If you desire theological education but not ordination, the Master of Theological Studies program is for you.
If you desire theological education but do not seek ordination, the Master of Theological Studies program is for you. The MTS degree serves as an avenue for further graduate study or as a platform for enhanced theological knowledge that may augment your training received in other fields. For example, church leaders (who may serve as elders, deacons, Bible study teachers, or church education teachers), Christian school teachers, and others serving in Christian ministry may wish to complement their training and experience with graduate-level theological education. As a student, you can choose a concentration in either biblical studies or historical/theological studies.
65 classroom credits
2-3 Average number of years to complete
2 Options: Biblical studies & Historical/Theological Studies
The MTS program consists of the same rigorous academic work as the M.Div. program, but without the requirements associated with preaching and ministerial studies. The MTS program offers flexibility by allowing students to concentrate on one of the two areas: Biblical Studies or Historical/Theological Studies
The biblical studies concentration provides a thorough acquaintance with Hebrew and Greek language study, together with in-depth study of the canon, history, and interpretation of both Old and New Testaments. The concentration is filled out with course work in the ecclesiastical and doctrinal divisions of the curriculum.
The historical/theological concentration includes biblical language courses (Hebrew and Greek) and emphasizes church history, apologetics, and theological doctrines.
The capstone project is the culminating exercise for the Master of Theological Studies degree at Mid-America. Students have the option of one of two possible tracks:
RESEARCH-BASED CAPSTONE
In this project, the student will answer a conceptual research question or a practical research question. Using the content and methodology learned during the course of study, students will offer a thesis and defend it through the presentation of research, analysis, and conclusions. This capstone aims to prepare students for further academic work in and/or contribution to their area of interest.
REFLECTION-BASED CAPSTONE
The reflection-based capstone project is a detailed engagement with, and intellectual reflection on, chosen degree content. In this project, the student will substantively recount
(using lecture notes and assigned readings from coursework completed) and explore further (via additional data gathered through research) selections from what the student has learned in their course of study. For this capstone project, the student will define the chosen topic, situate it within its academic context, and then reflect on its formative significance for their chosen area of possible future service.
We seek to give students the tools for a lifetime of ministry. Our curriculum stresses two govern-ng ideas. First, there is a repeated combination of study and application that teaches students how to translate the theology they learn into teaching constructed with solid content and sound method. Second, there is a strong emphasis on the classical disciplines of original language study, biblical interpretation, doctrinal and practical studies, and the history of the church with application that is relevant in the 21st century.
A Master of Theological Studies requires 65 classroom credits and typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
Download Biblical Studies Course Sequence (PDF)
Download Historical/Theological Studies Course Sequence (PDF)
To enroll in the MTS program, you must be a dedicated Christian who has earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 (B-) or higher. For more information on the application process, please check out the how to apply page. This process should be completed before May 1 of the first year of study.