The Master of Theology (Th.M.) program is designed to enable qualified graduates of post-baccalaureate degree programs in theology (i.e., the M.Div. degree or its equivalent) to broaden and deepen their theological knowledge. Students in the program will:
- participate in core seminars
- take a limited number of electives
- pursue research in a specialized area
- In the Th.M. core seminars, we focus on theological and cultural underpinnings of how Christian faith and practice are and might be embodied in various cultures and contexts. Because our Th.M. students come from around the globe, that discussion is enriched by the diverse first-hand experience of that community of scholars.
- As with all of Western Seminary's degree programs, our pursuit of knowledge is done in the spirit of "faith seeking understanding." We invite all students to participate fully in our lively, Reformed, evangelical, and ecumenically-open community of faith as they seek to deepen and sharpen their theological understanding.
Bishop Stephen Kaziimba
Anglican Church, Uganda
"Western prepared me to teach ethics to U.S. Army Chaplains so that they can properly handle the critical issues faced on and off the battlefield."
Chaplain Mike Burgess, Major US Army
Ethics Instructor, US Army Chaplain School and Center
Fort Jackson, South Carolina
"Spending a year in Western’s Master of Theology program was a great way to prepare myself for Ph.D. studies on Calvin at the Ruprecht-Karls-University in Heidelberg, Germany."
Dr. Shih, Shu-ying
Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology
Taiwan Theological Seminary, Taiwan
"It is a privilege to welcome students to study and research in the Master of Theology program. Their presence and interaction here enhances the Western Community, giving everyone an opportunity to learn from the Th.M. students about the global church."
Jeanette Beagley-Koolhaas
Director of Th.M. Program
Jeanette.Beagley@westernsem.edu
616-392-8555, x183
To Apply:
To apply for the Master of Theology program, you must:
- have completed a Master of Divinity degree or the equivalent
- submit transcripts of all schools attended
- have the ability to relate theological study to the social, cultural, and historical contexts of your ministry
International Students must submit a TOEFL score of at least:
- 230 (computer based)
- 550, TWE 4 (paper based)
- 80 (internet based)
- Overall 6.0 (IELTS)
A limited number of scholarships are available to national and international students.
Application Deadlines:
Preliminary: December 31. For application forms, please contact the Th.M. program director, Rev. Jeanette Beagley-Koolhaas, at jeanette.beagley@westernsem.edu.
