Master of Theology (ThM)

The ThM is a degree in biblical and theological studies that focuses on biblical exposition and hermeneutics. It builds upon the MDiv degree by challenging students to:

explore theological and biblical issues in missional theology more deeply
develop their skills in missional hermeneutics
continue their education through advanced methods and disciplines of critical thinking, research, and writing in preparation for doctoral study, teaching, or other ministry pursuits.

A Very Flexible Program

The delivery system for our courses is designed to meet the needs of today’s working student, as well as students who wish to study at a full-time pace.

Students can choose to devote one full day (Monday) each week to accomplish two courses. Students who are able to attend Tuesday morning as well can add a third course.

Classes are in a semester form. Students can complete the degree in as few as 15-18 months depending on the pace of study. International students may complete the onsite classes and then complete the thesis courses in their countries.

All classes and programs are available on-line. The majority of our on-line classes are in a synchronous format. This means that you can engage with your professors and classmates from the comfort of your own home! For more information please contact our admissions department here

Master of Theology Program Distinctive

Applicants must have earned the MDiv degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited theological seminary or first graduate theological degree providing equivalent theological background, or its educational equivalent. For students whose MDiv is from a non-English speaking school, a minimum TOEFL score of 90 is required. (Students whose TOEFL score ranges from 80 to 89 may take three MA courses before admission to ThM and must achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher.)

You must complete or have completed a minimum of two semesters of Greek and two semesters in the Hebrew language to study in the ThM degree program. You may be eligible to complete language study as you do your first year in the program.

Students who completed languages more than five years before admission are strongly encouraged to audit the language classes. For students who attend a minimum of two-thirds of the classes, there will be no charge.

The biblical languages requirement may be satisfied by one of the following methods:

Successful completion of the biblical languages competency exam
Submission of a transcript showing a minimum grade of “B” for at least two semesters of each biblical language

*Graduates of a Missio Seminary MA or MDiv degree program receive the alum discount.

Available tracks and curriculum

ThM with Thesis Curriculum
ThM without Thesis Curriculum

Core Courses – 6 Credits

Advanced Biblical and Theological Research
Biblical Theology

Electives: Choice of One – 3 Credits

The Christotelic Hermeneutic
Communication in Context

Electives: Choice of Three – 9 Credits

Seminar in Old Testament
(Pentateuch, Prophetic, OT Writings)
Seminar in New Testament
(Gospels, Pauline Epistles, General Epistles)

Thesis Preparation – 6 Credits

Thesis 1 (Independent Study)
Thesis 2 (Independent Study)

Sample Course Sequence:

Year 1 – Fall Semester
Theological Research Practicum, Christotelic Hermeneutic, Choice of OT or NT Seminars

Year 1 – Spring Semester
Advanced Hermeneutics Seminar, Choice of OT or NT Seminars

Year 2 – Fall Semester
Communication in Context, Biblical Theology, Choice of OT or NT Seminars, Thesis 1

Year 2 – Spring Semester
Choice of OT or NT Seminar, Thesis 2

Total Required Credits - 24

Core Courses – 15 Credits

Advanced Biblical and Theological Research
Biblical Theology
The Christotelic Hermeneutic
Communication in Context
Advanced Hermeneutics Seminar

Electives: Choice of Five – 15 Credits

Seminar in the Old Testament
(Pentateuch, Prophetic, OT Writings)
Seminar in the New Testament
(Gospels, Pauline Epistles, General Epistles)

No Thesis Preparation

Total Required Credits - 30

Ready to start your journey?

Whether you are looking for more information regarding a program, scheduling a visit, starting the application process, or just wanting to talk to someone about your dreams, our admissions department is always available to assist you and answer any question that you might have.

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