The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) gives students thorough training in the academic disciplines of theology and biblical studies in the context of WTS’s distinctive approach to whole-person formation.
48
Credit Hours
2-3
Years to Finish
In Person and Hybrid
DO YOU DESIRE TO DIVE INTO
THE STUDY OF THE BIBLE?
Are you curious about the history of the
church?
Does thinking deeply about who God is and what God does excite you?
Consider pursuing a Master of Theological Studies (MTS). Graduates with this degree
often work in the church or in educational settings, bringing to those contexts a rich
preparation in the academic disciplines of the bible and theology.
Still undecided about your specific career pathway? Contact Admissions! We can connect you with faculty and alumni who can assist you in your discernment process.
What is your path to a Master of theological studies?
The Master of Theological Studies has additional concentrations to support your call. Learn more about your options by clicking one of the boxes below.
MTS - Master of Theological Studies
AVAILABLE IN PERSON OR ONLINE
The MTS can be completed without any concentrations, giving students a solid grounding in Bible and theology while allowing them the freedom to explore the other disciplines of the seminary through nine elective courses.
MTS - Theological Concentration
AVAILABLE IN PERSON OR ONLINE
The MTS with a concentration in theology allows students to focus their study on how Christians throughout the centuries have thought about and approached questions about who God is, what God does, and how we should live in the world.
MTS - Biblical Concentration
AVAILABLE IN PERSON OR HYBRID
The MTS with a concentration in the Bible emphasizes original study of the scriptural text, including both biblical languages and advanced courses in biblical books and themes, while still allowing some flexibility through two general electives.
COURSE SEQUENCE
COURSE SEQUENCE MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Year 1
Fall
- BL300 Old Testament Foundations (3)
- TH300 Church History 1 (3)
- Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
Spring
- BL301 New Testament Foundations (3)
- TH301 Church History 2 (3)
- Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
Year 2
Fall
- TH310 Systemic Theology 1 (3)
- Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
Spring
- TH311 Systemic Theology 2 (3)
- MTS Capstone (3)
- Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
WTS welcomes transfer students and transferred coursework. Contact Admissions to learn more.
COURSE SEQUENCE THEOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
Year 1
Fall
- BL300 Old Testament Foundations (3)
- TH300 Church History 1 (3)
- TH Elective (3)
- TH Elective (3)
Spring
- BL301 New Testament Foundations (3)
- TH301 Church History 2 (3)
- TH Elective (3)
- TH Elective (3)
Year 2
Fall
- TH310 Systemic Theology 1 (3)
- BL490 Biblical Capstone (3)
- TH Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
Spring
- TH311 Systemic Theology 2 (3)
- MTS Capstone (3)
- TH Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
COURSE SEQUENCE BIBLICAL CONCENTRATION
Year 1
Fall
- BL300 Old Testament Foundations (3)
- TH300 Church History 1 (3)
- BL310 Biblical Hebrew (3)
- Elective (3)
Spring
- BL301 New Testament Foundations (3)
- TH301 Church History 2 (3)
- BL311 Hebrew Translation and Interpretation (3)
- Elective (3)
Year 2
Fall
- TH310 Systemic Theology 1 (3)
- BL320 New Testament Greek 1 (3)
- BL490 Biblical Capstone (3)
- OT Elective (3)
Spring
- TH311 Systemic Theology 2 (3)
- BL321 New Testament Greek 2 and Interpretation (3)
- MTS Capstone (3)
- NT Elective (3)
Are you an In-Person Learner?
Courses taken primarily in-person at our Holland, MI, campus. Students who take courses primarly in person tend to:
1
Prefer the physical environment of the classroom
2
Enjoy regular face-to-face interaction with professors and peers
3
Need a consistent class schedule and structured learning formats
4
Be committed to completing the degree in 2-3 years
5
Already live in West Michigan or are interested in moving to West Michigan
6
Plan to work part-time or less
Are you an Online Learner?
Online Learning is available to students in West Michigan and around the world. As an Online Learning student, you would typically:
1
Be a self-motivated, independent learner
2
Want the flexibility of organizing your own learning schedule
3
Need maximum flexibility to fit school around your other commitments
4
Desire to stretch your degree out over many years
5
Live more than 150 miles from Holland, Michigan
6
Plan to work full time while in school.
Costs
AFFORDING sEMINARY
Tuition rates vary for different programs and degrees. At WTS, we understand that finances can be a major concern for prospective students. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and loan options.
Important Dates
For terms starting in 2026 - 2027
Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
January
Application fee waived for Fall semester MTS applications!
March
Deadline for international students
May
To ensure housing and best financial aid opportunities
August
Final application deadline for fall start
August
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
spring Semester (starts Early January)
Apply By
December
For best financial aid opportunities
December
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Your application will be completed fully online. Once you complete your application be sure to watch your email. Some programs require additional interviews or follow up.
Have questions? Email us at [email protected].
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload written Materials
4.
Request letters
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Watch your email
Interested in Transferring to WTS?
At Western Theological Seminary, you can transfer your credits and join a community deeply committed to forming faithful Christian leaders. Let’s talk about how your journey can continue—and flourish—here.
