Master of Theological Studies
Degree Overview
Vocational Calling
To serve in a full-time, or lay ministry position as a pastor or staff member of a local church or other ministry organization. This degree provides a foundation in biblical and theological studies; however, the MTS is normally not deemed sufficient for admission to DMin or PhD programs without significant leveling.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Adam Harwood (Program Supervisor)
Dr. Jeffery B. Riley (Summative Assessment Coordinator)
Program Requirements
Biblical Studies (12 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Interpreting the Old Testament 1 | 3 |
Interpreting the Old Testament 2 | 3 |
Interpreting the New Testament 1 | 3 |
Interpreting the New Testament 2 | 3 |
Theological/Historical Studies (18 hours)
course | hours |
|---|---|
Systematic Theology 1 | 3 |
Systematic Theology 2 | 3 |
History of Christianity: Early-Medieval | 3 |
History of Christianity: Reformation-Modern | 3 |
Baptist Heritage | 3 |
Christian Apologetics | 3 |
Applied Ministry Studies (9 hours)*
*One course from the Applied Ministry Studies section must be taken in a mentoring format
course | hours |
|---|---|
Evangelism OR Christian Missions (M) | 3 |
Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (M) | 3 |
Proclaiming the Bible (M) | 3 |
Controlled Electives (6 hours)
course | hours | |
|---|---|---|
These electives may be taken in Biblical Studies and/or in Theological & Historical Studies courses. | 6 |
Free Electives Component (3 hours)
course | hours | |
|---|---|---|
These electives may be taken in Biblical Studies and/or Theological & Historical Studies courses or in other disciplines. | 3 |
Summative Assessment*** (1 hour)
Total Required: 49 hours
(M) Indicates course is available in a mentoring format, as well as other formats.
*One course from the Applied Ministry Studies section must be taken in a mentoring format.
**Students not called into a preaching ministry may choose to take Teaching the Bible instead of Proclaiming the Bible.
***See details on the Summative Assessment process in this degree plan (below). Further guidance on the process may be obtained from the Office of the Summative Assessment Coordinator.
MTS Summative Assessment
The Summative Assessment is a comprehensive exam component of the Master of Theological Studies degree. To take the exam, the student must enroll into MTSA6100 Summative Assessment and pay fees like a normal class. Students must register for the course the semester that they anticipate graduating. Students, in communication with the Office of the Registrar, are responsible for knowing where they are in their program and when they must take the exam.
Registration Process
During registration for the semester that students anticipate graduation, they must contact the Registrar's office to register for MTSA6100 and pay all associated fees (self registration is not available for this course).
Once students register for MTSA6100, they should contact the Summative Assessment Coordinator and verify their enrollment into the Summative Assessment Canvas site, which houses the exam and additional helpful information.
All graduation deadlines are firm.
Summative Assessment
The Summative Assessment consists of 100 true-false and multiple choice questions gleaned from the courses that make up the degree. This timed exam is taken and graded via the Summative Assessment Canvas site.
The exam is opened for students to take during the following periods of time:
December graduation: after November 1, but no later than December 1
May graduation: after April 1, but no later than May 1
July Conferral: after June 1, but no later than July 1
In the event that a student fails the Summative Assessment, the following options are available:
If a student fails the Summative Assessment, the exam may be retaken after 5 days if 5 days falls within the period that the exam is open.
If a student fails the Summative Assessment and/or does not take the exam within the allotted period, the student must contact the Office of the Registrar to withdraw from graduation.
If a student fails the Summative Assessment and/or does not take the exam within the allotted period, the student must enroll into MTSA6100 Summative Assessment in the subsequent semester.
Further guidance on the Summative Assessment process may be obtained from the Office of the Summative Assessment Coordinator.