Master of Sacred Theology Program
The Master of Sacred Theology Degree is either a transitional and preparatory degree leading into doctoral studies or a terminal academic degree.
Goals
Students in this degree program will:
- Develop the methodological skills and the substantive foundation necessary for advanced academic work in a specific theological discipline
- Complete an independent academic research project (the S.T.M. thesis) in their chosen field, a project which while not necessarily an original contribution to scholarship in the area is nevertheless carried out at the same level of analysis and documentation expected in published materials by practitioners in this area
- Explore and articulate the relation of their academic study to the practice of ministry.
Prerequisites
An applicant for the S.T.M. program must have an M.Div. degree or its equivalent from an accredited school and a cumulative average of at least 3.0 (B).
Requirements
The S.T.M. requires a minimum of two semesters of study, with the satisfactory completion of 25 course credits, a cumulative average of B (3.0), and no grade lower than C (2.0). Students who occupy church positions or have other responsibilities should expect to take at least two years to complete the S.T.M. Students must complete all degree requirements within four years of entry. Those who, by permission of the S.T.M. Director, extend their studies beyond four years will incur an annual extension fee.
The program also requires a Seminar on Theological Research, to be completed by all S.T.M. students in the first year of study, and a Theological Colloquium, to be taken in the last semester of study. These courses lead to the preparation and presentation of an extended research paper of publishable quality in the student's major field.
Candidates should consult with the S.T.M. Director to select a primary advisor in their field of concentration during the first month of their studies. The proposal for the research paper will be developed in the Seminar on Theological Research. The primary advisor, the program coordinator, and possibly a third reader will evaluate the proposal in the context of the seminar. These will constitute the examination committee to assess the project on completion.
Language requirements will be determined by the major field of study but will involve at least one ancient or one modern language (other than English) appropriate for research in the field of study. Language examinations should be arranged with the student's advisor.
S.T.M. candidates are responsible for meeting all requirements on schedule. They should consult the Academic Calendar for dates by which various stages of research and writing should be completed.
Updated May 10, 2007