Master of Theology (ThM)

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Overview

Research Skills For the Church

Our Master of Theology prepares students for advanced scholarly pursuits—equipping them with rigorous research methodologies, analytical proficiency, and theological depth—ideal for doctoral study, specialized ministry, and further graduate coursework.

Available: Residential & Fully Online

24

Credit hours

8

Classes

2

Years to complete

$330

Per credit hour

Master of Theology

At a Glance

Discover the ThM at Midwestern Seminary.

Three

Unique ThM degrees allow specialization in your studies.

Five

Pathways to devoted study in your field.

Flexible

The Master of Theology is available both on campus and online.

Affordable

SBC church members receive a tuition scholarship.

The Midwestern ThM

Explore the ThM at Midwestern, including curriculum, concentrations, and FAQs.

ThM Foundational Core

The Master of Theology program features a Standard degree with options to add a Research Language or Pedagogy concentration. We also offer ThM degrees in Applied Theology and Practical Theology.

  • BS2200 Elementary Hebrew I (3 hrs)
  • BS2201 Elementary Hebrew II (3 hrs)
  • BS2300 Elementary Greek I (3 hrs)
  • BS2301 Elementary Greek II (3 hrs)
  • DR30020 Doctoral Studies Colloquium (4 hrs)
  • DR35090 Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (4 hrs)**
  • DR39045 ThM Comprehensive Research (1–3 hrs)*
  • DR39050 ThM Comprehensive Exam (1–3 hrs)*

Total Credit Hours (24 hrs)
(See emphases to right: Research Languages | Pedagogy)
*ThM Comprehensive Exam will be a total of 4 credit hours of research and examination.
**Students may take DR30060 Integrating Christian Faith and Practice in place of DR35090 Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics.

ThM, Standard

Foundational Core (24 hrs)

Research Language Emphasis

Choose one of the following:

  • HT3510 Theological German
  • GS1620 German for Reading Knowledge
  • HT3520 Theological French
  • GS1610 French for Reading Knowledge
  • GS1630 Latin for Reading Knowledge

Total Credit Hours (27 hrs)

*ThM Comprehensive Exam will be a total of 4 credit hours research and examination.

ThM, Standard

Foundational Core (24 hrs)

Pedagogy Emphasis

  • DR34080 Teaching Principles and Methods in Higher Education

Total Credit Hours (28 hrs)

*ThM Comprehensive Exam will be a total of 4 credit hours of research
and examination.

ThM, Applied theology

  • HT3200 Theology I (3 hrs)
  • HT3201 Theology II (3 hrs)
  • MN2400 Introduction to Hermeneutics (3 hrs)
  • MN5430 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3 hrs)
  • DR30020 Doctoral Studies Colloquium (4 hrs)
  • DR30060 Integrating Christian Faith & Practice (4 hrs)
  • DR39045 ThM Comprehensive Research (1–3 hrs)*
  • DR39050 ThM Comprehensive Exam (1–3 hrs)*

Total Credit Hours (24 hrs)

*ThM-AT Comprehensive Exam will be a total of 4 credit hours ofresearch and examination.

THM, Practical Theology

  • BS2200 Elementary Hebrew I (3 hrs)
  • BS2201 Elementary Hebrew II (3 hrs)
  • BS2300 Elementary Greek I (3 hrs)
  • BS2301 Elementary Greek II (3 hrs)
  • DR30020 Doctoral Studies Colloquium (4 hrs)
  • DR35090 Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (4 hrs) or Equivalent
  • DR39045 ThM Comprehensive Research (1–3 hrs)*
  • DR39051 ThM Practical Theology Comp Exam (1–3 hrs)*

Total Credit Hours (24 hrs)

*ThM-PT Comprehensive Exam will be a total of 4 credit hours research and examination.

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Apply Online

Start your online application for doctoral studies at Midwestern.

Apply Now

Submit Materials

Students entering the ThM program must also submit official transcripts, an academic essay, and references to the Doctoral Studies Office.

Get Accepted

Once we receive your completed application, we’ll review your application for acceptance.

Enroll in Classes

Once accepted, your 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.

The complete ThM may be completed remotely, with seminars being available online. The thesis portion of the ThM is designated as “on campus” but is not required to be completed onsite.

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.

The doctoral seminars involve five-day intensive seminars. Generally, students take two or three seminars per year. Most seminars are held on the MBTS campus and require significant pre-seminar and post-seminar research and writing. The DMin, DEdMin, and EdD programs also utilize online courses. Typical coursework for any seminar includes (but is not limited to) 500–800 pages of reading per credit hour, interviews/outlines/projects, research papers, and a comprehensive closing paper. Each seminar is designed to point students toward the end goal of a dissertation.

Our doctoral programs are open enrollment, which means applications are received and reviewed monthly. The orientation course, Doctoral Studies Colloquium, is offered at least three times per year to accommodate a timely start to your studies.

Each doctoral program is designed to follow a particular type of master’s degree, but exceptions are available. To have your transcripts evaluated for the degree you are interested in, simply submit your file to the doctoral office. Typically, the program choices are as follows:

  • DMin follows an MDiv or equivalent.
  • DEdMin and EdD follow
  • PhD follows a ThM, MABL, MDIV, or other theological Master of Arts degree of 52 or more semester hours duration.

 

Program Outcomes

Students completing the ThM program will be able to do the following:

  1. Demonstrate advanced skill in the task of biblical interpretation.
  2. Demonstrate focused understanding in a field of applied theology (specific to Applied Theology concentration).
  3. Conduct advanced research using standard scholarly tools and methods.
  4. Address contemporary ministry challenges with appropriate theological insight.

Student Highlight

Midwestern is truly for the Church. It is not just a slogan, but a standard. The leadership of MBTS passionately cares above all else for the declaration of the gospel, the defense of Christian doctrine, and the development of strong congregations.

Tucker W.

Master of Theology

Featured Faculty

Having pastored for more than two decades, I can help students identify how the structure and content of Scripture should shape the structure and content of their sermons and lessons. Every class matters for every Sunday.

Todd R. Chipman

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Dean of Graduate Studies