Master of Theology (ThM)

The ThM at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is offered to enable students of substantial ability to continue academic research beyond the MDiv (or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution). The program prepares students for additional graduate study, doctoral work, and other specialized types of ministry, including teaching in secondary and postsecondary Christian institutions. The ThM is delivered in English, Korean, and Spanish languages. The ThM degree program is under the direction of the Doctoral Studies Office. For more information individuals may call 877-414-3755 or e-mail [email protected].

Degree Program Outcomes

Students completing the ThM, Applied Theology 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.
3. Conduct advanced research using standard scholarly tools and methods.
4. Address contemporary ministry challenges with appropriate theological insight.

Admission

Generally, the Master of Divinity degree is required for admission to the ThM program. Graduates having other degrees that are eligible for consideration for admission include holders of Midwestern’s Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Master of Arts in Biblical Languages (MABL), and Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology (MABA). Students considered for admission to the ThM degree from other programs will need to meet the equivalency requirements. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of a 2.75/4.0 and must demonstrate theological writing competency. Continued enrollment requires a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Along with submitting all completed application forms and the application fee, the applicant must do the following:

1. Request that original transcripts from each academic institution previously attended be sent to the Doctoral Studies Office
2. Submit an academic essay explaining the applicant’s call to advanced studies, current ministry setting, and explanation of interest in the requested concentration of study as an example of the applicant’s writing skills
3. Provide two academic reference and one personal or professional references
4. Provide a completed Pastor/Church Endorsement

International applicants must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. For the internet-based test (iBT), a minimum total score of 80 is required with a minimum of 20 on each of the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sub-sections. Other forms of the TOEFL exam are not accepted unless prior approval is obtained from the Doctoral Academic Policies Committee. Applicants not meeting all admission requirements may petition to enter the program under provisional status. For information about this process please contact the Doctoral Studies Office (877-414-3755 or [email protected]).

Location

The degree may be taken by any combination of online or in-person on the main campus in Kansas City, Missouri.

Duration

The ThM is designed to be completed in as little as one year. Total credit hours for the base ThM is twenty-four (24), consisting of seven (7) foundational courses.

• Download Doctoral Handbook