GOALS
The ThM program is designed to deepen students' knowledge of theology and further their preparation for pastoral ministry or for doctoral study. The thesis option (see Option I below) is intended to prepare students for doctoral studies and consists of six courses followed by a thesis. The major paper option (see Option II below) provides the opportunity for advanced study but does not lead to doctoral studies. This alternative consists of eight courses and a major paper.
Admission Requirements
A degree in Arts or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
A Master of Divinity from an accredited theological institution.
Second-class standing (3.3 GPA / B+) or better.
Language requirements: (Option I) Students must demonstrate competence (normally proven through transcript evidence of successful completion of a one-year university course or its equivalent within the previous four years, or by passing a written examination) in one ancient (Hebrew, Greek, Latin) OR modern (French, German, Italian, Spanish) language. Students must demonstrate competence in a second language before beginning the second year in their Program. If the first language requirement is fulfilled with a modern language, the second one must be fulfilled with an ancient language, and vice-versa. A student’s native language may be substituted for a modern language if there is a sufficient body of theological literature in that language and there are competent faculty members available to supervise the student’s work in that language.
Note: for admission, the Biblical Department requires proficiency (2 years of study) in biblical Hebrew for those specializing in Old Testament studies, together with competence in biblical Greek. Proficiency in biblical Greek is required for those specializing in New Testament studies, together with competence in biblical Hebrew. Competence in one modern language (German, French, Spanish, or Italian) is also required before beginning the second year in the program.
(Option II) requires language competence as appropriate to the area of study.
DURATION OF STUDIES AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
No full-time residence is required for the ThM. The program is to be completed in not less than one year and not more than six years from the time of original registration.
Students are admitted into one of two options.
Option I: six courses, of which four are in an area of major interest and two in other areas, plus a thesis in the area of major interest.
Option II: eight courses, of which six are in an area of major interest and two in other areas, up to half of which may be at the 3000 level if there is no 6000 level version, plus an extended essay from one of the courses.