Master of Theology

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A Master of Theology is an advanced theological research degree offered by many university divinity schools and seminaries worldwide. It should not be confused with a Master of Arts degree, or Master of Theological Studies, which are oriented towards general theological studies.^[1]

Contents 1 North America 2 University of St Andrews 3 St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary 4 Senate of Serampore College (University) 5 See also 6 References

[edit] North America

In North America, the Master of Theology (Th.M. or M.Th.) is considered by the Association of Theological Schools to be the minimum educational credential for teaching theological subjects in accredited schools. The degree is usually earned after the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or an equivalent of three years of graduate studies in theology. This degree can range from a one or two years of specialized advanced studies in theological research. It may or may not require comprehensive subject exams and a research thesis. The Th.M. is usually designed as an advanced academic degree with an emphasis on academic research. ^[2]

The Master of Theology program at Harvard Divinity School includes oral examinations, research papers and a foreign language requirement. ^[3] Princeton Theological Seminary requires the presentation of a thesis or writing of research related essays.^[4] Duke Divinity includes comprehensive examinations and the writing of a thesis as well as eight advanced course units. ^[5] Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers a 24 or 26 hour program some of which may be applied towards a PhD degree. ^[6] Holy Cross Greek Orthodox school of Theology offers the ThM as a one year program for students with a Master of Divinity for students desiring advanced studies in Greek Orthodox theology. ^[7] Fuller Theological Seminary requires the defense of a thesis, competency in one Biblical language and and a Master of Divinity, The school also considered the ThM to be a terminal degree. ^[8]The Master of Theology is often used to prepare students for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, (PhD) Doctor of Theology, (ThD) or Doctor of Ministry (D.Min).

[edit] University of St Andrews

Undergraduate students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland studying Divinity are awarded the Master of Theology (M.Theol.), in common with the Scottish Master of Arts this degree can be awarded with or without honours.

Students completing 3 years of study are either awarded a M.Theol. (General) for Pass students or M.Theol. (Special) for students who have only completed 1 year of the 2 year Honours course but have achieved Honours in the exams they have taken.

[edit] St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

The Master of Theology program serves to prepare qualified Orthodox students worldwide for higher-level studies, teaching, and research. The program also welcomes qualified non-Orthodox students who wish to specialize in Orthodox studies. The MTh student will concentrate his or her studies in one of four areas of specialization: historical studies, systematic theology and ethics, liturgical theology, and canon law.

Qualified applicants demonstrate that:

• they have completed the MDiv degree or its equivalent in graduate studies in theology. The applicant's academic preparation should approximate that provided by the MDiv program at St Vladimir's Seminary;

• they are capable of working at an advanced graduate degree level;

• they have a working knowledge of relevant scholarly languages.

The MTh degree requires a minimum of 24 credits in advanced course work, an Oral Comprehensive Examination to show the student's expertise in an area of specialization, and a thesis ranging in length from 100-200 pages.

[edit] Senate of Serampore College (University)

In Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal, the Senate of Serampore College (University) offers M.Th. as a postgraduate course through its affiliated colleges in the region of South Asia. Candidates securing a first class or a high second class in B.D. are eligible to pursue M.Th. offered by the Senate. This two year degree requires both coursework and a thesis. It is normally considered the entry level degree for seminary teaching at the M.Div. or B.D. level.

[edit] See also

• Master's degree for information on Masters' degrees throughout the world

[edit] References

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