Program Purpose

The Master of Theology degree is to provide specialized training in any field of leadership in the Christian ministry, in professional pastoral ministry, or in theological research and teaching.

Program Goals

The primary goals for this program include the development of an advanced understanding of a focused area or discipline in the context of general theological study, the capacity to use research methods and resources in the discipline, the ability to formulate productive questions, and to relate this focused area to the social and cultural context of students.
 

Admission Requirements

• A M.Div. degree from an accredited theological seminary or college, or equivalent. Or, a person with a M.A. degree in theology (M.A.2-yr) or equivalent, and another academic master’s degree can apply for the M.Th.; likewise, a person with a M.A. degree in theology (M.A.2-yr) followed by a Grad.Dip. in theology can also apply. The GPA of the required degrees should both be 3.00 or above; and
• A plan of study; and
• Three letters of recommendation: one from professor of the seminary, one from professors or scholars in the applying of study emphasis, and one from the ecclesiastical officer in the home congregation; and
• A written work; and
• Applicants must demonstrate their competence in basic theological disciplines by passing written examinations of 4 hours’ duration.

Language Requirement

• Persons enrolled in this program must have sufficient English knowledge for study at the graduate level.
• For a student who takes an emphasis in the area of New Testament or Old Testament, 9 credits of Greek (for NT) or 9 credits of Biblical Hebrew (for OT) are required if the student has not already taken them. However, these credits will not be counted for graduation.

Area of Emphasis

Biblical Theology
　Old Testament
　New Testament
　Jewish Studies

Systematic Theology
　Dogmatics
　Church History
　Historical Theology
　Lutheran Studies
　Christian Ethics

Practical Theology
　Pastoral Ministry and Leadership
　Christian Counseling
　Pastoral Counseling
　Christian Education
　Diakonia
　Spirituality
　Worship and Liturgy
　Mission and Culture

Further Study

The Master of Theology degree can be a basis for further study at the doctoral level.

(course credits in brackets)

There are two streams in the program:

Stream A:

If the candidate wishes to present a research paper or thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirement, it shall be assigned 8 credits. In addition, 24 coursework credits are required, which must include at least 12 credits in the area of the thesis. The M.Th. Thesis will be evaluated by both the adviser and a second reader.

Guided Electives on Area of Emphasis (3 courses) (12)

Free Electives (3 courses) (12)

Thesis (8)

Stream B:

The candidate who seeks the degree without the presentation of a thesis is expected to pursue 32 total coursework credits, which must include at least 20 credits in the area of emphasis. The courses in the area of emphasis should include writing short papers.

Guided Electives on Area of Emphasis (5 courses) (20)

Free Electives (3 courses) (12)