GOALS
The MA in Theology is designed to provide students with graduate level competence in several areas of theological study. It offers opportunities for advanced work in areas of particular interest to the student and prepares him or her for admission to a doctoral program. The MA in Theology may be earned in biblical, historical, pastoral or theological studies. When students are planning their program in consultation with a faculty advisor, initially the AD director of their college of registration, care will be taken to select courses that reflect the ecumenical nature of the Toronto School of Theology.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- A degree in Arts from an accredited college or university is required.
Second-class standing (3.3
GPA / B+) or better.
Note: Students with the MDiv
or its equivalent who are seeking to earn an advanced
degree in theology at the Master's level normally
enrol in the ThM program.
DURATION OF STUDIES AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The MA in Theology is designed as a four-semester (two year) program, consisting of twelve courses (seven required and five elective courses), language requirements and the completion of a master's thesis. The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. In keeping with TST regulations, students have a maximum of six years to complete the MA. Normally, candidates will take twelve courses in three semesters (i.e., four courses per semester) and complete a master's thesis in the final semester (the equivalent of four courses). The program is outlined below.
The Seven Required Courses
- One course at the
1000 level in each of the following five areas:
- History of Christianity (One of Christianity
I, Christianity
II, Christianity III) - Theological foundations
- Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament
- New Testament
- Christian ethics
- History of Christianity (One of Christianity
I, Christianity
- One course from offerings at the 5000 or
6000 level in any of the four departments of
the Toronto School of Theology, dealing with the intersection of Theology/Religion
and any of the following:
- World Religions (e.g., another religion, comparative religions, interreligious dialogue, etc.)
- (Humanities (e.g., art, literature, philosophy, political studies, etc.)
- Social Sciences (e.g., anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology, etc.) or
- Physical Sciences (e.g., cosmology, ecology, health sciences, etc.)
- SMJ5500
Research Methods, offered by the Faculty
of Theology of the University of St. Michael’s
College.
The Five Electives
Five courses in the area of specialization (biblical, historical, pastoral, theological). At least two of these courses must be at the 5000 level, the remainder at the 5000, 6000 or 7000 level. No more than two 7000 level courses may be taken for credit towards the MA. Consult Section 6.5.1b in the AD Handbook (for use by ThM and MA students) posted at http://www.tst.edu/programs/advancedhandbook.asp for specific departmental regulations concerning the electives.
Language Requirements
Research competency in one ancient language (Hebrew,
Greek, or Latin) OR one modern language (French,
German, Italian or Spanish) is required before
the student may proceed to the thesis stage of
the program. No substitutions
are permitted.
Note: Before MA students in the Biblical Department begin electives, they must have competence in both biblical Hebrewand biblical Greek, and before they present a thesis proposal they must have demonstrated proficiency in the language of the Testament of major interest.
Thesis
The MA thesis conforms to the regulations set by the TST for the Advanced Degree level. See the TST AD Handbook (for use by ThM and MA students), Section 6.4, 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 posted at http://www.tst.edu/programs/advancedhandbook.asp
Exemptions
Students possessing the MDiv or the MTS who desire the MA in Theology may receive transfer credit for the five courses listed under 1 a) and/or their equivalent from other accredited institutions. However, such students are required to take SMJ 5500 Research Methods. Students who have the equivalent of one or more of the required courses under 1 a) at the 1000 level but who do not have the MDiv or MTS, may substitute a course in the same area at the 2000 or 3000 level.