The Master of Theology is offered on a limited basis to students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in biblical and theological scholarship at the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts level. The development of mastery and competency in the major field is the primary purpose of this program. The program consists of 30 semester hours in one of two areas of concentration: Old Testament or New Testament. The curriculum is structured in a manner that engages the student in independent research under the supervision of a major professor. Applicants for the Master of Theology should possess a minimum 3.0 GPA in the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree. Students interested in the Master of Theology program choose between an Old Testament or New Testament concentration.

Program Organization and Evaluation

1. Major Field (20 hours): A minimum of 20 semester hours will be achieved through major field units.
2. Enrichment (4 hours): With the approval of the major professor, a course must be taken in another specialization area with another professor.
3. Professional Practicum (no credit): Each student will be involved in teaching and/or engaged in related professional activities under the supervision of the major professor and approval of the dean.
4. Thesis (6 hours): The thesis is required in the major field. A faculty committee will be appointed by the dean to review and evaluate the thesis. The thesis topic must be submitted to the major professor for approval by the end of the second week of the semester the student begins their thesis. The first draft of the thesis is due at the end of the second week of January. The final draft is to be submitted to the major professor at the end of the first week of March. An oral defense of the thesis is required and will be conducted by the faculty committee.
5. A 3.0 GPA must be achieved in all Master of Theology course work. Any work below 3.0 GPA must be repeated according to the seminary retake policy.

Costs and Time Limits

1. See the financial information section of this catalog for the current Master of Theology tuition costs.
2. The degree, including the thesis, is to be completed within three academic years.
3. Failure to complete the program within the three academic year time limit (three years/two summers) will require a formal evaluative meeting with the major professor and dean. Program extension is granted only on the basis of faculty vote.

Admission Criteria

1. Candidates for the program should possess an accredited baccalaureate degree and Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in the relevant theological discipline and achieve a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate-level study.
2. Applicants are required to submit a graded writing sample from the M.Div. or M.A. equivalent degree program which demonstrates knowledge of research and scholarly writing. Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) may also be requested in addition to or in place of the graded writing sample as determined by the supervising professor.
3. Transfer credits are not generally permitted in this degree program.
4. Candidates for the Old Testament or New Testament concentration should demonstrate advanced competency in both Hebrew and Greek.
5. Candidates should possess well developed critical thinking and communication skills, both essential to theological research and writing.
6. Candidates should show promise for exceptional productivity in kingdom ministry from previous academic work and personal spiritual qualifications.
7. Applicants are required to provide two letters of recommendation from former teachers—one from a former teacher in the anticipated major field.
8. Applicants must submit to the CTS Admissions Office a formal letter to the faculty indicating reasons for pursuing an advanced graduate theological degree. The letter should also include the selection of a major field for the program and life objectives.
9. Admission to the Master of Theology is granted by approval of the supervising professor and the related divisional faculty.

OLD TESTAMENT

NEW TESTAMENT