The Master of Theology (ThM) degree is designed to enable qualified graduates in theology to broaden and deepen their theological knowledge and competencies beyond the Master of Divinity (MDiv) level.
This goal is achieved by providing an opportunity to take a limited number of courses in areas not previously taken, and also to pursue studies at an advanced level in a field of specialization in one of the following areas:
Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Historical Theology, Theology, Christian Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophical Theology, Practical Theology, Theology and Culture, and Worship and Culture.
The ThM degree is designed as a self-contained terminal degree and may be viewed as a complement to the DMin degree. Whereas the DMin program focuses on competence in the practice of ministry (church growth, counseling, preaching, management, etc.), the ThM degree provides an opportunity for pastors and others to pursue advanced study in theological disciplines.
Graduates from the ThM program should evidence:
- a substantive understanding of their theological discipline appropriate for advanced academic study in the service of the church, and
- the capacity to formulate research questions and to use research methods and resources appropriate to the discipline, with a focus on scholarship for research and publication.