Master of Theological Studies

A Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) is a graduate degree, offered in theological seminary or graduate faculty of theology, which gives students lay training in theological studies.[1] Under Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) standards, programs require graduates to have earned an accredited bachelor's degree or its equivalent.[1] Programs usually require students to complete two years of full-time study or its equivalent to earn the degree.[1] The degree can serve as preparation for entering a doctoral program in theology (Th.D.), religion (Ph.D.), or a related subject, such as education, counseling, social sciences, or humanities.[2]

The MTS degree should not be confused with the Master of Sacred Theology, or S.T.M./STM degree which is usually an additional year-long program of advanced study after the MTS or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree focusing on one area of special interest.[3]

Curriculum

The M.T.S. may require the completion of a summative evaluation, which could be a thesis or other project.[1] The complete standards are listed in the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada ATS Program Standards for the MTS degree.[1]

The ATS standards specify that the bulk of courses in the MTS program be academic rather than professional.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. "Basic Programs Oriented Toward General Theological Studies | Standard D. Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts [academic discipline], Master of Theological Studies (MTS)" (PDF). Standards of Accreditation. Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada: 17–19.
  2. ↑ Bauman, Whitney. "Different Stages of Becoming a Scholar in Religious Studies and Theology". Stages of Education. American Academy of Religion. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  3. ↑ "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  4. ↑ "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
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