Master of Theology
The Master of Theology (ThM) is a 30 hour advanced degree that gives students the opportunity for directed study. Students may use this opportunity to prepare to pursue a PhD, to wrestle with doctrines or issues of faith, or to hone ministry skills. The ThM provides advanced training for students holding an MDiv (or MABTS with equivalent course work) and may be pursued either in residence or via a modular track, which is comprised of intensive courses on campus, and advisor-guided research and independent study.
Benefits of the Master of Theology
Advanced Theology Courses
Study the Bible and theology in a deeper way than your MDiv allowed. The ThM offers advanced theology courses that let you go deeper than ever before.
Advanced Thesis
The ThM in Exegetical Theology program typically requires a thesis. This serves to develop and strengthen research and writing skills as well as provide the student with a writing project that can be submitted with doctoral applications. Students in the Biblical and Pastoral Theology track are required to do a writing project that focuses on a practical aspect of Christian ministry.
Modularity
ThM students have the option of learning in residence in St. Louis or traveling to St. Louis a few times a year for week-long intensives.
Formats
The Master of Theology degree is 30 credit hours and can be completed in 18 months, though students writing a thesis may need additional time.
Residential
Learn in residence—or with a few trips to St. Louis a year—under a faculty of pastor-scholars and alongside a community of learners. On-campus housing is available for single students, couples, and families.
Degree Tracks
Exegetical Theology
The ThM in Exegetical Theology helps pastors, missionaries, and theology teachers sharpen exegetical skills as well as develop research skills and test a calling to further study. The Exegetical Theology track requires a thesis.
Biblical & Pastoral Theology
The ThM in Biblical and Pastoral Theology is a more flexible and pastorally oriented program including course work in both the biblical and practical disciplines; students complete a contextualized writing project instead of a thesis as part of this program.
Program Requirements
The ThM requires satisfactory completion of 30 units as outlined in the curriculum with grades of A or B and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.1. The MDiv degree (including Hebrew and Greek) or its educational equivalent (at least 72 credit hours) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the ThM program. Our ThM program is exegetically weighted and students are unlikely to succeed without this level of preparation.
Modular Program Requirements
Students in the Exegetical Theology track must complete 12 hours of the ThM program through on-campus, week-long, intensive seminars. The remaining 18 hours can be completed off-campus through a combination of adviser-guided independent studies (12 hours) and a thesis (6 hours). Students in the Biblical and Pastoral Theology track must complete 15 hours of the ThM program through on-campus, weekend or week-long intensive seminars. (This will normally include nine hours of Practical Theology credits.) The remaining 15 hours can be completed off campus through a combination of adviser-guided independent studies (12 hours) and a contextualized writing project ( 3 hours).
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