The Master of Theology (Th.M.) is a post-M.Div./M.T.S. degree program designed for advanced study and academic research in a specialized area of the theological curriculum. It gives seminary graduates the opportunity to extend their education in a particular field or to prepare for doctoral-level work.
Areas of specialization include:
Old Testament
Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature
New Testament
History of Christianity
Systematic Theology
Philosophical and Moral Theology
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Leadership
Preaching
Worship
Evangelism
Educational Ministry
Related Information
Read the FAQ
Electives Schedule 2013-2014 (pdf)
Electives Schedule 2012-2013 (pdf)
Admission Requirements
- A Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Bachelor of Divinity, or an equivalent degree, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B).
- Completion of the equivalent of Calvin Seminary’s core courses in the area of specialization.
- Transcript evidence of a minimum of two semesters of study each in Hebrew and Greek. (Students applying in areas other than Old Testament, New Testament, and Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature, may request a waiver of part of this language requirement.)
- For students for whom English is a second language, a TOEFL score that meets Calvin Seminary’s requirements.
- Completion of all admission requirements before entering the Th.M. program.
Program Curriculum
You can complete your program in the following way:
| Requirement | Credit Hours | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| One research methodology course (801T) | 3 credit hours | ||
| Three electives in the area of specialization | 9 credit hours | ||
| One general elective in any department | 3 credit hours | ||
| One of the following options: | |||
| An additional general elective in any department and | 3 credit hours | ||
| A major research paper in the area of specialization | 3 credit hours | ||
| OR | |||
| A thesis in the area of specialization and | 6 credit hours | ||
| An oral examination based on the thesis | |||
| Total: | 21 credit hours* | ||
| *Students specializing in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature must complete the research methodology course, 5 electives in this area of specialization, and a 3-credit major research paper, for a total of 21 credit hours. If they choose to write a 6-credit thesis, they may either transfer in a qualifying course taken earlier or add another 3 hours to their program, for a total of 24 credit hours | |||
- A Specialized Program in Pastoral Care and Counseling involving clinical training accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education is also available. For the requirements in that program, please contact the professor of pastoral care.
Courses in the Th.M. program will be one of three types:
- 800-level electives with 36 hours of class time
- 800-level electives with 24 hours of class time and 12 hours of individual research assignments
- 500- and 600-level electives with a workload appropriate for Th.M. students and worth 3 credits
Note: Th.M. students may also register for Ph.D. courses (900-level electives) if they have established a GPA of 3.3 (B+) or better after one semester and if there is room in the course (Ph.D. courses are limited to 12 students).
Program Sequence
One Year Program
| Fall Semester | J-Term | Spring Semester | May Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Research Paper Option | |||
| Research methodology course and 2 electives | * | 3 electives and the writing of the major research paper | * |
| Thesis Option | |||
| Research methodology course and 2 electives | * | 2 electives and the writing of the thesis | * |
* Some electives may be taken in the J-Term or May Term
Two Year Program
| Fall Semester | J-Term | Spring Semester | May Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Research Paper Option | |||
| Year 1 | |||
| Research methodology course | * | 2 electives | * |
| Year 2 | |||
| 2 electives | Major research paper proposal * | One elective and a Major research paper | * |
| Fall Semester | J-Term | Spring Semester | May Term |
| Thesis Option | |||
| Year 1 | |||
| Research methodology course | * | 2 electives | * |
| Year 2 | |||
| 2 electives and thesis proposal | Thesis writing * | Thesis writing * | * |
* Some electives may be taken in the J-Term or May Term