ThM in Intercultural Studies
School of Mission and Theology
The Master of Theology in Intercultural Studies (ThM ICS) equips pastors, missionaries, and denominational leaders to meet the challenge of ministering in an increasingly complex, multiethnic, multinational world. The program enables practitioners to pursue concentrated coursework in one area of missiological study, culminating in a reflective and research-based thesis. Fuller’s ThM in Intercultural Studies also provides students who already have a master’s degree in a theological discipline with a missiological framework for further research and reflection. The ThM is designed as a one-year, self-contained degree, though it may be studied more slowly if a student’s circumstances allow. It may act as a transition to the PhD in Intercultural Studies program subject to a further application.
1 year
Includes thesis
Professional development
Equips for global complexity
Research-oriented
Prepares for PhD
Study with faculty like these:
Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies and Children at Risk and Associate Dean of the School of Mission and Theology
Paul E. Pierson Chair in World Christianity and Associate Dean for the Center for Missiological Research
Professor of Theology and Mission
Requirements
To be considered for a ThM in Intercultural Studies, applicants will normally have earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree or its educational equivalent. This program can be completed in one calendar year, but can be extended by students desiring to attend part-time. Students begin in the Fall Quarter when they join the incoming PhD ICS students for classes. Application is through an online form, including transcripts and references, together with a writing sample and a statement of the proposed area of research for the thesis.
Aspects of the ThM ICS coursework are designed to mirror the first year of the PhD ICS program. As a result, the ThM can provide an excellent means of preparing an application for the PhD program. Students who are admitted to the PhD prior to completing the ThM may be permitted to use some of their coursework toward the PhD. (Please contact the admissions office for more details.)
"I am incredibly grateful for my time at Fuller’s School of Intercultural Studies. My experience with world-class faculty and students from across the globe prepared me for a life of intercultural ministry, scholarly inquiry, and ultimately, to equip my students for a life service for Christ and his kingdom in diverse cities throughout the world."
– Craig Hendrickson, Program Head, BA in Evangelism and Discipleship, Moody Bible Institute (ThM ICS ’07)
Curriculum
Based on their expressed research interest, students are assigned a missiology faculty member as an advisor for their program. Students select 12 units of 500-level courses (which must be taken in English) to extend their basic missiological knowledge and competency, providing a foundation for the thesis topic. In order to encourage breadth and to utilize the rich diversity of the seminary’s course offerings, ThM students may be given permission to take classes from Fuller’s School of Psychology in fulfillment of their 500-level specialization coursework. Students also complete 24 units at 800-level, including MI803 Advanced Missiological Research 1, MI804 Missiology as Discipline, VF801–VF803 Vocation and Formation, MI807 Thesis Design, and Thesis Writing.
Upcoming Events
INTERCULTURAL STUDIES LECTURES
Fuller's annual Intercultural Studies Lectures bring in the top scholars from around the world to interact with the Fuller academic community.
Community
Students admitted to the ThM in Intercultural Studies join a cohort of PhD and ThM students learning together in a diverse community of scholars. This collegiality is lived in important ways through the Center for Missiological Research (CMR), which is made up of PhD and ThM students in all years of the program (totalling more than 50), plus faculty, and visiting scholars through the Global Research Institute. As befits missiology, PhD and ThM ICS students come from all continents, and students and faculty share intercultural and transnational research interests. The CMR administers the ThM program, connects students together across different year groups, and arranges shared activities for all members of CMR. The center’s activities include regular academic colloquia, informal fellowship, spiritual formation events, and special lectures, such as the annual Missiology Lectures.
Residence and Study Process
ThM ICS courses are taken as a cohort together with PhD ICS students and also selected from masters' level offerings.
The program requires three quarters of residence in Pasadena, California. Classes are held both on campus and online.
In the Spring and Summer, with an advisor, students will design and write a thesis in a topic that interests them.
Request More Information About the ThM in Intercultural Studies
You May Also Be Interested In
Doctor of Global Leadership (DGL)
Equipping experienced leaders to integrate theory and practical research to effect change in their context of service
PhD in Intercultural Studies (PhD ICS)
The highest credential in intercultural studies offered at Fuller, the PhD provides students the opportunity to design, develop, and complete a customized missiological research plan
The highest theology degree Fuller offers, the PhD prepares students for teaching and scholarship in their chosen discipline: New Testament, systematic theology, Christian ethics, or other concentrations
Contact Us
Contact
Chat Now
Office Hours
Monday–Friday
8 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time)
To view in-person Welcome Center hours for the Pasadena, Arizona and Houston campuses, click here.