regarded as an additional year of preparation for Christian ministry beyond the M.Div. or as preparation for advanced study. Completion of eight courses with a grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for graduation.
Nine areas of concentration are available in the Th.M. program through the three academic divisions:
- Division of Biblical Studies: Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Theology
- Division of Christian Thought: Church History, Historical Theology, Theology, Theology and Culture, and Missiology
- Division of Ministry: Preaching
Of the eight courses required for any concentration, at least four of them must be taken at the Th.M. level. Students in the Th.M. program may complete their eight courses by following one of two tracks
Thesis Track: Complete five courses in a concentration which includes a directed thesis in the area (and counts as two courses). Students in this track must demonstrate competence to write a thesis in prior course work and be invited to write a thesis by the faculty director of the track. Two additional courses outside the area of concentration but related to the concentration round out the program. Also, a research methods course appropriate to the field of study must be completed and counts as one course.
Non-Thesis Track: Complete five courses in a concentration and two courses which may be outside the area of concentration, but related to it. Also, a research methods course appropriate to the field of study must be completed and counts as one course. Students in this track must write one major research paper which is done as part of one of the courses in the program, giving evidence of competencies similar to those demonstrated in a thesis. The student will consult with the faculty director of the track in determining which course will include the major paper.
Degree Goals
- To gain greater competency and skill in an area of specialization by employing the most valuable research methods and resources for the specialized area of study with rigor and excellence, in keeping with the highest tradition of Christian scholarship and to gain the capacity to formulate productive questions for further investigation
- To build upon the strengths of the M.Div. program by sharpening skills in biblical exegesis and knowledge and understanding of God's inerrant Word, as it applies to the area of specialization
- To carry out the specialized studies within the highest tradition of Christian scholarship with rigor and excellence
- To engage with contemporary issues in the area of specialization from the framework of a biblical worldview.
