Master of Theology
ThM Program Purpose
The Master of Theology (ThM) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in theological research, critical analysis, and ministry practice. Students focus on a particular discipline as well as taking a variety of courses across the curriculum to encourage integrative thinking and preparation for further ministry or academic study.
Program Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Theology degree will be able to:
- Integrate theological knowledge with practical ministry issues, addressing contemporary challenges in church, community, or global contexts.
- Engage deeply with theological scholarship, demonstrating the ability to interpret biblical texts, theological traditions, and current literature with critical insight and precision.
- Synthesize theological ideas with clarity and purpose, effectively communicating complex concepts for diverse audiences in academic, ministry, or public settings.
MDiv and ThM Combination
MDiv and ThM course work may not overlap; however, students may take up to 9 units of 700-level (and above) courses not applied to their MDiv during their final year and apply those units to their ThM requirements upon matriculating into the ThM program.
ThM Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Students interested in this program should apply via Trinity Western University, see TWU for more information.
ThM Residency Requirement and Continuation
Students must complete a minimum of 18 units of their coursework through Trinity. Students must complete the final 8 units of coursework at Trinity. These courses may be any combination of courses offered by Trinity, subject to the availability of each desired course. While students will be able to graduate without taking courses in a residential format, they may have fewer choices for elective courses.
ThM Statute of Limitation
All Master of Theology program requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation into the program.
ThM Graduation Requirements
The following requirements must be completed to earn the Master of Theology degree:
- Removal of all entrance deficiencies and conditions.
- Completion of the General Graduation Requirements for All Master’s Programs.
- Completion of 24 units of advanced graduate level coursework in the area of concentration with a minimum cumulative grade point average for program coursework of 3.0, with no coursework graded below a “C” applicable to the degree.
- Completion of a 4-unit Capstone which includes the following:
- Writing 2 major papers in conjunction with regular coursework.
- Writing and oral defense of a ThM Integrative Paper which combines work from the students focus area with their other coursework to address a specific question or topic.
ThM Curriculum
The ThM is a post-MDiv degree program. As such, coursework required to meet MDiv graduation requirements is not applicable to the ThM program. Specific coursework is developed in consultation with the department faculty. The criterion against which applicable coursework is defined is the intent of the program to provide advanced theological study in one discipline beyond what is normally provided at the MDiv level.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Core | ||
| Select 18 units across the curriculum connected to student goals and context | 18 | |
Electives | 6 units at level 600 or higher | |
Electives | 12 units at level 700 or higher | |
| ThM Capstone | 6 | |
| MTH 810 | ThM Major Research Paper 1 | 1 |
| MTH 810 | ThM Major Research Paper 1 | 1 |
| MTH 810 | ThM Major Research Paper 1 | 1 |
| MTH 811 | ThM Integrative Paper Prep | 0 |
| MTH 812 | ThM Integrative Paper | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
- 1
Each 1-unit major research paper is completed in conjunction with a 700+ elective course.