Master of Theology (ThM)
21
Credit Hours
1-2
Years to Complete
- Residential
The Master of Theology (ThM) program is a post-MDiv/post-MTS program designed for advanced study and academic research in a specialized area of the theological curriculum. As a seminary graduate, you will have the opportunity to extend your education in a particular field or to prepare for doctoral-level work through a one- to two-year program and a capstone thesis or a major research paper.
Overview
Advanced study. Spirited research.
Take your MDiv or MTS to the next level.
The Master of Theology (ThM) program is a post-MDiv/post-MTS program designed for advanced study and academic research in a specialized area of the theological curriculum. As a seminary graduate, you will have the opportunity to extend your education in a particular field or to prepare for doctoral-level work through a one- to two-year program and a capstone thesis or a major research paper.
The ThM program is designed to achieve these key learning outcomes:
- Students have academic mastery in a specific theological discipline.
- Students can engage in sound scholarship that exhibits independent inquiry, academic research, critical analysis, and scholarly writing.
- Students can articulate both their own tradition’s perspective on their area of specialization and the strengths and weaknesses of other theological approaches.
- Students exhibit the fruit of the Spirit by providing thoughtful, fair, and respectful analyses and interpretations that recognize the strengths of positions with which they disagree and the weaknesses of positions with which they agree.
- Students can persuasively articulate their own theological positions as well as engage in informed, respectful dialogue with other points of view.
- Through exposure to fellow students from around the world and to scholarly literature representing diverse points of view, students appreciate the ways in which various cultural and religious contexts challenge and enrich theological reflection.
- Students engage in theology that strengthens the church’s biblical and theological understanding and its ministry.
Concentrations
- Old Testament
- Ancient Near Eastern Language and Literature
- New Testament
- History of Christianity
- Systematic Theology
- Philosophical and Moral Theology
- Pastoral Care
- Pastoral Leadership
- Preaching
- Worship
- Evangelism
- Educational Ministry
The Program
A Flexible Curriculum to Match Your Concentration Interests
The Master of Theology program allows MDiv and MTS graduates to explore key aspects of biblical studies, theological studies, or pastoral care. Deepen your knowledge in a specific area of teaching or ministry and become equipped for future doctoral work. Students can complete their studies as a full time student either in one or two years.
David Den Haan, ThM ’14“The process of learning was deeply stimulating, and the conversations with professors were rich and fruitful. My preaching was enriched. I learned new skills for leadership.”
Research Course3
3 Research Methodology
Develops research paper writing skills, and introduces basic research and Biblical methodologies. Students learn to analyze scholarly articles, write a 15-20 page research paper, meet with professors in the area of their specialization (biblical, theological, ministry) to finish the first draft, and then rewrite the paper.
Specialized Electives (3 courses)9
General Elective (1 course)3
Paper or Thesis6
6 Thesis (ThM)
A ThM student has the option of writing a six-hour thesis on a topic within the student’s area of concentration. The student is responsible to find a supervisor appropriate for the topic. The supervisor will identify a second reader. The thesis will ordinarily be approximately 100 pages in length, not including the bibliography. The student defends the thesis before the supervisor and the second reader.
or
6 Major Paper (ThM) + General Elective
A ThM student has the option of writing a three-hour major paper within the student’s area of concentration. The student is responsible to find a supervisor appropriate for the topic. The major paper will ordinarily be 30 pages in length, not including the bibliography.
Stories
Called to Serve
Past graduates have applied their learning to a variety of ministry-based opportunities. Here are some of their stories:
Finances
Calvin Seminary Supports Students
Calvin Seminary offers a wide range of scholarships and other financial assistance.
In fact, in recent years, nearly $1.5 million in scholarship funds were awarded annually. For information on ways to make seminary more affordable, visit the Tuition and Aid webpage.
Application Requirements and Deadlines
For the ThM Program
The Master of Theology (ThM) program has some specific admissions requirements, unique to the program. Below are some of the specifics. If you have any questions, the admissions office is here to help!
Admission Requirements
General: The Registrar’s Office, with oversight from the Admissions and Standards Committee, will examine the academic, professional and ministry background of each applicant. If it is determined that an applicant would benefit from further study in a particular area, a learning plan will be developed which could include specific seminary electives or additional courses from another academic institution.
ThM Specifics: Admission to the ThM program requires the following:
- A Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Bachelor of Divinity, or an equivalent degree, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B), from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the US Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or a Canadian provincial quality assurance agency, or from institutions outside of the US or Canada that meet standards comparable to those of the Association for Theological Schools.
- Completion of sufficient prior study in your intended area of specialization. (Some students may be advised to take one or more extra courses in their area of specialization.)
- Transcript evidence of a minimum of two semesters of study each in Hebrew and Greek.
- Completion of all admission requirements before entering the ThM program (with limited exceptions for someone concurrently completing an MDiv or MTS program at Calvin Seminary).
For more details on admission requirements for the Master of Theological Studies program, please review the ThM Handbook.
Non-native in English: Applicants who are non-native in English must submit official TOEFL exam results as a part of their application for admission. A minimum internet-based total score of 80 with a score of 23 in the writing section is required. Use Calvin Theological Seminary's institutional code 1096 to order scores.
International Student Admissions: For information on international student application requirements, visit the international student information page below.
Admission Deadlines
Use the chart below to find out when your admission materials are due for a particular term. The due dates below are when all materials are due by (the application, recommendations, transcripts, etc).
Application Material Deadlines
Fall Semester (September - December)
Spring Semester (Late January - May)
Summer Term (May - August)
Ready to Start?
Click on the button below to begin the application process.