The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) degree addresses the development of character and call, with a particular focus on providing a theological foundation for both lay and vocational ministry. It provides for spiritual, intellectual, and practical formation in terms of biblical, historical, theological, and ministry competencies, equipping students to be effective leaders in the church and contemporary society.
Focus:
The organization of the M.T.S. program allows for a wide range of choice on the part of the student. Students must choose to focus in one of three areas:
- Biblical Studies
- Ministry Studies
- Theological Studies
The way the degree is designed, all of these experiences become a part of your ministerial training no matter what path you might pursue in the future.
Entrance Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum B- (2.6/7 GPA) average
- Three letters of recommendation: Academic, Pastoral, Character
Thesis Option:
There is also the option of doing a thesis as part of this degree. For those students who demonstrate sufficient academic success (usually a B+ or higher in the focus area), we encourage you to pursue the thesis option in conjunction with the area of focus. The thesis allows you to take a particular agreed-upon topic and, by working with an academic mentor on the faculty, undertake your own research into this subject area. Those who intend to go on for further academic training are strongly encouraged to pursue the thesis option. (6 units)
The following is the general plan of graduation requirements for the M.T.S. program. The required courses in each subject area constitute the core courses in that area. These core courses constitute the prerequisite courses for the other courses in the subject area. Each student is encouraged to take as many of the core courses during the first year of study as their schedule permits, in order to allow the most flexibility for pursuing electives in their second year.
Besides fulfilling all of the specific degree requirements, a grade point average of at least a C- (1.6/4 GPA) is required to complete the degree. No courses below a C- will be counted towards the degree.
| Biblical Studies |
Units |
| OT 1A03 Old Testament Literature & History |
3 |
| NT 1A03 New Testament Literature & History |
3 |
| NT/OT 2A03 Biblical Interpretation & Application |
3 |
| NT/OT 3A03 Biblical Theology |
3 |
| Total required | 12 |
| Theological Studies |
Units |
| TH 1A03 Systematic Theology 1 |
3 |
| TH 2A03 Systematic Theology 2 |
3 |
| CH 1A03 History of Christianity 1 |
3 |
| CH 2A03 History of Christianity 2 |
3 |
| ET 1A03 Ethics & Character |
3 |
| TH 2B03 Worldview & Spirituality |
3 |
| Total required |
18 |
| Ministry Studies |
Units |
| MS 1A03 Ministry Practice & Formation |
3 |
| MS 1B03 Leadership in the 21st Century |
3 |
| MS 3B03 Mission & Evangelism |
3 |
| MS 3C00 Spiritual Formation Retreat |
P/F |
| Total required | 9 |
| Focus (choose one) |
Units |
*Biblical Studies Focus (7 Electives)
- Four electives in Biblical Studies (must have at least one course from both OT & NT)
- Three open electives
|
21 |
Theological Studies Focus (7 Electives)
- Four electives in Theological Studies
- Three open electives
|
21 |
Ministry Studies Focus (7 Electives)
- Four electives in Ministry Studies
- Three open electives
|
21 |
| Total required |
21 |
*Biblical Studies Focus with thesis requires three Greek or Hebrew language anchor courses taken as electives
Total Units Required for the M.T.S. Program - 60
Ministry Formation may be used as a Ministry Studies elective
(Maximum of 6 units)
To apply, please download the following forms (all in .pdf format). If you do not have Adobe Reader on your computer, you can download it for free here.
Download the MacDiv view book. (PDF)
For more information, please contact us at divadmit@mcmaster.ca or (905) 525-9140 x24402.
