Master of Theology (School of Educational Ministries)
Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries
Master of Theology (School of Educational Ministries)
The most advanced theological degree at the master’s level.
This degree enhances ministerial practice, preparation for doctoral studies, and further mastery of a specialized discipline.
Degree Highlights
- 24 hours
- Available fully online
- Thesis and non-thesis tracks available
The most advanced theological degree at the master’s level, the Master of Theology (ThM) allows students to gain a high level of competency in one major area of study after completion of the Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE). The ThM enhances ministerial practice, preparation for doctoral studies, and further mastery of a specialized discipline.
Entrance Requirements
Prerequisites
The student must have completed a Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE), Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC), or Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree or its equivalent from an accredited seminary with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
International applicants must submit scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS. For the TOEFL, a score of 5-6 (maximum score of 6) is required, IELTS, a score of 7 is needed. Students who complete the computer-based TOEFL must also complete the TSE (Test of Spoken English). Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College will no longer accept Duolingo as an entrance language exam. Students may continue to submit test scores from TEOFL or IELTS.
If a student has questions regarding the exams and scores, they may direct those questions to the international student services office at [email protected].
Upon admission, the student’s transcript will be evaluated and up to six hours will be transferred into the ThM program in consultation with the student’s advisor or thesis supervisor.
Application Deadlines
All application materials must be submitted by:
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 15
Summer: April 15
International students must meet earlier deadlines as set by the Office of International Student Services.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Theology consists of 26 hours for the thesis track or 25 hours with the non-thesis track. Students will major in the area of Educational Ministries.
All requirements, including the thesis, must be completed within three years of entrance into the program
| COURSE TITLE | COURSE NUMBER | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| RSTCH 5551 | Introduction to Doctoral Research | 1 |
| RSTCH 5611-5621 | Scholarly Research and Writing I-II | 2 |
| EDMIN 5384 | Research and Statistics for Advanced Studies | 4 |
| Concentration Courses | 12 | |
| Graduate Elective or Doctoral Seminar | 4 | |
| THMTH 5001 | Summative Exam | 1 |
| Total Degree Hours | 24 |
| COURSE TITLE | COURSE NUMBER | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| RSTCH 5551 | Introduction to Doctoral Research | 1 |
| RSTCH 5611-5621 | Scholarly Research and Writing I-II | 2 |
| EDMIN 5384 | Research and Statistics for Advanced Studies | 4 |
| Concentration Courses | 12 | |
| THMTH 5011 | ThM Thesis Defense | 1 |
| THMTH 5004 | ThM Thesis | 4 |
| Total Degree Hours | 24 |
Total Hours
24
Summative Exam Track
Students pursuing the non-thesis track must pass an oral examination in their chosen course of study. Student will take the oral exam in their final semester.
Thesis Track
The ThM thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to design a viable research project, pursue the research in relative independence, and write with clarity and force. An acceptable thesis should go beyond the description of data and include critical evaluation and interpretive judgment. The thesis must address a topic in the student’s specialized discipline. The thesis supervisor is assigned in consultation with the program supervisor and the Associate Dean of the Terry School.
The Scholarly Research and Writing seminar must be taken prior to thesis writing. Guidelines for thesis submission may be obtained from the Dean’s office in the Terry School. The student should work closely with the thesis supervisor through all stages of thesis work.
Majors
- Biblical Counseling
- Children’s Ministry
- Collegiate Ministry
- Disability Ministry
- Ministry Leadership and Administration
- Discipleship and Teaching
- Family Ministry
- Student Ministry
- Ministry to Women
Time Limitations
All requirements, including the thesis, must be completed within two years of entrance into the program.
Got Questions?
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