Master of Theology - Biblical Interpretation & Theology

A student who holds the Master of Divinity degree, or first graduate theological degree providing equivalent theological background (including the requisite biblical languages), may apply for admission to the degree of Master of Theology (ThM). The program requires 32 credits.

The ThM program is designed for the student to advance his or her knowledge of a major field of theological research, particularly through the acquisition of, and practice in, the methods and tools of theological research. The student will advance their preparation for pastoral ministry, teaching ministry, or for more advanced graduate study. The following three concentrations are offered: Old Testament Interpretation and Biblical Theology, New Testament Interpretation and Biblical Theology, and Biblical Interpretation and Systematic Theology. The ThM program emphasizes the integration of, and reciprocal influence of, hermeneutics, exegesis, biblical theology and systematic theology. ThM students study in the hybrid courses of the PhD in Biblical Interpretation and Theology.

The ThM program does not require a modern research language.

Admission Requirements

  1.  A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited institution or accredited first graduate theological degree (MATS or equivalent) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  2. One-year each of biblical Hebrew and Greek; and second year of either Hebrew or Greek.
  3. GRE (school code 3355)
  4. TOEFL score of 585 if primary language is other than English (school code 6022).
  5. An academic writing sample that demonstrates graduate-level research and writing skills.
  6. For applicants whose primary language is not English, a TOEFL score of 585 or equivalent.
  7. Acceptable computer and internet competencies.

Co-requisites. In cases in which candidates for admission are considered to have insufficient background in biblical or theological disciplines, the seminary may require them to complete additional courses.

Student Learning Goals

Upon completion of the ThM, students will:

  1. Explicate their chosen field and associated fields with breadth and depth of knowledge.
  2. Produce a scholarly work that makes a contribution to the student's specialization.
  3. Explain and interpret passages of Scripture directly from the original languages of the Bible.
  4. Demonstrate further preparation for pastoral ministry, teaching ministry, or more advanced graduate studies.

Other Information

Program Schedule. Each full semester hybrid course requires a one-week in-person residency at the seminary. Additional trips to Springfield may be required for study and mentoring purposes.

Program Duration. The minimum length of time to complete the ThM program is two academic years of full-time study. Normally a student requires an additional year to complete the summative examination and then the thesis. Program extension fees are assessed beginning with the fifth year of study. The maximum length of time to complete the program is six years. (See the Financial Information section of this Catalog for Extension Fee Information.) 

Probation and Dismissal. A student making a "C" in one of the five core courses is placed on probation and should retake the course. A student will be dismissed upon making two "C's."

Graduation Requirements. To satisfy graduation requirements for the ThM degree, the participant must:

  1. Satisfactorily complete all ThM program requirements.
  2. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, including no more than one C. (A participant cannot graduate with a C­ on his or her transcript. A participant must retake the course, at his or her expense, to earn a grade higher than C-.)
  3. Be in good standing at the Seminary.

Degrees and Certificates