Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
A. Program Objectives
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a graduate-level academic degree designed for individuals who want a broad and deep understanding of Christian theology. People who are interested in this degree usually use it to teach, research, improve their lay ministry, or have a personal affection for theology. Ordination is not usually in their purview. The degree provides a well-rounded foundation in biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, and Christian ethics, equipping students for theological reflection, teaching, or further academic study (such as a PhD or ThM).
B. Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the theological studies degree, students will be able to…
- Biblical Studies
- Interpret Scripture using a Reformed hermeneutic, recognizing the unity of the Bible through the lens of covenant theology and the centrality of Christ in all of Scripture
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic biblical languages: Hebrew and Greek
- Church History
- Survey church history from early Christianity to the present
- Evaluate the significance of the Reformation’s foundational contributions during the 16th and 17th centuries
- Elucidate Reformed confessions, creeds, and theological developments
- Systematic and Historical Theology
- Explicate and defend Reformed, systematic and redemptive-historical theology
- Illuminate and exercise Christian ethics and doctrine
- Articulate Sacramentology, ecclesiology, and eschatology from a Reformed perspective
- Ministry & Formation
- Develop a strong spiritual formation shaped by Reformed piety
- Grasp a basic understanding of Christian education
- Mission and Evangelism
- Understand biblical principles and methods for global and local mission
- Navigate cultural engagement and outreach strategies
- Expound on Reformed apologetics and worldview
C. Curriculum Design
The MTS curriculum consists of core requirements and electives. The major core requirements provide a foundational, biblical, and theological understanding of Christianity.
A student may complete the master’s degree in theological studies and transfer to the divinity degree master program. To obtain an MDiv as a second master’s degree, transfer students must 1) earn a total of 66 credits and 2) complete the courses required for the MDiv degree.
D. Graduation Requirements
The candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Students must complete a total of 60 units with a C (2.0) average on all courses taken.
- The student must complete all the required courses within the time frame allowed (4 years from the time of first enrollment).
- The conduct and attitude of the student must be satisfactory according to the norms of Scripture and the Westminster Standards.
- The student must pass the Bible Knowledge Test.
- The student must clear all financial obligations, including the graduation fee of $300, to the university. The student must submit a formal request for graduation before the designated deadline, normally in the beginning of the last academic year. Ordinarily, degrees will be awarded at the conclusion of the spring semester but may be granted in December.
E. Course Requirements
- Overview of Degree Requirement
Major Core Requirements | 48 units |
Biblical Language | 6 units |
Biblical Studies | 12 units |
Christian Thoughts and Experience | 15 units |
Spiritual and Ministerial Training | 15 units |
Electives | 12 units |
Total Credit Requirements | 60 units |
- Required Courses
- Biblical Language (6 units)
LA 511 Hebrew
LA 521 Greek
- Biblical Studies (12 units)
Old Testament (6 units)
Choose 2 courses from the following:
OT 501 Old Testament Introduction
OT 502 Pentateuch
OT 503 Historical Books
OT 601 Prophetical Books
OT 602 Poetry & Wisdom
New Testament (6 units)
Choose 2 courses from the following:
NT 501 New Testament Introduction
NT 502 Synoptic Gospels
NT 505 Hermeneutics
NT 602 Pauline Epistles
NT 603 General Epistles & Revelation
- Christian Thoughts and Experience (15 units)
Systematic Theology (9 units)
Choose 3 courses from the following:
ST 501 Apologetics
ST 502 Prolegomena & Theology Proper
ST 601 Anthropology & Christology
ST 602 Pneumatology & Soteriology
ST 603 Ecclesiology & Eschatology
ST 604 Christian Ethics
Church History (6 units)
Choose 2 courses from the following:
CH 501 Early Church History
CH 601 Medieval Church and Reformation History
CH 602 Modern Church History
- Spiritual and Ministerial Training (15 units)
Practical Theology (15 units)
Choose 5 courses from the following:
PT 511 Sermon Preparation
PT 611 Sermon Delivery (Preaching)
PT 531 Foundation of Christian Education
PT 541 World Mission
PT 524 Pastoral Ministry
PT 652 Pastoral Counseling
PT 521 Spiritual Formation
PT 624 Church Administration
PT 641 Cultural Anthropology
- Electives: 12 units
Any graduate level course taken outside the required courses listed above will be considered as an elective course.
F. Example Academic Progression Plan by Year
Year | Summer | Fall | Winter | Spring |
First Year | · LA 521 Greek | · CH 501 Early Church History · ST 502 Prolegomena & Theology Proper · NT 501 New Testament Introduction · PT 541 World Mission · PT 521 Spiritual Formation | • LA 511 Hebrew | · CH 601 Medieval Church and Reformation Church History · ST 601 Anthropology & Christology · NT 505 Hermeneutics · OT 501 Old Testament Introduction · PT 641 Cultural Anthropology
|
3 units | 15 units | 3 units | 15 units | |
Second Year |
| · ST 602 Pneumatology & Soteriology · OT 502 Pentateuch · PT 524 Pastoral Ministry · Elective
|
| · PT 531 Foundation of Christian Education · Elective · Elective · Elective
|
| 12 units |
| 12 units |