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
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.
“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.”
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
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
Spring: Research Paper Option
TH790 Research Paper
3 Electives
Spring: Thesis Option
TH795 Thesis
2 Electives
Admissions criteria
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 generous scholarships on the basis of academic excellence. Scholarship packages for our most competitive international students may cover tuition, housing, and health insurance
Visit our tuition and financial aid page or contact us to learn more.
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 admissions@westernsem.edu.
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload written Materials
4.
Request letters
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Watch your email
Only the MA in Christian Studies and Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies are available in Spanish.
Important Dates
The Masters of Theology Starts Fall Semester
January
Application Deadline for International Students and domestic students seeking aid.
April
Deadline for applicants from the United States
Stories
Master of Theology Graduates
Get to know some of the many students and graduates from Western Theological Seminary.
