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Apr 27, 2024
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Graduate Catalog 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Master of Theological Studies
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Offered in Columbia, SC
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is a two-year program (55 credit hours) that provides instruction in a broad range of theological disciplines. Students complete a 28-hour core curriculum and then craft the remaining nine courses to fit their academic and professional goals.
After completing the core requirements, students may use remaining electives to concentrate in one or more areas, depending on available course offerings. Possible areas of concentration include biblical studies, Christian theology, church history, preaching, Christian education, pastoral care, and worship. A minimum of nine credit hours (three courses) is required for a concentration.
Students may also craft a more broad-ranging curriculum without a particular concentration. This track is open to students from all denominations.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Admissions Application, candidates for admission to the Master of Theological Studies program must meet the following criteria:
- Have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended;
- Complete an autobiographical essay in 600-800 words setting forth: (a) your reasons for applying to seminary, (b) an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses as an applicant for theological studies and (c) the significant events of your life, your Christian experience, and your relationship to the church;
- Submit three references from: (a) your Pastor, (b) a faculty member, an advisor in an academic setting, or a supervisor who is acquainted with your work ethic, (c) a non-relative lay person who has known you in a leadership role or professional setting;
- Be available for an interview as requested.
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Specialization
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
- General Elective 3 Credits.
Language Requirements for the MTS Degree
Students who concentrate in biblical studies must take Greek and/or Hebrew as appropriate for their area of specialization.
Summative Evaluation
In accordance with the Association of Theological Schools’ standards (D.2.2), completion of the MTS degree requires a concluding exercise that allows for summative evaluation of the student’s work. This exercise may be a thesis in the area of concentration, a comprehensive evaluation (oral or written), or another summative process of evaluation.
Thesis Option: This is a capstone course of three credit hours that should result in a 30- 40 page paper in the area of specialization. This option is recommended for any MTS student who plans on further graduate work. Students should work with their advisors to have the thesis topic approved by the middle of the first semester of the second year. A thesis advisor will be determined based on the thesis topic.
Written/Oral Comprehensive Examination: The focus of the exam will be the integration of theory and practice. The exam may be completed as a written take-home or oral exam. The coordinator of the two-year programs is responsible for the formulation of the exams yearly.
Other options: Students may propose to the coordinator of the program an alternative to the above options that would be more aligned with the personal and professional goals of the student. This proposal is due to the coordinator by the middle of the first semester of the second year.
Degree Outcomes
The faculty will teach, form, and nurture MTS students so that graduates exhibit the following competencies:
- A comprehensive and discriminating understanding of the Christian heritage (scripture, theology, church history).
- Critical thinking skills in a specific discipline or in an interdisciplinary course of study.
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