Master of Theology – ThM

The Master of Theology degree program or ThM is designed for persons already holding an MDiv degree or its equivalent who wish to deepen their mastery in one area or discipline of theological study through reflection, research, and writing for the service of the Church, the academy, and the world. The degree is in-person (one year, residential program) with an online option (2-year non-residential, requires an initial one-week orientation and research methods seminar held on campus in August).

Columbia Theological Seminary’s ThM program provides the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors in a common area of research interest. ThM students pursue study that includes coursework in relevant curricular areas; a seminar in research methods; ongoing work with a faculty mentor; a publishable research thesis project; and the opportunity to apply and serve as a research or teaching assistant.

The 30-hour degree comprises 15 credit hours of coursework in classes relevant to the student’s area of academic interest and 15 credit hours oriented toward producing a significant research project. Both residential and online formats begin with a 3-credit hour ThM Research Methods intensive, typically held over a period of one week during August. During the Fall and Spring semesters, ThM students take either 6 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of ThM project preparation (full-time) or 3 credit hours of coursework and 3 credit hours of ThM project preparation (part-time). They also take 3 additional credit hours of coursework during a January term.

Students pursue a course of study that includes:

• Coursework in relevant areas

• A seminar in research methods

• Close work with the faculty

• Production of a publishable research project

• By application to the faculty, the opportunity to serve as a research or teaching assistant

Thesis Preparation

5 Courses – 15 credits

SUMMER INTENSIVE

One-week Research Seminar: 3 credits

FALL TERM

• Thesis Research (3 credits)

• Literature Review (3 credits)

SPRING TERM

• Thesis writing (3 credits)

• ThM colloquium (3 credits)

Area of Specialization

15 credits

Columbia’s ThM program allows students to work closely with faculty mentors in research of mutual interest.

FALL TERM

2 electives (6 credits)

JANUARY TERM

1 elective (3 credits)

SPRING TERM

2 electives (6 credits)

TOTAL: 30 CREDITS

Our Master of Theology degree program empowers each student to focus on an independent research project with the close mentorship of a faculty advisor.  It is exciting to welcome motivated students from around the world, and to walk with them as they sharpen their questions, pursue research with the support of our excellent library staff, and discover new insights to offer the church.

Admission to the Master of Theology Program

Persons seeking admission to the Master of Theology program may obtain an application from the CTS website. To be considered for admission, prospective students are required to:

• Have completed the MDiv degree, or its academic equivalent, at an accredited seminary or divinity school. In certain cases, a Master of Arts or a Master of Theological Studies degree in the appropriate area may be accepted as a substitute, but additional preparatory work may be required; ordinarily, a B average in an applicant’s college and seminary program is considered a minimum standard for admission. Applicants shall have official transcripts of all work since high school sent directly from the institution;
• Students working in biblical studies (i.e., Old or New Testament) should be comfortable working in the language pertinent to that degree: Hebrew for Old Testament and Greek for New Testament.

Join us!

For a full list of requirements please view the Application Materials Checklist.

You may also contact the Director of the ThM degree program, Dr. Mark Douglas by email DouglasM@CTSnet.edu or by phone 404-687-4650. Apply today!