Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

Overview

Deepen Doctrine For the Church

The Master’s of Theological Studies (MTS) is designed for those who want to enrich their understanding of biblical and historic Christian doctrine, as well as its application to the church and the world today. Those who complete the MTS will be equipped for Christian discipleship, teaching ministries, or further theological education. All credits from the MTS can be applied toward the MDiv Standard, the corresponding MDiv concentration, or select other master’s degrees.

Available: Residential & Fully Online

45

Credit hours

15

Classes

2

Years to complete

$310

Per credit hour

Master of Theological Studies

At a Glance

Discover Midwestern’s Master of Theological Studies degree.

100%

All credits from the MTS can be applied toward the MDiv Standard or the corresponding MDiv concentration.

3

MTS concentration for specialized training.

Online

The MTS can be completed fully online or on-campus.

50%

Tuition scholarship for SBC church members.

The Midwestern MTS

Explore the Master of Theological Studies program at Midwestern, including curriculum, concentrations, and FAQs.

MTS Foundational Core Courses

The Master of Theological Studies at Midwestern has a 30-hour core that is required for all students completing the program. Every student can complete the core and then add on electives or a concentration for further focused study.

  • BS 2400 Intro to Hermeneutics
  • BS 2210 Old Testament Survey I
  • BS 2211 Old Testament Survey II
  • BS 2310 New Testament Survey I
  • BS 2311 New Testament Survey II
  • HT 3200 Theology I
  • HT 3201 Theology II
  • MN 5006 Biblical Spirituality

Choose one of the following:

  • HT 3400 Christian Ethics
  • MN 5201 Evangelism
  • MS 7011 Missiology

Choose one of the following:

  • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
  • HT 3110 Baptist History

MTS, Standard

  • MTS Foundational Core (30 hours)
  • Concentration (15 hours)
  • Total Hours (45 hours)

Standard Concentration

1899 Research Capstone (3 hours)

4 Additional courses with an HT prefix (12 hours)

For the MTS, Standard, students will choose one course from each list of options:

Choose One:

  • HT 3400 Christian Ethics
  • MN 5201 Evangelism
  • MS 7011 Missiology

Choose One:

  • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
  • HT 3110 Baptist History

MTS, Apologetics and Evangelism

  • MTS Foundational Core (27 hours)
  • Apologetics & Evangelism Emphasis (18 hours)
    • HT 3300 Intro to Apologetics
    • MS 7016 World Religions
    • MN 5201 Evangelism
    • MN 7011 Missiology
    • HT 3400 Christian Ethics
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Total Hours (45 hours)

MTS, Christian Theology

  • MTS Foundational Core (27 hours)
  • Christian Theology Concentration (18 hours)
    • HT 3203 Tradition and Scripture
    • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • HT 3110 Baptist History
    • MN 5450 Applied Ecclesiology Practicum
    • HT 3300 Intro to Apologetics
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Total Hours (45 hours)

MTS, Historical Theology

  • MTS Foundational Core (27 hours)
  • Historical Theology Concentration (18 hours)
    • HT 3232 Survey of Historical Theology
    • HT 3100 History of Christianity I
    • HT 3101 History of Christianity II
    • HT 3110 Baptist History
    • HT3203 Tradition and Scripture
    • GS 1899 Research Capstone
  • Total Hours (45 hours)
Show more +

Apply Online

Start your application for Midwestern Seminary’s MTS online.

Apply Now

Submit Materials

As a part of your application, we require official college transcripts, a pastoral recommendation, and a church endorsement to review your application for acceptance.

Get Accepted

Once we receive your completed application, we’ll review your application for acceptance. Typically, it will take less than 1–2 days to notify you of a decision.

Enroll in Classes

Once you are accepted, the next step is to enroll in classes. We have new classes starting every 4–8 weeks and are eager to help you pursue your calling.

Yes! All MTS emphases are available fully online or on campus, allowing you to study for the Church while serving the church where you are.

We are happy to provide you with various ways to manage the cost of your education. Learn more and even apply for scholarships, financial aid, and military assistance by clicking here.

You may qualify for Advanced Standing in your MTS! Students applying for a master’s degree at Midwestern Seminary who have previously completed Bible or theology courses at the undergraduate level could reduce their degree time by one-third.

Learn more.

The best way to know for sure is to reach out to our Admissions Office! You may qualify to have up to two-thirds of your MTS credits granted on the basis of transfer credits. To be considered for transfer credit, courses must meet certain requirements.
Contact Admissions

Yes! Students completing the basic 45-hour MTS degree at Midwestern have several options to “fast-track” into their doctoral studies.
DEdMin: Graduates will need an additional 8–9 hours in Christian Education courses. (Total degree plus leveling 52 hours, minimum.)
PhD in Biblical Studies: Graduates will need a minimum of 6 hours of Greek, 6 hours of Hebrew, plus a modern research language. Please see the Language FAQ for more information.
DMin: Students will need an additional 27 hours, plus show evidence of at least three years of ministerial experience. (Total degree, plus leveling, 72 hours, minimum.)

Learn more.

Program Outcomes

Students graduating with the Master of Theological Studies degree will be able to do the following:

  1. Interpret Christian Scripture with hermeneutical and exegetical excellence.
  2. Confess Christian doctrine with biblical, theological, and historical awareness.
  3. Employ research skills in an area of theological studies for the Church.

Distinctive Content

MTS students have access to community life that provides informal educational experiences, religious fellowship, and opportunity for reflection upon the meaning of faith in its relation to education for ministry.

Alumni Highlight

My advice to current or potential students has more to do with heart assessment than homework assignments. Pursue a degree because it will help you know God more, and because it will prepare you to help others do the same. Simply put, getting a degree should be motivated by a heart that desires to love God more and love your neighbor by pointing them to the truth and beauty of God.

Corey O.

Master of Theological Studies

This Degree in Ministry

Dig a deep well in preparation for a lifetime of faithful ministry in the church or overseas, and be equipped to bring glory to God through…

  • Beholding Christ and His Word
  • Christian discipleship
  • Teaching doctrine classes
  • Serving the local church
  • Further theological education

This Degree in Future Studies

Study to serve the Church with future preparation in mind. All MTS credits can be applied to the corresponding MDiv.

  • Master of Divinity (MDiv)
  • Doctor of Educational Ministry (DEdMin)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Theological Studies
  • Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Featured Faculty

Education isn't just about imparting knowledge but training people to love what God loves – His bride.

Dr. Patrick Schreiner

Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology