Master of Theology Degrees
The Master of Theology is a postgraduate degree focused on academic research. A prerequisite for this degree at most universities is a Masters of Divinity, a three-year graduate degree offered by seminaries. The Masters of Theology is required for teaching most college-level theology classes at the college or graduate level. The degree usually focuses on a specialized subject. It is also used for various ministry positions.
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Degree Outcomes
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The Master of Theology is primarily an academic research degree, but it has several applications. In some denominations, pastors and missionaries have this degree. It also can be found in other areas of vocational Christian ministry. This degree, abbreviated as Th.M., is at times used as preparation for a full doctorate degree. With this degree students will be experts in their specific area of study as well as developing a deeper understanding of the Bible and theology in general.
Areas of Study
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Earning a Masters of Theology involves classes in Biblical history, beliefs and traditions, as well as theological theories and some comparative religion. Students study the social, economic and political influences of Christianity over the centuries. This degree is research-based and students have freedom for independent study in their areas of specialization. More in-depth Bible study is also part of the curriculum, as well as theological research methods, biblical interpretation and exposition, and some studies in ancient languages.
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Various Tracks
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Many options are available within the Masters of Theology program. To some extent students can design their own programs, especially if they are using this degree to prepare for pursuing a doctorate. They might also pursue tracks of pastoral ministries, evangelism, discipleship and counseling. Educational leadership is another track, usually with a subspecialization such as youth, children or family ministry. Other tracks could include systematic theology, Old or New Testament studies, philosophical theology, or ancient languages of the Bible, which are Hebrew and Greek.
Admission Requirements
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Seminaries have different requirements, and they are usually stringent for an advanced degree such as a Masters of Theology. Calvin Theological Seminary, for instance, requires a Masters of Divinity or a Masters of Theological Studies with a grade-point average of at least 3.0. A student must have proof of having completed at least two semesters of Hebrew and Greek, and completion of, or the equivalent of, Calvin Seminary's core courses in the area of specialization.
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