Nov 24, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2021-2022 
    
Graduate Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Theological Studies, MTS


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Offered in Columbia, SC

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is a two-year program (54 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. Students may, but are not required, to use remaining courses 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 formation, and pastoral care. A minimum of nine credit hours (three courses) is required for a concentration. This track is open to students from all denominations. 

Program Admission Requirements

Visit Graduate Admission for the most current Program Admission Requirements.

Program Requirements


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.

Total Credit Hours: 54


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