Master of Theology (Th.M.)
Purpose
The Master of Theology degree program will provide additional training beyond the Master of Divinity degree in preparation for full-time Christian service. Through course work, scholarly research, and logical and critical writing, the Th.M. will provide advanced preparation for those called to service in theological education or those planning to pursue degree programs at the doctoral level.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Select and design a scholarly research project.
- Assess alternative views of Scripture and theology.
- Synthesize a personal and biblical systematic theology.
- Defend Christian theology from a biblical perspective.
Program Specific Admission Requirements
In addition to the general admission procedures, the following requirements will govern admission into the Master of Theology program:
- The applicant must have earned a Master of Divinity or its equivalent from an approved institution.
- The applicant must have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale) in the Master of Divinity program. Applicants who do not meet this criterion may be considered for admission on Academic Caution.
- Contact information for one Pastoral Recommendation.
- School of Divinity Questionnaire/Personal Statement
- TOEFL Scores for students who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper-based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test).
Thesis Requirements for Th.M. Degree
With the approval of the student’s advisor and the mentor, a student may write a thesis of 10,000 words (minimum) that follows the latest edition of Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations. The project must meet all designated deadlines and receive a minimum grade of B. A graduate faculty member selected in consultation with both student and advisor will function as a mentor of the thesis and will monitor the progress during the various stages of writing (from the selection of a topic to the final draft). Both the mentor and a second reader must approve the thesis. Two copies of the approved final draft thesis must be submitted electronically to the Integrated Learning Resources Center. Three semester hours credit will be given for the thesis. The student opting to write a thesis must also include a course in research methods in the overall program.
Master’s Thesis Sample Schedule*
*Schedule will vary depending on when the student starts the thesis process.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 1 | Approval of thesis topic by Thesis Committee. |
| November 1 | Submission of Thesis Prospectus to Mentor and Reader(s). |
| December 1 | Last possible day for submission of late Thesis prospectus, if the student plans to appeal for extension of the Thesis Prospectus deadline |
| January 15 | Submission of the first draft of the Thesis |
| February 15 | Last day for return of first draft with corrections to the student from Mentor and Reader(s). |
| March 15 | Submission of corrected draft to Mentor and Reader(s). Include copies of initial draft with suggested corrections of them |
| April 1 | Return of corrected draft to student. |
| April 30 | Submission of final draft. |
| Early May | Final grade on Thesis due on date when grades are due. |