Master of Theology (ThM)

Q: Can I finish this degree in one year?

It’s possible to complete the ThM in one year as a full-time student, but most students take two years to finish the degree.

Full-Time: 1 Year | Part-Time 2-3 Years

(Specific locations vary by concentration)

Overview

Goals

Courses

Requirements

FAQs

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Master of Theology (ThM)

The Master of Theology (ThM) is a one-year capstone degree designed for students who have completed a Master of Divinity or some academic MAs. The ThM provides advanced, specialized preparation for Christian ministry or doctoral work. Seven areas of concentration are available through the three academic divisions.

Concentrations

Biblical Studies

Old Testament and its Ancient Context

New Testament

Christian Thought

Church History

Theology

Missiology

Practical Theology

Ministry

Program Goals

To gain greater competence in an academic discipline by employing the most valuable research methods and resources for that area of concentration.
To sharpen skills in interpretation and understanding of God’s inerrant Word, as it applies to the area of concentration.
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 concentration from the framework of a biblical worldview.
To formulate productive questions for further investigation in an academic discipline, so as to prepare for Ph.D. studies.

Courses

24 Credit Hours (8 Courses)

Foundational Courses (Core Requirements)^*

Academic Research & Writing Course

This requirement can be fulfilled by writing a thesis, taking a directed study that culminates in a major paper, or in consultation with your advisor, designating one of the concentration courses as the “writing course.” In this last case, the student must produce a research paper.

Concentration Course

Thesis/Capstone Course (6 credits)

6-credit thesis OR 1 concentration + 1 capstone course.

Requirements

Academic Requirements

Required Degree:

The Practical Theology focused ThM (ThM in Ministry) requires an MDiv degree.

The Biblical Studies and Christian Thought ThMs require either an MDiv or Academic MA. The MA should be at least 60 credits and include preparatory coursework for the concentration selected.

Minimum GPA: 3.0

English Language Requirements (International Students)

Gordon-Conwell requires a TOEFL score of 100 or better (IBT). We also accept IELTS scores of 7.0 or higher. We do not accept DuoLingo scores for the ThM. Applicants whose native language is not English, but who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in English through a university in the USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Anglophone Canada do not need a TOEFL or equivalent test.

Biblical Language Requirements

There are two concentration options within the Master of Theology (ThM) – Biblical Studies program:

Old Testament and its Ancient Context
New Testament

Applicants to the ThM – Biblical Studies must demonstrate competency in Hebrew or Greek. Incoming ThM applicants must pass one or both competency exams to be considered for admission to the program:

Old Testament and its Ancient Context: Hebrew competency required
New Testament concentration: Greek competency required

These exams will be taken online after a preliminary review of the applicant’s file.

Application Requirements

Visit our application page to learn more about the requirements and process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the Master of Theology (ThM) at Gordon-Conwell.

Do I need an MDiv to apply?

To apply for the ThM, you must have an MDiv or an academic MA in Theology with at least 60 credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution.

Can I take additional classes to reach the minimum credit requirement to apply?

No. The ThM requires that you already hold an MDiv or an MA in theology with sufficient credits in your intended ThM concentration.

Do I need to know biblical languages?

It depends on the concentration. A ThM in New Testament or Old Testament requires at least one year of the relevant biblical language plus three exegesis courses in that language, as well as passing a language proficiency exam. ThM concentrations in Theology, Church History, or World Missions do not require continued language study, but you must have substantial prior coursework in that field. A ThM in Practical Theology requires an MDiv of at least 72 credits.

Can I finish this degree in one year?

It’s possible to complete the ThM in one year as a full‑time student, but most students take two years to finish the degree.

Can I complete the degree fully online?

Yes, the ThM can be completed fully online, in person, or through a hybrid format.

How does Gordon-Conwell's multidenominational identity shape the classroom?

Gordon-Conwell professors and students come from a variety of Christian traditions, including Baptist, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Pentecostal, Anglican, and more. Yet we’re united around the authority of Scripture, as outlined in our Statement of Faith. In the classroom, you’ll encounter a range of theological perspectives, all explored with openness while staying rooted in the essential truths of the Christian faith. It’s an environment where you’ll be challenged to examine and deepen your own convictions, not change them—and to grow in community with believers from traditions different from your own. Learn more about this in a video by our academic dean and alumnus, Dr. Gerry Wheaton (MAOT & MANT ’03).