Master of Theology

The Master of Theology Program offers a third level degree in theology and is similar to the Doctor of Philosophy in Religion (PhD). It is intended for MDiv or MA-R graduates with a strong academic orientation, who wish to become specialists in Applied Theology, Biblical Studies, or Historical-Theological Studies. It is accredited by the Adventist Accreditation Association (AAA) and the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA).

The degree involves a minimum duration of two years of specialized study and research beyond the master’s degree. The student chooses a concentration and a cognate from one particular field of study. This degree program equips individuals for research and qualifies them to teach in theological colleges in their area of concentration.

Program Length

Two years for in-residence candidates. Four years for In-Ministry candidates.

When to Begin

August for in-residence MTh students. May for In-Ministry MTh students. Late applications may not be considered until the following year.

Admission Requirements 

1. An MA in Religion (MA-R) or MDiv degree.

2. A minimum entrance GPA of 3.50 on a four-point scale (or equivalent).

3. A minimum of two years of full–time church ministry experience.

4. The following additional documents must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

• Recommendations from the following using the forms provided: An academic administrative officer or leader of the applicant’s employing organization in the last five years, and the school from which the applicant received the graduate degree, if other than AIIAS.
• Personal statement of approximately 600 words explaining the student’s purpose for seeking the Master of Theology degree, and his/her philosophical perspective and professional goals.

5. Demonstrated proficiency in English.

6. A Research Paper with an original (20-page minimum), publishable quality, academic article (or thesis summary) in the area of interest, which is to be reviewed and approved by the major department and program director of the area of concentration. Detailed guidelines will be made available to the applicant as part of the enrollment package. In case the paper is not written in English, the original and a translated version need to be submitted.

7. An interview with the candidate.

Prerequisites

1. At least 15 graduate semester hours in the proposed area of concentration.
2. Those applying for a Biblical Studies or Theological-Historical concentration should have a pass (B or above) in GSEM 630 Documentary Research and Writing.
3. Those applying for an Applied Theology concentration should have a pass (B or above) in both of the following:
   1. GSEM/RESM 615 Statistics
   2. GSEM/RESM 610 Research Methods or ____ 600 Applied Theology Research and Writing or equivalent.
4. A pass (B or above) in OTST/NTST 612 Biblical Hermeneutics.
5. MTh applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both Greek and Hebrew (Grammar and/or Reading) before entrance into the program, by a proficiency exam. Students whose concentration is OT or NT should demonstrate proficiency in both Hebrew and Greek Readings level (B, 83%). Students with another concentration should choose the language in which to demonstrate Reading proficiency (B, 83%) while the other language will only require Grammar proficiency (C, 73%). Applicants who do not fulfill this requirement may be admitted on provisional status and fulfill it by taking remedial course(s) concurrently with their MTh coursework, but not later than 50% of the coursework has been completed. Theological Seminary 183 Students who fail to meet this deadline will not be allowed to register further for regular course work until the biblical language proficiency is met.
6. GSEM 608 Advanced Methods of Teaching Bible is a prerequisite for GSEM 894 Course Development and Teaching Practicum. This prerequisite can alternatively be fulfilled by providing evidence of three years of full-time undergraduate teaching at an accredited institution.