Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree is a program offered to students desiring theological education to support a secular vocation, international students doing post-MDiv studies in one of the theological disciplines, or students preparing to do PhD or ThD study. The MTS provides the opportunity for two years of graduate theological study of the core of church theology—Bible, church history, ethics, and systematic theology.

The MTS Degree program assists students to achieve general goals such as the following:

  1. Skill in study and interpretation of biblical texts and appropriation of their contemporary meaning;
  2. Understanding of the origin and growth of the Christian community and appreciation of its richness and diversity;
  3. Development of a systematic theological framework for one’s faith as a foundation for more reflective self- understanding, personal and social behavior, and ministry in church and world;
  4. Skill in relating the faith perspectives of the Christian community to the private, professional and public roles one serves in family, work and society;
  5. Understanding of the global, interracial and cross-cultural context of Christian vocation in modern society.

Standards for Admission

Standards include:

  1. Bachelor’s degree  Applicants must have bachelor’s degrees, or their equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Academic ability  Normally applicants are required to have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students with a lower grade point average may apply, however, since factors other than the academic record are also taken into consideration.
  3. Other criteria  a) Evidence of interests, aptitudes, and personal, educational, or vocational objectives appropriate to the nature and purpose of the MTS degree program; b) Availability at PLTS and the GTU of educational resources adequate to meet the applicant’s personal, educational, and/or vocational objectives; c) Evidence of intention to carry through a program of studies leading to the degree.
Further information about the admission process is available in Admissions.