Master of Theological Studies

M.T.S. Overview
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Description
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a 60-hour* program designed to provide students planning to teach the Scriptures on an institute or undergraduate level, or who want to conduct research on scholarly writing, or who simply desire to specialize in an area of biblical or theological study choose the Master of Theological Studies program. The MTS program is founded on the scholarly fields of education, biblical studies and theology. The curriculum attends to various academic areas within theological studies, while allowing the student the flexibility to focus on a single area within the larger field of study. Students are required to complete 60 graduate credits. They complete the degree with a master’s thesis or degree seminar.

*Advanced standing, validation, and transfer credit are available; see Special Credit Options.

Goals
The Master of Theological Studies degree is designed to prepare students through a biblical and theological foundation for various kinds of ministries within the local church or in parachurch ministries. The general theological training of this degree can serve students interested in pursuing specialized or doctoral studies.

The program seeks to foster growth in three areas of student life: academic, professional and relational.

Academic
The program enables the student to develop intellectually. The criteria to determine intellectual ability are the student's capacity to demonstrate biblical exegesis and exposition starting with one of the original languages and articulate and scripturally defend biblical orthodoxy. Students will also uphold godly living through personal practice, and by encouraging others to the same goal.

Professional
The criterion to determine professional ability is the capacity to apply Scripture to the issues of life practically, soundly and with compassion, and utilize primary documents where relevant. Students are expected to access scholarly literature in English from books as well as professional journals, and use these with critical judgment, evaluate issues critically and theologically and distinguish biblically consistent doctrine and practice from those that deviate. Also, students will have opportunities to develop their skills under guided supervision through an internship.

Relational
The program enables the student to develop engage in the Christian ministry and fellowship with appreciation for the variety of individuals, forms, and circumstances through which God works. The criterion to determine relational ability is the capacity to demonstrate satisfactory character for a vocational Christian field worker during internship experiences.