Master of Theology

go deeper theologically

 The Master of Theology (Th.M.) is a ten-month program* (one academic year) designed for scholars from North America and around the world to come to Western Theological Seminary and pursue advanced study.  

Students will focus on a particular area of research (biblical studies, theology, or Christian ministry), dialogue across cultures with our faculty and other Christian leaders from around the globe, and be enriched by participation in the life of our Christian community.

25

Credit Hours

10

Months to complete

Hours of Availability

In residence only

About Western Theological Seminary

A COMMUNITY OF FAITH

Western Theological Seminary is an evangelical and ecumenical community of faith and learning in the Reformed tradition that serves the church of Jesus Christ. WTS equips women and men for Christ-centered, biblically-based, theologically integrated, culturally competent, and mission-oriented Christian leadership.

ABOUT WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE CALL OF WOMEN

Throughout Scripture, we see God calling and appointing women to teach, preach, and lead God’s people. We uphold the biblical witness as we prepare women and men to lead the church in mission.

ABOUT WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY AT WTS

At Western Theological Seminary we long to embody more fully that to which the gospel calls us, and of which our standards remind us, with regard to racial and ethnic diversity.

READ Our Statement on RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY

“The professors at Western Theological Seminary
were so supportive of my goals and interests, and
they went out of their way to prepare me for a Ph.D.
program. To have that level of academic preparation
while also being part of the worshiping
the community was a gift.”

WTS Seal

Erin Zoutendam

Class of 2017

The Master of Theology (ThM) degree is ideal for: 

Pastors who want to deepen their knowledge of the Christian faith

girls

Leaders for whom the ThM degree will pave the way for further teaching or leadership roles

Students who want further academic preparation before applying to a PhD program

Course Sequence

Graduates will be proficient at researching and writing at an upper academic level in a specific theological discipline. They will research, write, and speak in a way that is attentive to contextual, cross-cultural,
and/or tradition-specific issues.

Finally, graduates will be prepared to pursue more advanced theological research and/or to take on greater leadership within the church, theological institution, or ministry to which they are called.

Fall Semester

TH700 Orientation Seminar

TH720 State of the Field

TH735 Seminar in Theological Method

Two Electives

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Spring: Research Paper Option

TH790 Research Paper

3 Electives

Spring: Thesis Option

TH795 Thesis

2 Electives

To apply for the ThM Program

You must have completed a Master of Divinity degree or the equivalent

You will be asked to submit transcripts of all schools attended

You will have the ability to relate theological study to the social, cultural, and historical contexts of your ministry

International Applicants

For applicants from countries whose primary language is not English, there are specific requirements you need to meet in order to apply to Western Theological Seminary.

To be eligible for admission, you must meet the following English proficiency test scores:

  • TOEFL- the minimum acceptable scores are:
    • 550 (paper-based) with Test of Written English (TWE) 4
    • 213 (computer-based)
    • 80 (internet-based)
  • IELTS – the minimum acceptable score is 6.0 overall
  • Duolingo English Test (DET) – the minimum acceptable score is 110

Be sure to register for the test as soon as possible, as the scoring and processing can take some time, and the results must be received by January 15 for enrollment in the Fall Semester.

Costs

AFFORDING sEMINARY

We are pleased to be able to offer scholarships to ThM candidates on a competitive basis of academic excellence.

Scholarship packages may include some combination of the following:  tuition, housing, individual health insurance, and books.

Visit our tuition and financial aid page or contact us to learn more.

Apply

APPLICATION PROCESS

Our application process is all online. Create an account, select your degree program, fill out the required form and wait for an email. Have questions? Email us at admissions@westernsem.edu.

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1.

Create an Account

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2.

Fill out an application

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3.

Upload  written Materials

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4.

Request letters

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5.

Submit Your Application

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6.

Watch your email

The Masters of Theology Starts Fall Semester 

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January

Application Deadline for International Students and domestic students seeking aid.

one

April

Deadline for applicants from the United States

How can we help?

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Dr. David Komline

Professor of Church History, Coordinator for Strategic International Initiatives, Director of the Masters of Theology (ThM) Program

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Gretchen Torres

Hispanic Ministry Program and ThM Program Administrator