Master of Theology
The program equips students for advanced study in biblical and theological disciplines, developing strong skills in interpretation and teaching. Students are prepared to integrate theological knowledge with academic scholarship and ministry practice and to communicate biblical truth effectively.
Purpose
The Master of Theology (Th.M.) program provides advanced biblical and theological education for students preparing to serve in teaching ministries at seminaries or universities. The program strengthens students’ academic and professional competencies while cultivating spiritual vitality for ministry. The Th.M. program focuses on three areas of study: Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology, and Systematic Theology.
Learning Outcomes
The Master of Theology (Th.M.) program offers specialized study in Biblical Studies, with a concentration in Old Testament or New Testament, or in Systematic Theology. The program is designed to equip students to:
- Interpret and teach biblical or theological content effectively in academic and ministry settings.
- Evaluate various approaches to biblical and theological interpretation and research.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate resources for biblical and theological research.
- Complete a well-structured and logically coherent master’s thesis that effectively evaluates and integrates complex theological concepts.
- Reflect on and assess their own spiritual vitality.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be born again Christians who sense a calling to theological education or advanced theological study.
- Applicants must hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or a Master of Christian Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.33 (B+ or 86.5–89.9%).
- Proof of English reading proficiency is required: a TOEFL score of at least 550 or 79–80 TOEFL iBT earned within the past five years, or an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
- Submit a research paper demonstrating the applicant’s ability to engage in advanced theological research.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong character and spiritual maturity and provide recommendations from two theological seminary professors.
- Applicants must have earned a grade of B or higher in both Hebrew and Greek. A grade of C in these courses will disqualify the student from scholarship eligibility.
Entrance Examinations
| Concentration | Examination | Timing | |
| Old Testament | Hebrew | Before enrollment¹ | Complete within the first year² |
| New Testament | Greek | Before enrollment¹ | Complete within the first year² |
| Systematic Theology | Systematic Theology | Before enrollment | |
- Applicants who have completed 15 credits of prerequisite biblical language coursework before entering the Th.M. program must take the entrance examination before enrollment.
- Applicants who have not completed the required 15 credits of prerequisite biblical language coursework must complete them during the first year or when the courses are offered.
Curriculum
- The program emphasizes academic research, with all coursework designed around rigorous scholarly study.
- Students must complete 24 credits, including 18 credits of coursework and 6 credits of thesis. Students who have not completed the required 15 credits of prerequisite biblical language coursework before enrollment must complete them during the first year.
- The 15 prerequisite biblical language credits may be completed through either 9 credits of Old Testament Hebrew and 6 credits of New Testament Greek, or 6 credits of Old Testament Hebrew and 9 credits of New Testament Greek.
- The program currently admits students specializing in Old Testament, New Testament, or Systematic Theology.
Program Structure
Foundational Studies — 6 Credits
- Core Courses and Research Methodology (6)
Area of Specialization — 12 Credits
- Old/New Testament Exegesis II / History of Theological Development (4)
- OT/NT Seminar I / Contextual Theology (4)
- OT/NT Seminar II / Readings in Systematic Theology (4)
Integration — 6 Credits
- Thesis (6)
| Old Testament | New Testament | Systematic Theology | |
| Pre-qualifications (15) | Hebrew I, II (6) | ||
| Greek I, II (6) | |||
| Hebrew Exam | Greek Exam | Theology Exam | |
| Hebrew Exegesis I (3) | Greek Exegesis I (3) | Hebrew or Greek Exegesis I (3) | |
| Basic Studies (6) | Research and Methodology in OT and NT (4) | ||
| Research and Methodology in ST (2) | |||
| Area of Study (12) | Hebrew Exegesis II (4) | Greek Exegesis II (4) | Historical Development of Theology (4) |
| OT Seminar 1 (4) | NT Seminar 1 (4) | Contextual Theology (4) | |
| OT Seminar 2 (4) | NT Seminar 2 (4) | Readings in ST (4) | |
| Integration (6) | Colloquia (1 for each semester) (0) | ||
| Thesis (6) | |||
Program Duration and Location
Full time study is encouraged. Regular courses are offered at the main campus, with synchronous online participation also available. Dissertation research and writing may be completed off campus. The program requires a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years, including thesis writing. An additional year may be granted upon approval when necessary.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete all 24 required credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).
- Complete the required 18 credits of coursework before beginning thesis writing.
- Complete the master’s thesis and successfully pass the oral defense.
- Complete the Seminary’s graduation clearance procedures.