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 masters or 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]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools. pp. 17–19. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-03-20.
  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.
  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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