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Oct 31, 2025
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Graduate Catalog 2025-2026
Theological Studies, MTS
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Offered in Hickory, NC
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is a two-year program (48 credit hours) that provides instruction in a broad range of theological disciplines. Students complete a 27-hour core curriculum and then craft the remaining seven courses to fit their academic and professional goals. MTS students must also complete a summative exercise in which they utlize research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field. This track is open to students from all denominations. The MTS can be used to fulfill the Disciplinary Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS) courses and certain other conference membership and ordination requirements in the United Methodist Church. It also applies to those who have completed the UMC’s Basic Course of Study and have a bachelor’s degree.
Program Admission Requirements
Visit Graduate Admission for the most current Program Admission Requirements.
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Core Requirements: 30 Credit Hours
General Electives: 18 Credit Hours
MTS Graduation Requirement-MTS Research Project
MTS Research Project The completion of the MTS degree requires a final project demonstrating research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field (for example, biblical studies, theology, church history, practical ministry, etc.). To pass this requirement, students must achieve a score of 75% or higher on a common MTS research project rubric. Students may submit a capstone assignment they have completed within a course, or they may register for a faculty directed independent study for academic credit (the latter is recommended for students planning on further research-based graduate work). Students wishing to complete a research project in the field of biblical studies must complete one or more of the relevant biblical language requirements (BIB 503 or BIB 504) and integrate knowledge of the biblical language(s) into their work. The MTS research project must demonstrate work completed in the student’s final program year, ideally in the final semester. Early in their first semester, students should begin planning the research project in consultation with their faculty advisor and the MTS Program Director. Degree Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies program will: - Demonstrate theologically informed and self-reflective engagement of distinct human cultures and communities.
- Demonstrate competencies necessary to cultivate anti-racist discipleship.
- Analyze Christian scripture and traditions with reference to their original contexts.
- Demonstrate research and critical-thinking skills within a specific theological field.
Seminary Degree Program Add-On Options
LTSS students may earn a formal concentration in one of three areas: Biblical Studies, Theology, and Faith Formation. Concentrations consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a concentration. Biblical Studies: Choose 9 hours among BIB electives. Theology: Choose 9 hours among THL electives. With the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, a student may apply up to three hours in biblical studies (BIB) or church history (CHS). Faith Formation: Choose 9 hours among CED electives. With the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, a student may apply up to six hours in relevant education (EDU) or ministry (MIN) courses. LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Leadership. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate. Choose 9 hours among the following courses: LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Counseling. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate. Students enrolled in a counseling cognate will be assigned a secondary advisor from the Counseling program. Choose 9 hours among the following courses: LTSS students may earn a formal cognate in Sustainability. Cognates consist of nine (9) credit hours in general electives. Courses required by a degree program do not count toward a cognate. Choose 9 hours among the following courses: |
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