Master of 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 Exegesis 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 language.
Admission Requirements
- 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.
- One-year each of biblical Hebrew and Greek; and second year of either Hebrew or Greek.
- GRE (school code 3355)
- TOEFL score of 585 if primary language is other than English (school code 6022).
- Writing sample that demonstrates graduate-level research and writing skills.
- Not less than two years of appropriate ministry experience.
- For applicants whose primary language is not English, a TOEFL score of 585 or equivalent.
- Submission and approval of a writing sample that demonstrates graduate-level research skills.
- Second language proficiency. In exceptional cases, this requirement may be substituted by petition.
- Official improvement of administrative superiors (e.g., missions board or agency).
- Acceptable computer and internet competencies.
Co-requisites. In cases in which candidates for admission are considered to have insufficient background in biblical, theological, or missiological disciplines, the seminary may require them to complete 15 credits of missiology foundation courses, 15 credits of theological foundation courses, or both as a co-requisite part of their ThM program.
Student Learning Goals
Upon completion of the ThM, students will:
- Explicate their chosen field and associated fields with breadth and depth of knowledge.
- Produce a scholarly work that makes an original contribution to the student's specialization.
- Explain and interpret passages of Scripture directly from the original languages of the Bible.
- Demonstrate further preparation for pastoral ministry, teaching ministry, or more advanced graduate studies.
Core Components
Reading Courses
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Courses |
Credits |
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Choose one of the following: BNT 930; BOT 930; BTH 930 |
4 |
Summative Exam
Electives
Choose two* of the following (4 credits each): BNT941,942,943,945,949;BOT/BNT 925; BOT 941, 942, 943; BOT 941, 942, 943; BTH 921,922,931,941,942,943, 945; THE 941, 942, 943.
OR
Thesis Course: BTH 980 (8 credits)
* Two 4-credit elective courses, each with requirement for a major, and advanced seminar paper.
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:
- Satisfactorily complete all ThM program requirements.
- 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-.)
- Be in good standing at the Seminary.
Intercultural Studies Concentration
The Master of Theology with the Intercultural Studies Concentration is designed for the student wishing to enhance his learning in the field of intercultural studies and the theology of missions. This concentration focuses on studies that:
· Enhance missionary practice and resources
· Prepare participants to teach missiological courses
· Build foundations for training missionaries for cross-cultural ministry
· Equip leaders for holistic ministry
This ThM concentration requires 32 credits which can be completed in a minimum of 2 years. Normally a student would require an additional year to complete the summative examination and, if chosen, the thesis.
Student Learning Goals
Upon completion of this concentration, students will have:
- A deepening biblical and theological understanding of Missio Dei and the kingdom of God
- A distinctively Pentecostal theology of intercultural ministry
- An understanding of the historical development of the Christian movement and the participant’s role in the contemporary world
- The ability to discern the Holy Spirit’s direction in the fulfillment of the mission of God in diverse cultural settings and to contextualize effective expressions of the Gospel
- An emphasis on the priorities of evangelism, church planting, leadership formation, and compassion ministries
- A continuing commitment to personal spiritual formation and growth as a member of God’s missionary people
- A working knowledge of the close relationship between the local church and missions
ThM with Intercultural Studies Concentration Requirements
- Core Components (20 credits)
- Electives (12 credits or 8 credits plus a Thesis Course)
- Summative Exam
Core Classes (4 credits each)
MSS 901 Leaders in a Global Context
MHT 902 Missio Dei and the Contemporary World
MCC 903 Intercultural Communication and Mission Anthropology
MCC 904 Theological Issues, Contextualization, and Area Studies
MSS 905 Methods of Missiological Research
Electives (4 credits each)
MCC 911 Missiological Engagement with World Religions
MCC 929 Encountering Non-Christian Religions
MSS 912 Evangelizing, Discipling, and Church Planting
MSS 921 Relief and Development in Mission: Theories and Strategies
MSS 922 Contemporary Social Issues in Mission
MSS 930 Alternative Approaches to Education
MSS 939 Mission of God in Luke-Acts
MHT 910 The History of Christianity in Missiological Perspective
Each course requires a one-week in-person residency at the seminary. Additional trips to Springfield may be required for study and mentoring purposes.