Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)

 

Purpose

The Master of Theological Studies degree program is designed to provide a basic understanding of the theological disciplines as a foundation for further graduate study, for enhancement of lay leadership roles or for personal enrichment. The degree requirements are designed to ensure some breadth of exposure to the various disciplines of theological study, while at the same time allowing each student to fashion a plan of study that serves her or his particular interests and goals.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Faithfully and critically read Scripture and the historical texts of the Christian tradition.
  2. Critically examine the challenges of culture and the world.
  3. Reflect theologically about the doctrine and practices of the church.
  4. Design a research project that demonstrates faithful reading, critical examination, and theological reflection.

Requirements for Admission

The number of new students to be admitted each year is determined by policies of selection established by the faculty. The following considerations are decisive:

  1. Seriousness of purpose, emotional stability and likelihood of satisfactory performance in the degree program and of responsible membership in the Perkins and Southern Methodist University community.
  2. Academic ability as shown by a minimum GPA of 2.750 (on a 4.000 scale) in a well-balanced curriculum. Normally, an applicant must hold the B.A. or equivalent degree from a college or university which is accredited by one or more of the organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (chea.org). An applicant with a degree from an unaccredited school may be considered if the case is exceptional.
  3. A reasonable program of financial support that will enable students to be devoted properly to the main business of their theological training.

To supplement the data furnished by transcripts, letters of reference and other written material, a personal interview with the director of student services or with a person designated by the director may be required of the applicant. 

Requirements for Graduation 

The course requirements totaling 48 credit hours are as follows:

Required Courses

Core Courses

ST 6350 - Introduction to Theological Studies and Research
HX 6300 - The Christian Heritage
ST 6303 - Interpretation of the Christian Message

MT 6300 - Christian Ethics in Social Context
or
HR 6302 - World Religions and Christianity

OT 6300 - Interpretation of the Old Testament
or
NT 6300 - Interpreting the New Testament

Total: 15 Credit Hours

Concentration Courses

Select from one area of study:

Six term hours in electives in church music and worship to be selected from the list below:

  1. Biblical studies: from BB, GR, HB, NT, and OT courses
  2. Church history: from HX courses
  3. Moral theology/theology and culture: from MT and TC courses
  4. Practical theology/Christianity and society: from CA, CE, CM, EV, HH, MN, PC, PR, PS, WO, and XS courses.
  5. Systematic theology: HX 8321, HX 8322 and from ST courses
  6. World Christianity/world religions: from HR and WX courses 

Total: 12 Credit Hours 

Electives

Total: 21 Credit Hours

Total: 48 Credit Hours

 

Thesis or Summative Project

In the final year of study, the student must complete either a written thesis or a summative project. Students completing a thesis receive three credit hours of credit. The thesis normally focuses on a topic in the student's chosen area of concentration. Students who choose to complete a summative project do so in conjunction with a course in which they are enrolled. The summative project integrates the student's learning and provides evidence of growth. The project may be completed in a number of formats, such as a paper, a public lecture, a website or a pilot project. No additional credit hours are given for a summative project.