Master of Theological Studies

A Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a graduate degree, offered in theological seminary or graduate faculty of theology, which gives students lay training in theological studies.^[1] Under Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) standards, programs require graduates to have earned an accredited bachelor's degree or its equivalent.^[1] Programs usually require students to complete two years of full-time study or its equivalent to earn the degree.^[1] The degree can serve as preparation for entering a doctoral program in theology (Th.D.), religion (Ph.D.), or a related subject, such as education, counseling, social sciences, or humanities.^[2]

The MTS degree should not be confused with the Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree which is usually an additional year-long program of advanced study after the MTS or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree focusing on one area of special interest.^[3]

Some divinity schools and seminaries, notably Yale Divinity School, use the degree title "Master of Arts in Religion", abbreviated MAR, instead of Master of Theological Studies.^[4]

Curriculum[]

The MTS may require the completion of a summative evaluation, which could be a thesis or other project.^[1] The complete standards are listed in the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada ATS Program Standards for the MTS degree.^[1]

The ATS standards specify that the bulk of courses in the MTS program be academic rather than professional.^[5]

References[]

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. "Basic Programs Oriented Toward General Theological Studies | Standard D. Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts [academic discipline], Master of Theological Studies (MTS)" (PDF). Standards of Accreditation. Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada: 17–19.
^ Bauman, Whitney. "Different Stages of Becoming a Scholar in Religious Studies and Theology". Stages of Education. American Academy of Religion. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
^ "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
^ "Master of Arts in Religion | Yale Divinity School".
^ "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.

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[ATS-1] Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. "Basic Programs Oriented Toward General Theological Studies | Standard D. Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts [academic discipline], Master of Theological Studies (MTS)" (PDF). Standards of Accreditation. Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada: 17–19.

[2] Bauman, Whitney. "Different Stages of Becoming a Scholar in Religious Studies and Theology". Stages of Education. American Academy of Religion. Retrieved 22 April 2016.

[ATS_Standards_for_STM-3] "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.

[4] "Master of Arts in Religion | Yale Divinity School".

[5] "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.

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