MASTER OF THEOLOGY
A student who holds the Master of Divinity degree, or first graduate theological degree providing equivalent theological background (including the requisite biblical languages), may apply for admission to the degree of Master of Theology (Th.M.). The program requires 32 credits.
The Th.M. program is designed for the student to advance his or her knowledge of a major field of theological research, particularly through the acquisition of, and practice in, the methods and tools of theological research. The student will advance his or her preparation for pastoral ministry, teaching ministry, or for more advanced graduate study. The following three concentrations are offered: Old Testament Interpretation and Biblical Theology, New Testament Interpretation and Biblical Theology, and Biblical Exegesis and Systematic Theology.
The Th.M. program emphasizes the integration of, and reciprocal influence of, hermeneutics, exegesis, biblical theology and systematic theology. Th.M. students study in the modular courses of the Ph.D. in Biblical Interpretation and Theology.
The minimum length of time to complete the Th.M. program is two academic years of full-time study. Normally a student requires an additional year to complete the summative examination and then the thesis.
Student Learning Goals
Upon completion of the Th.M., students will:
- Explicate their chosen field and associated fields with breadth and depth of knowledge.
- Produce a scholarly work that makes an original contribution to the student’s specialization.
- Explain and interpret passages of Scripture directly from the original languages of the Bible.
- Demonstrate further preparation for pastoral ministry, teaching ministry, or more advanced graduate studies.
Degree Components and Requirements
- Core Components (20 credits)
- Reading Courses (4 credits)
- Summative Exam
- Electives (Choose 2 classes* or Thesis Course) (8 credits)
- *See AGTS Catalog for specific courses in each category.
Program Schedule
A one-week, residential modular format for the course work is provided to facilitate in-service professionals. Courses are offered in February (one week), June (two weeks), and October (one week). One course may be taken per week. Additional trips to Springfield may be required for study and mentoring purposes.
Tentative Course Schedule
Class Schedule: Monday through Friday 8 am – 5 pm, unless otherwise noted.
See the AGTS Catalog for a complete listing/description of the courses.
| Date | Course Number | Course Title, Syllabus and Supplemental Material | Professor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2019 | |||
| Feb. 25 - March 1 | BOT 902 | Literary Methods (Core 4) | |
| Summer 2019 | |||
| June 3-7 | BOT 943 | Studies in the Pentateuch and Historical Books | |
| June 10-14 | BTH 906 | Biblical Theology of the Holy Spirit (Core 5) | |
| Fall 2019 | |||
| October 21-25 | BNT 945 | Studies in the Writings of Paul | |
| Spring 2020 | |||
| February 24-28 | BTH 903 | Hermeneutical Frameworks (Core 1) | |
| Summer 2020 | |||
| June 1-5 | BNT 901 | New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Core 2) | |
| June 8-12 | BOT 942 | Studies in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature | |
| Fall 2020 | |||
| October 19-23 | BNT 941 | Studies in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts |
Admission
- A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited institution, or accredited first graduate theological degree (MATS or equivalent).
- One-year each of biblical Hebrew and Greek; and second year of either Hebrew or Greek.
- GRE; TOEFL score of 585 if primary language is other than English.
- Writing sample that demonstrates graduate-level research and writing skills.
- A 2,000-word vocational essay, describing vocational history and goals.
- Three completed letters of recommendation.
See our Admissions Requirements Page for more information.
Tuition
The tuition for this program is $700 per credit hour ($2,800 for a 4-credit course). The tuition charge will cover the following costs: course cost, thesis fees (if the student chooses that option), and graduation fees. The tuition charge will not include the following costs: textbooks, costs of travel, housing and meals, editing, directed research fees, continuation fees, extension fees, or tuition costs for courses taken at other institutions and transferred into this program.
Financial Aid
Th.M. students are eligible for loan deferment. The program does qualify for VA benefits and federal Title IV aid and private student loans. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information
Meals and Transportation
The student is responsible for travel and living arrangements while attending classes. A limited number of rooms in the University dorms are available on a first-come-first-served basis. A list of local hotels and possible other housing opportunities is available to the student here.