In the summer of 2021, Gordon-Conwell formally transitioned to new degree programs. Learn More. The program below remains active for students who entered before that time who have not yet graduated. No new students are being accepted into this specific program.
Program Overview
The Master of Theology, a one-year capstone degree designed for students who have completed a Master of Divinity, provides advanced, specialized preparation for Christian ministry or doctoral work. Nine areas of concentration are available through the three academic divisions.
Hamilton Campus
Master of Theology in Biblical Studies
Round out your understanding of the Old or New Testament, or explore the Bible in greater depth from beginning to end through a Master of Theology within the Division of Biblical Studies. You’ll have the option to take up to four language courses in these degree concentrations, and may tailor class choices to fit your specific interests.
Admissions Requirements:
General admissions requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Church endorsement form
- Application fee
- Master of Divinity from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Greek and Hebrew (one full year of each) – all applicants will have to pass a competency exam
- TOEFL score of 91 or above (international students only)
Degree Requirements:
Program Distinctives
- Rigorous, advanced-level, focused courses enhance theological training
- Emphasis on heavy discussion and critical thinking
- Personalized mentoring from distinguished leaders in the field
- Intentional development of critical research and writing skills
- Flexible schedule allows you to build courses around your unique interests
- Thesis track option per invitation by a faculty member
Th.M 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
Apply to this program
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Course Descriptions
Hamilton Campus
Master of Theology in Christian Thought
Gain a better understanding of the broad sweep of theological history by exploring Christianity from the first century to the 21st century with a Master of Theology within the Division of Christian Thought. With this degree, you’ll capitalize on your previous theological education and receive the tools necessary to build and grow long term, whether in church ministry, missions, chaplaincy or academia.
Admissions Requirements:
General admissions requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Church endorsement form
- Application fee
- Master of Divinity from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Greek and Hebrew (one full year of each)
- TOEFL score of 91 or above (international students only)
Degree Requirements:
Program Distinctives
- Rigorous, advanced-level, focused courses enhance theological training
- Emphasis on heavy discussion and critical thinking
- Personalized mentoring from distinguished leaders in the field
- Intentional development of critical research and writing skills
- Flexible schedule allows you to build courses around your unique interests
- Thesis track option per invitation by a faculty member
Th.M 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
Apply to this program
Return to degree programs page
Course Descriptions
Hamilton Campus
Master of Theology in Preaching—Residential and Modular
Further prepare for your role as a pastor or preacher through the Master of Theology in Preaching. This program will equip you with skills necessary for preparing and delivering effective messages. A Th.M. in Preaching will bring strength to your theological education by providing a distinct focal point and solidifying your ability to communicate the Word of God in a relevant, biblical and effective manner.
Admissions Requirements:
General admissions requirements:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Church endorsement form
- Application fee
- Master of Divinity from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Greek and Hebrew (one full year of each)
- TOEFL score of 91 or above (international students only)
Program Distinctives
- Rigorous, advanced-level, focused courses enhance theological training
- Emphasis on heavy discussion and critical thinking
- Personalized mentoring from distinguished leaders in the field
- Intentional development of critical research and writing skills
- Flexible schedule allows you to build courses around your unique interests
- Thesis track option per invitation by a faculty member
Th.M 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
Apply to this program
Return to degree programs page
Course Descriptions
Residential Master of Theology in Preaching
The Master of Theology in Preaching is comprised of eight (8) courses:
- Six courses in preaching, two electives
- Half of the degree is to be taken at the 900-level
- The degree is to be completed in a regular academic year (9 months) or extended for the modular program
Modular Master of Theology in Preaching
Students interested in a Th.M. in Preaching but unable to come for a full time residency can now enroll in an eight course program that will enable them to remain in ministry all the while develop in their preaching. The primary delivery system for the modular Master of Theology in Preaching will be summer and January term weeklong intensive courses.
A unique feature of the modular program is the option for Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry graduates from one of the preaching tracks to earn a Th.M. in Preaching.
The modular Th.M. program for non-residential students is a convenient, flexible and ministry-oriented degree program that is sensitive to student needs and can be taken on a course-by-course basis. Students have three years to complete the modular Th.M. in Preaching.
Shared Credit into the Th.M. Program
For both the ABD and D.Min. graduate shared credit options are available:
- Applicants who completed all required residencies, but did not finish the D.Min. degree in one of the preaching tracks may apply for the Th.M. in preaching with shared credit, provided the student meets the entrance requirements for the degree. Students have the option of completing this Th.M. with the shared credit of four courses (12 credit hours) plus one advanced research component in one of the four courses. Students will be required to take four courses to complete the master of theology in preaching degree.
- Applicants who have completed the D.Min. in one of the preaching tracks have the option of completing the Th.M. in preaching degree with the shared credit of four courses. Students will be required to take four courses to complete the master of theology in preaching degree.
Shared Credit into the Doctor of Ministry Program
Those who complete the Th.M. in Preaching may apply for advanced placement into the D.Min. program with shared credit, provided they meet the entrance requirements for the degree. Please visit the D.Min. portion of our website for further description of advanced standing into the D.Min. program.
Spotlight Alum
“I admire Gordon-Conwell because in a society of rapid change and transformation, it has stood its ground with the noble task of preparing ministers for the unchanged Great Commission. As a life-long learner, I am thankful to God for Gordon-Conwell because it has helped me align my thoughts, words and deeds with the commands of Scripture, and has fueled in me a burning desire for the pursuit of truth.”
David A. Escobar Arcay, M.Div. ‘11, Th.M. ‘12
Professor of Education and Leadership, Office of International Affairs | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL; Undergraduate Instructor, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary | New Orleans, LA; Graduate Instructor, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School | Davie, FL; Doctor of Ministry Instructor, Global Ministries Program | Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic