All Theology Master's Degrees - TheologyDegree.org

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Want to strengthen your theological foundation, deepen your religious understanding, and grow in biblical knowledge? Considering a career in theology, religious academia, church ministry, or a faith-based organization? If so, a Master of Theology (ThM) may be your next step.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Master of Theology degree programs, including a summary of program structure, curriculum, and coursework. Learn more about admission requirements, cost, and program length. Then explore the directory of Master of Theology programs to decide if this degree is for you!

What are Master of Theology Degree Programs?

Master of Theology (ThM) degree programs offer advanced theological training for students who want to approach Christian studies with a primarily academic emphasis. You will learn how the Bible’s history, culture, and languages have impacted the world, events, and people, broadening your own theological understanding. An ideal candidate for this degree program

values a philosophical approach to Scripture, religion, and the world
appreciates topics like Scripture interpretation, ancient languages, church history, and religious ethics
plans to pursue further academic study, like a doctoral program, or teach in an academic institution

Throughout the two-to-three-year degree program, you will study religious thought, worship, tradition, literature, and art from a philosophical academic perspective. This degree can be completed online, in-person, or through a hybrid model at a university, Bible college, or seminary. Graduates often pursue careers as religious educators or church leaders, or continue their academic studies.

Master of Theology vs. Master of Divinity Programs

A Master of Theology is an academic program emphasizing the research, debate, and doctrine of theology. A Master of Divinity (MDiv) is directed toward practical ministry preparation with a focus on fundamentals of spiritual leadership and counseling. Deciding between a ThM and an MDiv depends on your ultimate goal.

Someone who plans to become a pastor or Christian counselor, for example, would be better suited for a MDiv, whereas someone who wants to be a professor of religious studies at a university should pursue a ThM.

Overview of Master of Theology Programs

Master of Theology degree programs provide an understanding of Christian tradition through a curriculum covering Old Testament and New Testament studies, systematic and historical theology, and ancient Hebrew and Greek languages.

Typically requiring 32–48 credit hours of coursework, these programs can take up to two years of full-time study.

Upon completing your ThM, you have the option to pursue a PhD, work in a professional academic institution, or pursue a career in theology.

Program Structure and Length

Most ThM programs can be completed within two to three years; however, length is determined by the pace in which you are able to complete the program’s requirements.

For example, a shorter program, like Denver Seminary or Faulkner University, of only 30–34 credit hours, that doesn’t require a thesis, could be completed in less than two years of full-time study. On the other hand, Southern California Seminary has one of the most rigorous programs, requiring 124 credit hours and five years of full-time study.

As you choose a degree program, consider the amount of time you are able to commit to classes. Many schools offer nighttime or part-time classes for students who have a full-time job or other commitments. A Master of Theology can be completed online, in-person, or through hybrid models. Choose a program that accommodates your style of learning, location, and pace.

Curriculum and Coursework

Each Master of Theology degree program has specific courses, electives, and curriculum. Although programs differ, you can expect most to offer a variation of the following core courses:

Old Testament Studies: Covering the 39 books of the Old Testament, you will study ancient Israel through key theological themes, such as covenants and prophecy, preparing you to pursue further study of the Hebrew Bible and its theological implications.
New Testament Studies: New Testament studies deepen your understanding of the original Greek text, lead you to explore the historical Jesus, and evaluate the Pauline epistles. This course lays a foundation for historical and cultural studies of the ancient church.
Theology: A core theology course teaches key doctrines to deepen your understanding of who God is and what that means for you, the church, and the world.
Church History/History of Christianity: This course explores the birth and growth of the church from the New Testament era through the Protestant Reformation and into present day.

ThM programs offer different electives and concentrations to build on the core courses. Some examples of specialized courses are

Systematic Theology
Historical Theology
Christology (Jesus Christ)
Pneumatology (Holy Spirit)
Ecclesiology (church)
Eschatology (end times)
Trinitarian Theology
Evangelism
20th Century Contemporary Theology
Calvin and Reformed Theology
Christian Life and Ethics

This is not an exhaustive list but provides a general overview of what’s available. Typically, you will be able to select electives that fit your concentration and career goals. Some programs require a master’s thesis to complete the degree, while others offer a supervised work study.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements to a Master of Theology program help determine which applicants are most likely to succeed at graduate level theological coursework. You will need to submit an application with transcripts from prior schools, letters of recommendation from non-relatives, and a written essay or short questionnaire. Expect an application fee of $50–$100 with most programs.

ThM degree programs prefer you meet the following requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Philosophy, Religious Studies, History, or Biblical Studies are the most common preferred BA.
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent (only for select schools like Princeton Theological Seminary, Denver Seminary, Western Theological Seminary).
Professional experience is not required, but can help in essay completion and letter of recommendation content and credibility.

How Much Do Master of Theology Programs Cost?

Calculating the total cost of a Master of Theology degree can vary from tuition-friendly to higher-priced programs, depending on price per credit hour multiplied by number of degree credit hours. You’ll also need to account for the program’s application fee, technology fee, book costs, graduation fee, room and board, and any differences between in-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates.

As you explore different programs, you’ll notice that some can be completed for under $15,000, while others are over $65,000. If cost is a concern, there are multiple ways to finance your education. You can apply for student loans, scholarships, grants, fellowships, and even employer reimbursement programs, where part of your degree can be covered by your employer, church, or academic institution.

What Can You Do with a Graduate Degree in Theology?

Graduates of ThM programs improve their likelihood of a successful professional career teaching at a university, getting accepted to a PhD program, or becoming a Bible translator, counselor, or church leader.

If you want to pursue a PhD after earning your ThM, you’ll want to choose a program with a high doctoral placement rate. For example, Duke Divinity School has placed graduates in highly acclaimed PhD and DMin (Doctor of Ministry) programs at Duke University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Baylor University, and Boston University.

One of the benefits of an on-campus Master of Theology is the close relationships you can build with faculty and professors as mentors for a career in theology. Many students become associate professors and student aids during their degree program to gain experience in the academic field.

No matter the goal, a Master of Theology will help you develop high levels of competence in academic theology, setting you apart in your career path.

Browse Master's in Theology Degree Programs

301 Schools Found

Alabama

Amridge University

Turner School of Theology

Montgomery, Alabama

Heritage Christian University

Florence, Alabama

Huntsville Bible College

Huntsville, Alabama

Master of Ministry (MM) in Biblical Leadership

Offered Online

Samford University

Beeson Divinity School

Birmingham, Alabama

Master of Divinity

Arizona

Grand Canyon University

Theology and Ministry Department

Phoenix, Arizona

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

International Baptist College

Chandler, Arizona

Phoenix Seminary

Scottsdale, Arizona

Arkansas

Ecclesia College

Division of Leadership Studies

Springdale, Arkansas

Master of Christian Leadership

Offered Online

Harding University

College of Bible and Ministry

Searcy, Arkansas

California

America Evangelical University

Gardena, California

Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership (MAML)

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Azusa Pacific University

Department of Theology

Azusa, California

Berkeley School of Theology

Berkeley, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

Bethel Seminary-San Diego

San Diego, California

Bethesda University of California

Theology Department

Anaheim, California

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Biola University

Talbot School of Theology

La Mirada, California

California Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Thousand Oaks, California

Master of Divinity

Church Divinity School of the Pacific

Berkeley, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Claremont School of Theology

Claremont, California

Master of Theological Studies

Offered Online

Concordia University-Irvine

Church Work and Theology Department

Irvine, California

Master of Arts in Theology - Greek and Non-Greek Tracks

Offered Online

Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology

Berkeley, California

Franciscan School of Theology

San Diego, California

Master of Divinity

Fresno Pacific University

School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences

Fresno, California

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Master of Arts in Theology

Grace Mission University

Fullerton, California

Hope International University

Pacific Christian College of Ministry And Biblical Studies

Fullerton, California

King's University

Van Nuys, California

La Sierra University

Riverside, California

Master of Divinity

Master of Theological Studies

Loyola Marymount University

Theological Studies Department

Los Angeles, California

Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology

Master of Arts in Theology

Pacific School of Religion

Berkeley, California

Pepperdine University

Religion and Philosophy Division

Malibu, California

Master of Divinity

Master of Science in Ministry

Point Loma Nazarene University

School of Theology and Christian Ministry

San Diego, California

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Offered Online

Santa Clara University

Jesuit School of Theology

Santa Clara, California

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School

Redding, California

Simpson University

Redding, California

Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership

Master of Divinity

Southern California Seminary

Bible and Theology Department

El Cajon, California

Starr King School for Ministry

Berkeley, California

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary

El Dorado Hills, California

The Master's University and Seminary

School of Biblical Studies

Santa Clarita, California

Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling

University of Redlands

Graduate School of Theology

Redlands, California

Master of Arts in Theological Studies

Offered Online

Master of Divinity

Offered Online

Vanguard University of Southern California

Theology Department

Costa Mesa, California

Master of Arts in Theology

Offered Online

Westminster Theological Seminary in California

Escondido, California

World Mission University

Los Angeles, California

Colorado

Colorado Christian University

School of Theology

Lakewood, Colorado

Denver Seminary

Littleton, Colorado

Iliff School of Theology

Denver, Colorado

Master of Divinity

Master of Theological Studies

Connecticut

Hartford Seminary

Hartford, Connecticut

Master of Arts in Interreligious Studies - Ministerial Studies Track

Offered Online

Yale University

Yale Divinity School

New Haven, Connecticut

Master of Divinity