The most advanced theological degree at the master’s level, the Master of Theology (Th.M.) allows students to gain a high level of competency in one concentrated area of study after completion of the Master of Divinity. The Th.M. enhances ministerial practice, preparation for doctoral studies, and further mastery of a specialized discipline.
The student must have completed a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent from an accredited seminary or divinity school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The Th.M. assumes exegetical competence in Biblical Greek and Hebrew; however, a student who has not completed the prerequisite language courses may complete them during work toward the degree.
International applicants must complete the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test or 250 on the computer-based test.
New applicants to the seminary should indicate the desire to pursue the Th.M. on application materials. Current Southwestern students should fill out a Continuing Studies form available in the Registrar’s office and include an explanation of reasons for pursuing the Th.M.
All application materials must be submitted by the following dates:
Fall: July 15Spring: December 15Summer: April 15
International students must meet earlier deadlines as set by the Office of International Student Services. The Office of International Student Services may be reached at iss@swbts.edu or 817-923-1921, extension 3970.
Majors in the School of Evangelism and Missions are Evangelism, Missions, Islamic Studies and Great Commission Apologetics.The Master of Theology consists of a 25 (Thesis) or 24-hour (non-Thesis) curriculum including: the Graduate Research Seminar (2 hours), two Ph.D. Reading Seminars (4 hours), five advanced master’s electives (15 hours total) in a chosen major, Thesis (4 hours) if completing the Thesis Track, or Advanced Elective (3 hours) and Summative Exam if completing the non-thesis track. All course work must be completed with a 3.0 or better. No course with a grade of below 3.0 will count toward the degree.
The student must complete the Graduate Research seminar and begin the Ph.D. Reading Seminar during the first fall semester of course work.
The Th.M. 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 interpretative judgment. The thesis must address a topic in the student’s concentration. The latest edition of Turabian serves as the style guide for the thesis.
During the semester in which the student registers for Thesis Research, the student works with his or her thesis supervisor to complete a prospectus. The prospectus, not to exceed ten pages, must be approved by the thesis supervisor before the student begins to write the thesis. The approved prospectus must be submitted to the Associate Dean’s office. The student must work closely with the thesis supervisor throughout all stages of thesis work.
The student must submit the thesis at least 60 days prior to the anticipated date of graduation. The thesis supervisor and second reader will evaluate the thesis and determine the grade (passing grades: B- and above). A student who receives a failing grade will have an opportunity to revise and resubmit the thesis during the following semester provided that the time limitation has not expired.
All requirements, including the thesis, must be completed within three years of entrance into the program.
Up to twelve hours may be transferred into the Th.M. from the Southwestern M.Div. Transferred courses must be in the major selected for the Th.M.
A Th.M. graduate who pursues a Ph.D. in the School of Evangelism and Missions may apply the Graduate Research Seminar, the Ph.D. Reading Seminars, and the thesis to the Ph.D. degree.
For additional information about the Master of Theology, contact the Associate Dean of the Fish School of Evangelism and Missions at MQueen@swbts.edu, or by phone at (817) 923-1921 ext. 6405.
