Master of Theological Studies

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 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]

References
  1. Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. "Basic Programs Oriented Toward General Theological Studies | Standard D. Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts [academic discipline], Master of Theological Studies (MTS)" (PDF). Standards of Accreditation. Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada: 17–19.
  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. https://divinity.yale.edu/admissions-aid/degree-programs-and-certificates/master-arts-religion
  5. "ATS Degree Program Standards" (PDF). The Association of Theological Schools, Commission on Accrediting. The Association of Theological Schools. Retrieved 26 April 2016.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.