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Master of Theological Studies

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A Master of Theological Studies (MTS) 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 (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]

Some divinity schools and seminaries, notably Yale Divinity School, use the degree title "Master of Arts in Religion", abbreviated MAR, instead of Master of Theological Studies.[4]

Curriculum

The MTS 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.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e 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)" (Document). Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. pp. 17–19. {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |work= ignored (help)
  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. ^ https://divinity.yale.edu/admissions-aid/degree-programs-and-certificates/master-arts-religion
  5. ^ "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.