Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

The MTS degree program has two distinct tracks:

Track I: General Theological Studies is designed for persons who seek through an engagement with contemporary biblical, theological, and historical studies to become better educated about important religious and ethical issues in our religiously plural world and/or to serve as more effective lay leaders in church and society.

Track II: Pre-doctoral Theological Studies is specifically designed for persons who are preparing for further academic coursework in other institutions of higher education leading to a research doctorate in a specialized discipline of Religious Studies.

Upon completing either track of the MTS program, students will be able to:

• Situate biblical, historical, and theological documents within historical, religious, and cultural contexts.
• Engage and interpret contemporary justice-related texts and movements that seek the transformation of church and society.
• Demonstrate an ability to conduct and evaluate advanced research by:
• In Track I, producing an integrative paper in which the students engages in critical reflection on an interpretive issues or set of issues that has emerged in her or his course work with relevant biblical, theological, ethical, historical or cultural materials as articulated in the previous goals; or,
• In Track II, producing a master’s thesis in which the student presents a sustained argument on a particular interpretive issue or set of issues with relevant biblical, theological, ethical, historical or cultural materials as articulated in the previous goals.

Qualified applicants for the Master of Theological Studies program must have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a 2.7 GPA in undergraduate work, and a completed application including the following items:

Application form and $60 application fee (fee waived if application is submitted by November 1)
Essay, described on the application form
3 references, one each from the following individuals:

• Professor
• Professional associate
• Lay leader in your church/faith community; or another person who has held a leadership, mentoring, and/or supervisory role in your life

Official transcripts from any undergraduate school where you received a degree and from any graduate school where you have completed work for credit. Official transcripts are ones that have the official institution seal and are mailed directly from the institution, not by the applicant. For full admission, the undergraduate transcript must show the degree and date received.
Authorization for criminal background check
FAFSA for anyone interested in taking out a student loan
TOEFL Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit an official TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based)

Apply online for Master of Theological Studies